Encourages creativity and critical thinking.
Brings real-world relevance to learning.
A true expert who inspires confidence.
Brings enthusiasm to every interaction.
Dr. Phillip Arena is an Associate Lecturer in Support for Learning (Numeracy) within the Learning, Teaching and Technology division at Murdoch University. He completed a BSc (Hons) in Biology in 1986, majoring in reptile ecology, followed by a PhD from Murdoch University in 1991 based on his research into the reproduction and diet of Egernia kingii (Reptilia: Scincidae) on Penguin Island, Western Australia. Throughout his career, Arena has been affiliated with the School of Veterinary and Life Sciences at Murdoch University's Mandurah Campus, where he lectured in animal biology and contributed to the Pro-Vice Chancellor's (Education) Department. His transition to academic support roles reflects his commitment to enhancing numeracy and STEM learning across disciplines.
Arena's academic interests center on reptile and amphibian welfare, behavioral assessments in captive animals, spatial requirements for snakes, the exotic pet trade, and conservation implications. Key publications include 'Assessing reptile welfare using behavioural criteria' (2013, co-authored with Clifford Warwick et al., cited 227 times), 'Guidelines for Inspection of Companion and Commercial Animal Establishments' (2018), 'Exotic pet suitability: understanding some problems and utilizing a labelling system to aid animal welfare, environment, and consumer protection' (2018), 'Spatial considerations for captive snakes' (2018), 'Keeping snakes' (2019), 'Reevaluating the use of hypothermia for anesthetizing and euthanizing amphibians and reptiles' (2018), and 'Beneath the skin of conservation claims by the wildlife fashion industry: a rapid evidence assessment' (2026). With over 780 citations across 28 publications, his contributions have influenced welfare standards, inspection protocols, and policy discussions on exotic pet keeping and captive reptile management. Arena has also presented on educational topics, such as 'Developing Scientific Writing Skills in First-Year Science Students' (2024) and 'Equity by Design: Applying Equity-Centred Design Thinking to Curriculum Development' (2025), demonstrating his impact in both research and teaching.