21/08/2026
Meet Caitlin, Nature Foundation's 2026 Roy and Marjory Edwards Scholarship recipient.
Roy and Marjory Edwards Scholarship
This scholarship provides up to $12,000 per annum for up to three years to support a student at an Australian university. This scholarship was initiated in 2002 by a generous donation from Mrs Marjory Edwards to establish a perpetual scholarship in conservation biology.
Proposed research must address at least one of the following priority areas:
- It must aim to make a significant contribution to the conservation of South Australia’s biodiversity, or
- It must contribute to the resolution of an environmental problem or the conservation of South Australia’s wildlife
Caitlin La Rose
PhD Candidate // The University of Sydney
Project: Investigating the Impacts of PFAS on the Health of Australian Pinniped Pups in South Australia
Australia's marine ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic threats, including climate change, habitat degradation, fisheries interactions, and pollution. These human-induced stressors disrupt ecosystem function, amplifying the impacts of natural threats on marine species. Pollution is one of the most widespread and persistent threats to marine biodiversity. Of particular concern are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of contaminants described as "forever chemicals" for their persistence in the environment and global distribution. These toxicants have been detected in the blood and tissues of both live and dead Australian Sea Lions (Neophoca cinerea).
Exposure to elevated PFAS concentrations has been associated with altered immune function, hormone disruption, and increased disease susceptibility in marine mammals and may amplify the effects of other anthropogenic and natural stressors acting on wildlife populations. While PFAS are being phased out in some regions, their environmental persistence and ongoing sources continue to expose marine species.
Caitlin's project will use the Endangered Australian Sea Lion as a sentinel species for ecosystem health. It will explore the relationships among health parameters, maternal factors, and PFAS concentrations. The results of this project will provide critical insight beyond just a single species, with implications for other vulnerable taxa occupying similar food webs and environments.
Caitlin has been awarded a three year scholarship.
Read more about all the 2026 Research Grant recipients: https://www.naturefoundation.org.au/news-events/latest-news/2026-research-grant-recipients
