Environment - Research Specialties
Our Environment sub-theme unites the multiple disciplines and scales involved in ecology and environmental management. We apply rigorous science to inform the management of a range of natural and altered aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Our interests range from fundamental research into the biology and biogeography of Australian plants, biochemical and biotic processes in aquatic systems, and faunal and floral conservation. Environmental management incorporates: understanding landscape dynamic using spatial science tools; investigating ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes; governance of socio-ecological systems; and rehabilitation of modified ecosystems.
Research Interests: Ecology
Research Interests: Environmental Science and Management
Our People
Ecology
Dr Rose Andrew
- molecular ecology
- landscape genetics and genomics
- evolution, especially adaptation, speciation and hybridization
- ecological genetics
Dr Adrienne Burns
- function of biofilms in riverine systems
- river catchment health and environmental chemistry
- tertiary science education
Dr Sarah Mika
- surface water – groundwater connectivity
- impacts of fine sediments on aquatic ecosystems
- biogeochemical processes in rivers
- riverine restoration
Dr Romina Rader
- crop pollination by native insects
- interactions among insects and how this affects plant functioning
- ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes
- landscape and community ecology
- the impacts of land use change upon biodiversity
- pollination and dispersal in fragmented landscapes
A/Professor Karl Vernes
- wildlife ecology
- mammal ecology and conservation
- community ecology
- mammalogy
- zoology
Environment Science and Management
Professor Jeremy Bruhl
- systematics of Cyperaceae worldwide
- floral development, photosynthetic pathway variation & biology of Cyperaceae
- biology, biogeography & taxonomy of Australian plants
Mr Rex Glencross-Grant
- engineering utilisation of sustainable natural resources (timber, fibres, etc.);
- heritage engineering - history, preservation/conservation and/or restoration (in conjunction with NSW Roads and Maritime Services);
- road corridors in rural and regional NSW;
- solid waste management - construction and demolition wastes, reuse of waste materials; and
- sustainable energy: wind and solar.
Professor Lalit Kumar
- environmental modelling
- modelling climate change impacts on biodiversity
- understanding landscape dynamics using spatial science tools (GIS and Remote Sensing)
- mapping forest health and productivity using hyperspectral remote sensing
- land use and land cover change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience
- GIS, Remote Sensing and Spatial Modelling
Dr Sarah Mika
- surface water – groundwater connectivity
- impacts of fine sediments on aquatic ecosystems
- biogeochemical processes in rivers
- riverine restoration
Dr Julian Prior
- natural resource policy
- institutional analysis and capacity development
- agricultural and natural resource extension
- social capital building
- community-based natural resource management
- environmental dispute resolution
- natural resource and environmental management in developing countries
Dr Romina Rader
- crop pollination by native insects
- interactions among insects and how this affects plant functioning
- ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes
- landscape and community ecology
- the impacts of land use change upon biodiversity
- pollination and dispersal in fragmented landscapes
Professor Nick Reid
- science, management and governance of social–ecological systems
- biodiversity assessment and management
- ecosystem services
- integrating production and conservation
- ecological restoration
- sustainable land management and landscape ecology
- wildlife and vegetation ecology and management
- forest protection
A/Professor Karl Vernes
- wildlife ecology
- mammal ecology and conservation
- community ecology
- mammalogy
- zoology
Dr Janelle Wilkes
- monitoring and management of salt movement from beef cattle feedlots
- environmental impact of sewage treatment plants (biosolids and wastewater) to land
- acid sulphate soil monitoring
- geology/earth sciences
