Daniel Falster

Daniel Falster is an Associate Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, where he holds an ARC Future Fellowship. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from UNSW, followed by a Master of Science and a PhD from Macquarie University. He has also spent time conducting research in Norway and Austria, and has collaborated with institutions in Panama.

Research Focus

Falster's research primarily involves using mathematical models and large datasets to understand ecological processes, particularly in relation to plant communities. His work includes:

• Predicting Plant Distribution: He aims to understand and predict the distribution of various plant types across Australia using eco-evolutionary models.
• Trait Database Development: He is involved in assembling AusTraits, a comprehensive database that catalogs traits of Australian plant species.
• Size Structured Models: Falster develops theories and models that account for size structures within populations.
• Impact Studies: His research also examines how climate change and human management practices affect vegetation dynamics.

Teaching

In addition to his research, Falster is committed to education. He teaches courses such as:

• BEES2041 - Data Analysis for Life and Earth Science: A core course where students learn data manipulation and statistical analysis using R.
• Intermediate R Course: A specialized course aimed at enhancing skills in project organization and reproducible research.

Falster is passionate about promoting open data practices and reproducible research methodologies among biologists, encouraging them to utilize computational tools effectively in their studies.123