Josh’s path into ecology has been shaped by a long‑standing interest in technology and an early connection to the outdoors. With a background spanning engineering, drones and machine learning, Josh spent years developing advanced technical skills before gradually turning his focus toward the environment. Today, as a Senior Computational Ecologist at e2m, Josh sits at the intersection of ecology and technology – helping push the boundaries of what environmental analytics can achieve.
Growing up outdoors
Josh grew up near Narrabri in northern New South Wales, in a home surrounded by space, animals and bushland, where nature was always central to family life. At school, Josh excelled in maths, which naturally led him toward engineering. He moved to Brisbane to study engineering at The University of Queensland, where he thrived in the analytical, hands‑on nature of the work.
During his honours year, Josh worked on advanced aerospace research, helping design components for a high‑speed expansion tube used to simulate rocket re‑entry conditions. The work was technically fascinating – but highly theoretical.
“That was probably the first time I realised I wanted my work to connect more directly to the real world.”
After graduating, Josh joined a start‑up developing novel drone technology. The role gave him invaluable experience – designing drones from the ground up and learning how cutting‑edge technology moves from concept to reality.
Over time, however, as the company became increasingly involved in military applications, Josh began questioning whether the work aligned with his values.
From drones to conservation science
After a solo motorbike trip through South America, much of it spent in remote natural landscapes, Josh began rethinking how he wanted to use his technical skills. He became increasingly interested in applying technology to support more balanced environmental outcomes.
He reached out to a researcher at the University of Queensland to explore how his experience with drones and machine learning could be applied to conservation research. What began as a conversation about volunteering quickly grew into a research project asking whether drones and machine learning could improve surveys of migratory shorebirds.
Within a year, the project had expanded into a PhD, prompting him to leave engineering and commit fully to research. His PhD focused on facilitating drone‑based bird surveys, with three major components: Understanding how different bird species respond to drones. Developing machine‑learning models to detect and count birds in drone imagery
Designing practical, ethical drone survey methods for real‑world ecological monitoring
One of Josh’s key findings showed that critically endangered Far Eastern Curlews are particularly sensitive to drone disturbance – research that directly informed changes to drone regulations in Moreton Bay.
“That was one of the moments where I felt like the work really mattered.”
While rewarding, Josh also found the PhD years challenging, openly reflecting on the mental load, isolation and financial strain that can come with academia – including a period where he lived in his van while finishing his thesis.
“I don’t think academia suits everyone,” he reflects. “You have to be really honest with yourself about what kind of environment you work best in.”
Outside of research, rock climbing became an important outlet – grounding him both physically and mentally and eventually leading to a casual job at a climbing gym once his PhD wrapped up.
Building the analytics capability at e2m
After seeing Josh present his research at a conference, John Van Osta reached out about a potential role. The timing was unplanned – but the alignment was immediate.
“The overlap was perfect,” Josh says. “Ecology, analytics, drones, machine learning and values I genuinely agreed with.”
Josh joined e2m in June 2025, drawn not just by the work itself, but by the culture.
“One of the first things I asked about was values,” he says. “And e2m didn’t just talk about them -they live them.”
“I come to work knowing I’m comfortable with what I’m contributing to. Everyone just wants to do good ecology – properly.”
He also values the collaborative nature of the team.
“Having people around you who you trust, who will challenge you, and help you step back when you’re overthinking – that makes all the difference.”
At e2m, Josh plays a key role in strengthening and expanding the analytics capability, particularly in machine learning, drone data and emerging technologies.
He’s worked closely with the analytics team to build robust, transparent workflows that ensure new tools are scientifically defensible and practically useful. As the team grows, Josh’s focus is shifting toward innovation – exploring how machine learning can integrate with GIS, LiDAR, thermal imagery and large‑scale ecological datasets.
“I like that we’re not just using technology for the sake of it,” he says. “It has to genuinely improve ecological outcomes.”
Outside of work
When he’s not working, Josh is usually outdoors – rock climbing, travelling, or exploring Queensland’s forests and mountains. Mount Glorious remains a favourite escape, and he still keeps Fridays partly reserved for the climbing world.
His advice to anyone interested in ecology or environmental analytics?
“Try it. Get into the field early, stay curious, and don’t overthink yourself out of something you might love.”
