Charlotte Birkmanis

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Dr Charlotte Birkmanis is a marine biologist and wildlife science communicator interested in marine predator behaviour, media portrayal, conservation, and science outreach, and has been called the 'Public Relations Manager' for sharks, predators, and our oceans (Shark PR). Bridging the gap between research, philanthropy, and the public, she wears many hats: Philanthropic Marine Foundation Director, Shark biologist, Superstar of STEM, podcast, radio, and TV host, MC, author, Australian STEM Ambassador, postdoctoral researcher, and expedition leader.

With over 15 years' experience in the behaviour, movement, and ecology of sharks and fish across time and space, looking at where they are, why they are there and how this, and their numbers, change over time. With a PhD in shark ecology, Charlotte also has a First Class Honours in Marine Biology, an Applied Science degree majoring in Ecology (awarded with Distinction) and an Arts degree in International and Global Studies, majoring in Mandarin Chinese.

Interested in the impacts of development and predator removal on marine ecosystems, along with media portrayal of sharks and other predators, Charlotte has researched sharks and marine wildlife across Australia, Asia-Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. Her work combines her passion for the ocean, love of presenting, and previous experience as a consultant marine ecologist in Australia, the Pacific Region and Asia to highlight the importance of predators in our oceans.

Experience

  • 2021–present
    Nature Masterclass Faciliator and Trainer, Springer Nature
  • 2021–present
    Contributor, Nature Research
  • 2023–present
    Superstar of STEM, Science and Technology Australia
  • 2023–present
    Senior postdoctoral research fellow, Max Planck Queensland Centre
  • 2022–present
    Visiting associate , Queensland University of Techonology
  • 2022–present
    Director, Marine Foundation
  • 2025–present
    Director, Australian Marine Sciences Association
  • 2022–present
    National Council , Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • 2024–present
    Philanthropic Advisor, Private philanthropists
  • 2023–present
    Adjunct Research Fellow, UWA Oceans Institute
  • 2023–present
    General Council, Oceania Chondrichthyan Society
  • 2021–present
    STEM Ambassador, Science and Technology Australia
  • 2021–present
    Offshore Renewable Energy Advisor (Offshore wind), Consultant
  • 2018–2023
    Secretary, Social Media manager, Conference organiser, Student representative, Australian Marine Sciences Association

Education

  •  
    Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Arts (International and Global Studies - Mandarin Chinese)
  •  
    Queensland University of Technology, Bachelor of Applied Science (Ecology) - Distinction
  •  
    University of Queensland, Bachelor of Science - First Class Honours (Marine Biology - Biomechanics)
  •  
    University of Western Australia, Doctor of Philosophy
  •  
    Qingdao University, Mandarin Chinese

Publications

  • 2026
    Sharks: Wonders of the Wild,
  • 2025
    Ocean Literacy for Ocean Sustainability: Reflections From Australia,
  • 2025
    The complex and intricate relationship between incremental science, innovation and recognition,
  • 2024
    Shark Deck,
  • 2022
    Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping,
  • 2021
    Spatial and temporal distribution of Indo-Pacific pelagic sharks,
  • 2021
    Inferring shark vulnerability from spatial habitat protection,
  • 2021
    Ecological Applications of Earth System Models and Regional Climate Models,
  • 2020
    Future distribution of suitable habitat for pelagic sharks in Australia under climate change models,
  • 2020
    Shark conservation hindered by lack of habitat protection,
  • 2011
    Elasmobranch vertebral structure and material properties in relation to function,

Grants and Contracts

  • 2025
    Building STEM into Business
    Role:
    Marine biology
    Funding Source:
    Advance Queensland
  • 2021
    John Glover Travel Award
    Role:
    Marine biology
    Funding Source:
    Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • 2021
    Science Meets Parliament Scholarship
    Role:
    STEM Ambassador
    Funding Source:
    Australian Marine Sciences Association
  • 2021
    BBC Naked Scientists Broadcasting Internship
    Role:
    Science communicator
    Funding Source:
    The University of Western Australia
  • 2020
    International Travel Scholarship
    Role:
    Shark research
    Funding Source:
    Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • 2018
    Robson and Robertson Award
    Role:
    PhD research
    Funding Source:
    Jock Clough Marine Foundation

Professional Memberships

  • Australian Marine Sciences Association
  • Australian Society for Fish Biology
  • American Elasmobranch Society
  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • Oceania Chondrichthyan Society
  • Leading Women for the Ocean
  • Philanthropy Australia

Research Areas

  • Marine And Estuarine Ecology (Incl. Marine Ichthyology) (060205)
  • Conservation And Biodiversity (050202)
  • Applied Statistics (010401)
  • Behavioural Ecology (060201)
  • Language, Communication And Culture (20)
  • Fisheries Sciences (0704)
  • Ecology (0602)

Contact Charlotte for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision