Maddison (Colby) Cross is a PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast, specialising in the biology and ecology of scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in Queensland, Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science with a Minor in Coastal and Marine Environments and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine Science.
Her interests are marine megafauna biology and ecology, fisheries management, and marine ecosystem dynamics.
Her research aims to enhance our understanding of this critically endangered species by examining key aspects of its life history, including habitat use, movement patterns, age and growth, and post-release mortality.
Maddison employs a range of innovative methods, including drones, acoustic telemetry, laboratory analyses, and fishery-based data.
In addition to her doctoral research, Maddison serves as a Technical Officer in the Department of Primary Industries, working as a member of the Queensland SharkSmart drone trial team, that capture aerial footage of shark sightings, which is analysed and documented.
Maddie is currently analysing shark footage and tracking their movements by inputting drone GPS coordinates into Quantum Geographic Information Software (QGIS) and RStudio Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Note: QGIS is geographic information system (GIS) that supports viewing, editing, printing, and analysis of geospatial data in a range of data formats.
Note: RStudio IDE is an integrated development environment for R, a programming language for statistical computing and graphics.