Alison has a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)(Hons) and a PhD in Geography from the University of Sydney. Alison's PhD research focuses on the environmental history of exotic plants and animals and in particular the role of acclimatisation societies in that history. Alison has been working in casual academic teaching positions in undergraduate and postgraduate environmental science and geography courses at The University of Sydney and Australian Catholic University for the last few years whilst raising a young family. Alison has experience in and enthusiasm for making up to date academic research accessible to teachers and providing opportunities to incorporate current events into meaningful classroom experiences.