Hello there, my name is Theresa Nguyen and I work as a consultant at 4Pillars Environmental Consulting. Pleased to have the chance to introduce myself.

My role involves working on projects that assist businesses in implementing environmental approvals and complying with national and state environmental law. What I like about my role is the opportunity to assist with implementing management practices for current environmental issues. I also really value the relationships that I have built with my colleagues; the atmosphere at work is always lively, collaborative and supportive. James and my other colleagues have contributed immensely to my professional development.

I chose to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Australian Catholic University because ever since I was young, being outdoors has always made me feel happy. I find the natural world incredibly special and my strong connection to nature has had a profound impact on my chosen career path.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field, but my training had a strong focus on ecology, field research and chemistry skills. I have engaged in several field studies including studying marine ecology of tropical reefs on Atauro Island in Timor-Leste, urban vegetation communities around Sydney and the ecotoxic effects of inorganic contaminants on native Australian marine algae.

I strongly value the protection of ecosystem services, these are services that each person gains freely from a healthy natural environment. Ecosystem services have high economic value as they are responsible for the decomposition of waste, purification of air and water and regulation of global climate. Although it’s a challenging goal, I would like to do my part in supporting development in a way that places less strain on ecosystem services. I believe that the only way to progress and thrive in the future is to be sustainable!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending my time having fun in the sun. I like hiking, kayaking, swimming and camping with friends and family. I’m also really into gardening (despite being a serial plant killer).

My favourite film and books are: “The Secret World of Arrietty” a film by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, “Kafka on the Shore” a novel by Haruki Murakami and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy by John R. R. Tolkien.

Random fact about me: I’ve recently started a new hobby; playing Dungeons and Dragons… I’m enjoying it more than I care to admit.

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