Heather Bryan
Professional Background
Heather works across a range of sustainability and environmental projects at FPC, with a particular interest in programs that build community and ecological resilience. Her background spans research, data analysis, and program evaluation, supported by strong analytical skills developed through her earlier roles as a data analyst at the Australian Bureau of Statistics and as an ecologist. She combines scientific rigour with practical insight to address complex environmental and social challenges.
Heather has expertise in managing large, complex datasets and enjoys using mixed methods to uncover deeper program insights. Her ability to translate technical findings into accessible outputs ensures that evaluations are both evidence-based and meaningful for diverse audiences.
She brings a strong systems perspective to her work, with particular interest in the interconnections between social and ecological impacts of climate change. This enables her to assess how programs contribute to both social and environmental outcomes and to identify opportunities for integrated, resilient solutions.
Approach to Evaluation
Heather’s evaluation approach is collaborative and purposeful. She is committed to accurately capturing program outcomes and representing different perspectives, ensuring that deliverables are useful, relevant, and grounded in context. She understands that effective evaluation requires thoughtful stakeholder engagement and a willingness to listen to and reflect diverse viewpoints.
Areas of Expertise
Heather's expertise spans environmental evaluation and sustainability research, with particular strength in data analysis, mixed-methods approaches, and understanding the interconnections between social and ecological systems. Her analytical skills are complemented by deep environmental knowledge and collaborative evaluation practice.
Specialist Expertise
- Mixed Methods Evaluation: Expertise in designing and implementing evaluations that integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches to uncover meaningful program insights
- Climate and Environmental Programs: Skilled in evaluating sustainability, conservation, and climate resilience initiatives, with experience across agricultural, marine, coastal, and biodiversity contexts
- Data Analysis and Visualisation: Advanced capabilities in managing and analysing large datasets and presenting findings in accessible, audience-friendly formats
- Longitudinal and Comparative Analysis: Experience in assessing program change over time through multi-year data collection and comparative techniques
- Social-Ecological Systems Thinking: Understanding of the interconnections between social and environmental outcomes in complex systems
- Stakeholder Engagement: Proficient in working with diverse stakeholders and ensuring collaborative, inclusive evaluation processes
- Evidence-Based Insights: Skilled in synthesising complex data into actionable findings that inform policy, planning, and program improvement
Selected Projects
Heather has led and contributed to a range of climate, sustainability, and environmental evaluation projects, including those focused on agriculture, marine ecosystems, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and community development. More recently, she has broadened her experience to include social impact projects, particularly in the area of child health and safety. Across all projects, Heather brings expertise in data analysis, mixed-methods evaluation, and collaborative approaches that capture both social and environmental outcomes.
Evaluation of the Community Carbon Reductions Program
Led mid-point and final evaluations of the Community Carbon Reductions Program, a program delivered through 20 initiatives across 5 working groups. Designed and delivered surveys and interviews and used mixed methods to analyse program activities, reach and engagement. Additionally, delivered workshops to program staff to build internal capability in monitoring and evaluation.
Evaluation of the Homeward Bound Leadership Program
Led analysis and reporting of evaluation for women in STEMM leadership program (cohorts 5-7). Used quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to synthesise hundreds of survey responses, extracting meaningful findings and useful recommendations for this long-term program.
NSW Marine Estate Community Wellbeing Surveys - Wave 2
Led data analysis of population-level surveys with thousands of responses to understand community attitudes and barriers to caring for marine areas. Conducted comparative analysis with Wave 1 results to establish longitudinal changes, resulting in highly regarded government product.
Social and Economic Outcomes of the Reef Builder Program
Assessed social and economic impacts of 13 shellfish reefs across Australia. Interviewed and surveyed stakeholders across reef sites and developed bespoke case studies highlighting realised and likely outcomes as the restored ecosystems develop.
Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery Program Evaluation
Contributed to final evaluation of multifaceted program responding to 2019-20 Victorian bushfires. Documented achievements and lessons across 7 themes focusing on overall program implementation, achievements, and lessons for future emergency biodiversity response programs.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Community Flood Awareness and Preparedness Program
Heather led this project to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for the program, a range of data collection templates and tools, and a dashboard for consolidating, summarising and visualising data. This included leading a workshop with Melbourne Water to develop a program logic and key evaluation questions.
Education & Qualifications
Heather’s academic background in zoology and environmental studies provides a strong scientific foundation for her work in environmental evaluation and sustainability research. Her Honours thesis, which modelled the effects of climate change on cold-climate reptile communities, reflects both scientific and quantitative rigour. This is complemented by professional experience as a data analyst at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a research assistant at the University of Tasmania, and a field scientist in Latin America—demonstrating both depth and breadth in understanding ecological systems and environmental challenges.
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Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Environmental Studies) (Zoology Honours)
University of Tasmania, 2018
Comprehensive study combining animal biology with environmental systems understanding. Honours research provided advanced experience in scientific research methods, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication essential for evidence-based evaluation work in environmental contexts.
Professional Development and Skills
- Data Analysis and Statistics: Advanced training in quantitative analysis methods and statistical interpretation through Australian Bureau of Statistics experience
- Mixed Methods Research: Expertise in combining quantitative and qualitative approaches for comprehensive program evaluation
- Environmental Research Methods: Field-based research experience and understanding of ecological monitoring and assessment techniques
- Collaborative Evaluation: Training in participatory and stakeholder-engaged evaluation approaches
Professional Experience
- Consultant - First Person Consulting (current)
- Data Analyst - Australian Bureau of Statistics (previous)
- Research Assistant - University of Tasmania (previous)
- Research Field Staff / Project Leader - Global Vision International (previous)
Research Interests and Focus Areas
- Climate Resilience: Building community and ecological resilience in the face of increasing environmental pressures
- Social-Ecological Systems: Understanding interconnections between social and ecological impacts of climate change
- Marine and Coastal Systems: Evaluation of marine conservation and coastal community programs
- Biodiversity Conservation: Assessment of ecosystem restoration and species conservation initiatives
- Sustainability Programs: Evaluation of programs contributing to both social and environmental outcomes
- Data Science for Environmental Good: Using analytical skills to support evidence-based environmental decision-making
Key Contributions and Expertise
- Expert navigation of complex datasets with thousands of responses and multiple data points
- Development of collaborative evaluation approaches that accurately capture diverse perspectives
- Synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data to extract meaningful program insights
- Translation of complex environmental and statistical information into accessible formats
- Integration of social and environmental outcome assessment in program evaluation
- Application of systems thinking to understand program impacts across multiple domains
Professional Commitment
- Contributing to building climate-resilient ecological and human systems through evaluation work
- Ensuring evaluation deliverables are fit-for-purpose and support program improvement
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making for environmental and sustainability programs
- Promoting collaborative and participatory approaches to evaluation that engage diverse stakeholders
- Connecting people (especially children) with nature through evaluation of environmental education programs