Gabriella Manno has been visiting CQUniversity's Centre for Environmental Management for a six-month internship and postgraduate training program, with a scholarship from the University of Rome...

Gabriella Manno prefers being in a natural setting

What was a key turning point for you?

"I grew up in a little town full of wildlife and natural places so I've always loved nature," Gabriella said.

"To become a biologist I did my undergraduate study in Sicily and my postgraduate study in Rome."

What are you doing now?

"I've been assisting with the koala research in the CEM, including two weeks of koala monitoring on St Bees Island to work out their population density. But I have done a little work as well with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, dealing with projects on buffel grass."  

What's coming up in future?

"I'll be moving on to Fraser Island to study the dingoes before heading back to Italy."

Gabriella Manno

What do you do outside the campus?

"I'm a very keen rollerblader."

What's something people might not know about you?

"I have previously worked as a photo reporter."

What advice to you have for young people?

"Get away from home and open your mind and travel!"