I am interested in various aspects of conservation biology, specifically conservation genetics, population dynamics and population viability of large vertebrates. My current research is on the population viability and genetics of two bottlenose dolphin populations in Western Australia with the aim to guide wildlife management. The first part of my project is to forecast and compare the viability of the two dolphin populations, and to identify factors that are particularly important for the persistence of these populations. The second aim of my research is to identify immune genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that may be important for reproductive success and survival of the dolphins. Essentially, my research is a search for gene variants that matter for the conservation of dolphins and other vertebrate populations. For more info on my research visit: http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/oliver-manlik I am originally from Germany, but I have been living abroad—including the U.S. (California, Hawaii and Arizona), Japan, Switzerland and now Australia—half of my life. Having worked as a science teacher at a high school in Japan, I also have a general interest in science education. I am a co-founder of the Sydney Society for Conservation Biology, and I am currently serving on the Society for Conservation Biology Oceania board of directors.