Adam Yanney-Keller

Adam Yaney-Keller is an early career wildlife ecologist and PhD candidate at Monash University, working in collaboration with Phillip Island Nature Parks. His research focuses on biodiversity conservation, coastal and marine wildlife, and the use of new technologies to collect meaningful ecological data for conservation and management. 

Originally from California, USA, Adam completed a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before working on wildlife monitoring and marine ecology projects across the Americas, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Australia. He later completed a Master’s degree at Purdue University, where his research explored how drones and camera traps could be used to study mangrove ecosystems and wildlife biodiversity in Costa Rica. Adam’s work brings together hands-on field research, new technology, and science communication to support practical conservation outcomes.

Adam’s PhD investigates how entanglement in plastic, marine debris, and fishing gear affects the health and behaviour of Australian fur seals. His research combines health assessments, animal tracking, drones, and thermal imaging to better understand the impacts of entanglement and improve how affected seals are detected, monitored, and managed.