MsTeah Coate

I am a plant ecologist with a keen interest in how we can facilitate ecosystem recovery after disturbance. My current research for my PhD focusses on how we can use phosphite and prescribed burning in Phytophthora cinnamomi-infected heathy woodland ecosystems in Victoria to maintain plant community composition. I am also exploring on how phosphite effects the soil fungal community and the link between a shifting fungal community and shifting plant community structure after spraying phosphite.

During my time as a Research Assistant at the Blue Carbon Lab and Centre for Nature Positive Solutions, I was a member of the Regenerating Our Coasts team in which we explored methodologies for active restoration of mangrove, saltmarsh, and seagrass ecosystems. The aim of this project was to promote coastal regeneration and engage local communities through citizen science programs. 

I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree at Deakin University in 2023 where I conducted a project looking at the effects of prescribed burning in winter on germination in a heathy woodlands. I conducted 72 vegetation and seedling surveys across the Anglesea Heathlands.