Professor Parsons brings extensive academic and leadership experience from institutions across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Most recently, he served as Dean of the School of Science, Technology and Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
An expert in behavioural ecology, his research focuses on animal communication—particularly in bats—and spans areas such as echolocation, acoustic ecology, and vocalisation in mating systems. His work has also included collaborations on insects, whales, and birds, and he has previously co-supervised PhD candidates at UC.
Professor Parsons is committed to applied research and community engagement, having founded the ecological consultancy Walkingbats in New Zealand and contributing to the Moreton Bay Foundation in Australia.
UC welcomes Professor Parsons to the role and looks forward to the leadership and expertise he will bring to Te Kaupeka Pūtaiao | Faculty of Science.
