Lecturer Emily J Flies
Affiliation
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences
Research Areas
Sustainability, Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, Mosquitoes
Why I do what I do
I grew up in upstate New York where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and psychology (2001-2005). After a few years of teaching outdoor education, I became passionate about the relationships between human health and the health of our environment. I went back to Uni to study these relationships and completed a master’s degree in disease ecology (Michigan State University, USA, 2008-2011) and a PhD in disease ecology and epidemiology (University of South Australia, 2012-2016).
Now, as a lecturer at the University of Tasmania, I study how engaging and connecting with nature, can benefit both human wellbeing and sustainability. I co-leads the ‘sustainable people-environment interactions’ research theme of the National Environmental Science Program’s ‘Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub’. I am also an Associate Investigator in the Healthy Environments and Lives Network, which seeks to make healthcare more equitable, sustainable and resilient to environmental change. I teach about sustainability at UTAS, has been the founder and director of two not-for-profit science communication organisations (Science in the Pubs), and am founder and director of Tasmania’s Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program.
Something interesting about me
I like running, sometimes long distances, preferably through bush trails. Once I ran 100kms through the blue mountains! I also love eating bagels.
Questions answered by this expert
Can non-human organisms stop climate change or help fight climate change?
How hot can the earth’s surface be before it becomes deadly to humans?
Do we have to become vegetarian? Aren't animals renewable?
