Renee Knight

Understanding how people relate to and learn from the natural environment is something I am passionate about as both a new researcher and educator. I am currently a PhD candidate at Deakin University’s Burwood Campus, where my research focuses on Traditional Ecological Knowledge of weather and climate in the South Pacific. My work explores how environmental indicators and seasonal knowledge are recognised across generations in communities across the South Pacific Islands, and how community-based biodiversity monitoring programs can support knowledge sharing, environmental awareness, and climate resilience.  Alongside my research, I am a sessional educator for environmental science at Victoria University, where I assist in workshops and field-based learning experiences.

Beyond academia, I bring several years of experience as an outdoor guide and ski instructor, which has shaped my passion for field-based learning and connecting people with landscapes. These experiences continue to influence my research and teaching, particularly my interest in environmental observation, experiential learning, and community engagement with natural science.