Dr. Kim Jenkins

Biography

Kim Jenkins is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer in the Ecosystem Science research program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), with a focus on freshwater ecology, particularly the dynamics of invertebrate prey food webs and ecosystem processes at broad ecosystem scales. Her research investigates the intriguing relationships within food webs and their responses to varying water regimes, especially in arid zone rivers and wetlands. She leads a project examining the connectivity of regulated creeks and floodplain wetlands, assessing the impacts of environmental flow releases during dry periods and constant low flows. The project employs stable isotope analysis and studies gut contents of fish and invertebrate community composition, which includes interactions with insectivorous bats and fish predators. A key feature of her research program is the strong collaborative links with stakeholders to adaptively manage these ecosystems. She leads UNSW's partnership with Charles Sturt University in monitoring ecological responses to Commonwealth environmental water in the Murrumbidgee River. Jenkins is currently developing a five-year monitoring evaluation plan to assess the success of water flow restoration in floodplain wetlands, having identified sensitive indicators of ecological health. Her work has revealed the biogeochemical impacts of flooding loss on biodiversity and trophic interactions, and she actively publishes her findings in scientific literature and participates in government workshops.

Research Interests

Experience