Ian Brennan, PhD, ’14 MS

Dr. Brennan was working as an ecologist, tracking tortoises in the Mojave Desert for US Fish and Wildlife Service, when he decided to enroll in Dr. Bauer’s master’s program at Villanova. Fieldwork in Australia—much of it with Dr. Bauer at his side—helped him establish a community in the country, anchored by further research there as the professor’s lab assistant. A herpetologist at heart—“I’ve got cold blood,” he jokes—Dr. Brennan was increasingly drawn to the diversity of Australian animals beyond its reptiles. “We have those iconic venomous snakes and monitor lizards, but once you’re here you realize that while it’s an exceptional place for herpetology, there are so many other interesting animals,” he says. “Australia is a natural laboratory for evolution.” His expansion to marsupials, insects and other types of Australian animals ultimately led to his current position at the Queensland Museum, where he splits his time between research in evolutionary biology, the development of educational programs and public exhibits, and curatorial work. “I hope that I can always bring the same level of enthusiasm and dedication to my community that Aaron does to his.”