In 2026, Maria Ppiros completed her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Environmental Education, Health and Design at Adelaide University, Adelaide. She is passionate about her research which focuses on South Australian native flora, particularly Kaurna edible flora, to investigate how the role of botanical illustration as a pedagogical tool, in Environmental Education, can foster pro-environmental attitudes. Her interdisciplinary research places importance on encouraging human-nature connections by engaging with participants, utilising transformative learning and participatory research such as activity-based workshops. With a practice-led approach, her research aims to encourage ecological awareness, exploring themes of botany, health and food to challenge anthropocentric world views. Maria’s research also aims to challenge and decolonise historical representations of botanical illustration and to communicate Australian flora through a truthful botanical voice.

Maria also works as a sessional academic at Adelaide University, both as a teaching lecturer and in research work, particularly in the areas of Architecture, Sustainability and Ecology within the Architecture and Built Environment faculty.