Michelle ROSE

Michelle Rose is a Social Scientist with Parks Victoria, based on Gunaikurnai Country in the Strzelecki Ranges, Victoria, Australia. With a background in psychology and the social sciences, Michelle brings over a decade of experience in park management, where she has witnessed firsthand the profound impacts of nature on human wellbeing — and the complex relationship between visitors and the environment.

Driven by a commitment to protecting natural places, Michelle’s work explores the human dimensions of conservation, including behaviour change, social licence, stewardship, and the social benefits of nature. She leads a program of applied research and long-term monitoring to better understand how people engage with parks, and how insights into behaviour can shape more effective environmental policy and management. Her work aims to ensure that parks continue to support both ecological integrity and community connection for generations to come.