Dr Andrew Howells is a Lecturer in Natural History Illustration at the University of Newcastle. His research interests include conservation science, digital and traditional illustration practice, and drawing as enquiry. His PhD research was based on the confluence of these topics in a project titled Elephant: Art and Science. In line with his research interests, Dr Howells teaches into the Natural History Illustration program with a focus on; studio studies, field studies and scientific illustration courses. He also brings with him valuable industry experience, having held roles in amination, graphic design and illustration in both an agency and freelance contexts.

Area of research focus: -- Drawing as inquiry -- Digital/Traditional Illustration Practice -- Natural History Illustration -- Art and Science collaboration These research topics formed the basis of my PhD research titled Elephant: art and Science

Andrew's research focus is on the role of art and science in collaborative research. Andrew's PhD research sore him collaborate with veterinary science researchers in the development of a tool for the visual assessment of body condition for captive Asian Elephants. Andrew is currently developing a research relationship with Sydney's Taronga zoo, with a focus on the role of the artist/illustrator in conservation science.