Alina Bright

Growing up on Gulidjan land in Colac, Alina developed her appreciation for nature while exploring the Otways with her family. She first discovered the CEC when she volunteered for the Big Otway Tree Plant at age 12. This experience left a lasting impression and influenced her enthusiasm to now join the CEC as an intern. 

Alina is particularly interested in how climate change drives heat stress responses in both flora and fauna. During her undergraduate degree, her favourite research projects involved comparing the thermal tolerance of different plant species and investigating patterns of coral bleaching within and between species on Heron Island.

Her experience in Bush Regeneration across Sydney increased her interest in invasive species management and she is excited to be contributing to the CEC’s work on feral pig and cat management. 

Alina has also worked as a Cave Guide for Parks Victoria, where she combined environmental education with visitor engagement at the Buchan Caves.

She’s looking forward to gaining further practical experience in conservation ecology and contributing meaningfully to the protection of the Otway region’s unique biodiversity.