Curtin’s first-ever BioBlitz brought a burst of energy to Bentley this week, with students racing to uncover as many living species on campus as possible in a short timeframe. Led by Associate Professor Paul Nevill from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences, the event gave student volunteers a hands-on opportunity to explore local biodiversity and conservation.

Using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, participants captured a real-time snapshot of plant, animal and insect species in a specific area. Their discoveries will help shape strategies to protect and enhance biodiversity on campus and in urban areas.

Thank you to Associate Professor Nevill for enriching the student experience and to the School of Molecular and Life Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering for supporting the event. Special thanks also to the TrEnD Lab team for case studies, and to Professor Mauro Mocerino and Curtin’s eDNA Frontiers staff for their help in making it happen.

Another BioBlitz is underway at Curtin Singapore, with plans to expand to Curtin Malaysia next year and all Curtin global campuses by 2027.

A woman with disposable gloves ties a white disk to a tree branch.
Sampling airborne DNA.
A gloved hand holds a syringe above the koi pond. The pond has green lillypads and koi fish in it.
Sampling the water from the koi pond.