Dr Liv Baker, an animal studies postdoctoral fellow from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, arrived in Bathurst on Friday to begin a two-month long research project.

She was accompanied by two of her students, Mariel Becker and Angus McLean. 

Bathurst Kangaroo Project’s Helen Bergen said Wesleyan University had ties with the University of Technology (UTS) in Sydney, a partner in the project, which led to Dr Baker wanting to come to Bathurst. 

“The project and the UTS research has been getting a lot of attention,” she said.

“Liv and the students were really interested in coming to do some research.”

Dr Baker and her students will use their time in Bathurst to gain a better understanding of kangaroo behaviour during their summer break. 

“We’re collaborating with UTS and Dr Daniel Ramp and we’re interested in evaluating the psychological welfare of kangaroos in the Bathurst area,” Dr Baker said. 

“On a day-to-day basis we are going to observe the kangaroos in the area, looking for the ways they interact with each other and as individuals.”

Both of the students were able to join Dr Baker in her research after successfully obtaining grant fellowships from the university’s College of Environment, and will have to report back with what they have learnt.

“They are primarily interested in the topic and the research,” Dr Baker said. “They are required to present their research experience.”

The field work in Australia will build on what Ms Becker and Mr McLean have learnt in class as they enrich their university experience. 

“It is invaluable to go out in the field and apply the methodology and the theories,” Dr Baker said.