Background
Hi, I'm Dr. Coco Cullen-Knox — an environmental sociologist, applied researcher, and consultant working to make conservation and natural resource management collaborative, inclusive, and effective. I focus on supporting meaningful stakeholder engagement and adaptive governance that works in practice, not just on paper.
I started my career in environmental science, driven by a love of the natural world and a deep curiosity about how it works. Over time, I realised that while environmental science can tell us what's happening in our environment, lasting change depends on people, politics, and the way decisions are made.
That realisation led me to shift my focus and eventually pursue a PhD exploring how environmental risks are negotiated publicly, how society makes decisions about the environment, especially when those decisions are contested, emotional, or political.
I've worked across government, consultancies, NGOs, and research institutions—often at the messy intersection of science, policy, media, and community. What I've learned is this:
- 🌱 Ecological knowledge is only part of the puzzle. Effective management also requires insight into human behaviour, social dynamics, and the systems that shape our decisions.
- 🌱 People bring different values, histories, and stakes to the table — and that diversity needs to be heard, not managed away.
- 🌱 The questions we ask and how we ask them shapes the answers we get — thoughtful design matters.
So now, I help make environmental decision-making more inclusive and better equipped to handle real-world challenges.
Core Skills
With expertise spanning environmental sociology, stakeholder engagement, and marine governance, I bring a comprehensive skill set to every project.
Research & Analysis
Qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting to inform evidence-based decision making.
Engagement
Stakeholder engagement and consultation using best-practice approaches to facilitate meaningful decicion-making.
Governance
Environmental governance and policy advice grounded in practical experience and research.
Communication
Communication and knowledge translation that bridges complex information with practical insights.
Management
Project management and team leadership focused on delivering successful outcomes through collaboration.
Marine Expertise
Marine conservation and governance expertise built on extensive research and practical experience.
Education
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Applied Science
The University of Queensland (2011)
Majors: Integrated Resource Management and Conservation Management
Honours
Honours in Marine Governance
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (2014)
Thesis: The role of social license in marine resource governance
First class
Doctoral Studies
PhD in Environmental Conflict Communication
Centre for Marine Sociology (2021)
Thesis: Media and environmental conflict over salmon aquaculture
Accepted without changes
Professional Development
Certificate in Engagement
International Association for Public Participation (2022)
Coxswain 2NC
Maritime Safety Qualification (2018)
Scientific and Master Diver
Professional Diving Certification (2015)
Professional Experience
Principle Consultant and Researcher / Founder
Overview
Independent research and consulting services in stakeholder engagement and consultation, governance and policy reviews and advice and qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting.
Key Projects
- ThinkBank, Tasmanian Leaders (2018-2019) - Analysis of interviews and literature and reporting to support Tasmanian agribusiness and small business policy development. Reports can be found here and here
- Seafood Futures (2024) - Synthesis of sector provided literature to develop Marine User Profiles and Regional What We Heard Reports.
- The Nature Conservancy and NRM South (2024 - 2025) – Giant Kelp Marine Forest Conservation and Recovery White Paper to support updated conservation advice under the EPBC Act. Followed by a key stakeholder workshop and pre-workshop survey delivered with NRM South for DCCEEW.
- World Wide Fund for Nature (2018-2019) - Co-delivered the Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand attended by 250 participants from around the world. View the summary report here
Researcher
Overview
Research and project-based activities for The Institute for Social Change, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and Centre for Marine Socioecology.
Key Achievements
- Policy and governance advice for marine protected matters, integrated marine management, protected area management and social dimensions of managing the marine estate. For example, I co-managed a needs-based review providing operational and strategic planning and capacity-building recommendations for agencies with responsibilities under the New South Wales Marine Estate Management Strategy.
- Lead and co-author on peer-reviewed academic papers in relation to marine governance, social license, science communication, and integrated marine management.
- Qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting that has informed science communication, governance and decision-making in climate change, fisheries management, marine estate management and environmental governance. See the Curious Climate project for an example (https://curiousclimate.org.au).
- My PhD examined how environmental risks of common pool natural resources—particularly in salmon aquaculture—are negotiated through media, where science, community concerns, industry interests, and policy intersect. It explored the role of media, politics, and power in shaping environmental conflict, knowledge, and governance across local and global scales.
Environmental Scientist and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist
Overview
As part of the highly productive and supportive team at Marine Solutions, I provide expertise in marine science, project management and stakeholder engagement.
Key Achievements
- Environmental impact assessments in accordance with relevant legislation. This has included leading a team conducting offshore environmental assessments to inform the decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure.
- Development and implementation of stakeholder engagement plans for government and industry clients.
Senior Project Officer - North Network
Overview
I supported a small team in the implementation of the North Marine Parks Network Management Plan 2018 by undertaking the following activities:
Key Achievements
- Deliver the marine science program for the Northern Australian Marine Parks including project management and development of the North Australian Marine Parks Science Plan.
- Support the delivery of the North Australian Marine Park Advisory Committee meetings.
- Represent Parks Australia in internal and external stakeholder meetings and workshops.
- Coordinate the review of the North Foundation Implementation Plan and the development of the North Consolidation Implementation Plan.
Environmental Scientist
Overview
In my early career, I worked for consultancies and research organisations, ranging from those that operate on the global scale (including developing and implementing a research project on a remote island in Fiji) to smaller family-owned and operated consultancies.
My Values
These core principles guide my approach to every project, ensuring that my work delivers meaningful impact while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Collaboration
Working together to achieve sustainable outcomes through meaningful partnerships and inclusive decision-making processes.
Innovation
Finding creative solutions to complex challenges through adaptive thinking and evidence-based approaches.
Integrity
Maintaining high ethical standards in all work, ensuring transparency and accountability in every project.