We are living in a disposable society driven by our use of cheap, versatile and so called benign plastics. Each year millions of tonnes of plastics ends up in landfill while still another significant portion is littered, potentially forming marine debris and causing environmental impacts particularly to marine wildlife. My recent research has focused on innovative approaches for documenting impacts of this litter and marine debris and providing practical management solutions. Working closely with government and regulators, the research has helped influence state and local government policy and decision making. The research has also involved national and international collaborative partnerships with leading institutions. A major focus of my research has also involved education, awareness and training of stakeholders and the broader public through partnerships. By working together on this issue, I feel we can all make a difference!

I have over 20 years’ experience in researching the impacts of contaminants to aquatic environments. During this time, I have been prominent in the development and use of bio-indicators and techniques for assessing and minimising environmental harm and have worked with a range of industries. I consult with and advise regulatory agencies on policy and strategic direction both in Australia and internationally. My current focus is on gaining a better understanding of the effects that solid waste has on our environment and examine ways in which these can be better managed. My specialties include:

• Aquatic ecotoxicology of metals, pesticides and micro-pollutants:

- marine and freshwater testing in tropical and temperate climates,

- waste water and effluent assessment,

- development of invertebrate and amphibian testing protocols.

- effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals to biota.

• Marine debris, micro-plastics and litter assessment including:

- source tracking, load quantification and ecological impact assessment,

- litter bin and waste infrastructure audits,

- monitoring programme design.

• Aquatic ecology:

- invertebrates/physico-chemical interaction,

- development of a fish health tool box.

• Water quality and bio-monitoring:

- application of wireless sensor monitoring networks,

- animal behaviour as sensitive indicators of water quality change.

• Citizen science and community education

I have a diverse and broad range of Environmental Science teaching skills and experience at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, delivered both face to face and via distance education modes. Throughout these I have emphasized the importance of practical and hands on learning with an industry/management focus. I have been involved in programme design and reviews, unit creation and modification/deletion.

Currently: 2 Masters, 2 PhD

Completed: 5 PhD, 2 Masters, 15 Honours