Our people

School Executive

Associate Professor Clovia Holdsworth

Acting Head of School
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of School

Associate Professor Troy Gaston

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Deputy Head Of School: Marketing, Engagement & Outreach

Professor Scott Donne

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Deputy Head Of School: Research

Associate Professor Michelle Duffy

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Deputy Head Of School: Research Training

Dr Richard Yu

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Deputy Head Of School: Teaching & Learning

Associate Professor Bill Leggat

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Student Academic Conduct Officer (SACO)

Ms Kristy Atkins

School Executive Officer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

School Executive Officer (SEO)

Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Biological Sciences

Professor Erica Wanless

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Chemistry

Associate Professor Hannah Power

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Earth Sciences

Dr Craig Evans

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Environmental Science & Management

Dr Quan Vuong

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Food Science

Professor Simon Springer

Professor of Human Geography
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Head Of Discipline: Geography & Environmental Studies

Academics & Researchers

If you are interested in investigating and experimenting to learn more about living organisms, a Biology major is for you. You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamentals of biology including plant and animal biology, cell and molecular biology, plus genetics and evolution.

Building on your in-depth knowledge of the basic principles of biology, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas of interest – focusing your studies on different courses to specialise in an area that most suits your career plans.

Research areas cover genetics, plant cell development, DNA damage, reproductive biology to name a few, with opportunities for biology graduates to embark on careers involving biochemistry, environmental/ecological biology for example, or to further study specific topics at a higher level.

Potential job opportunities for biology graduates include animal biologist, biochemist, botanist/plant scientist, environmental/ecological biologist, pathology assistant or research assistant.

Associate Professor Mark Baker

NHMRC Research Fellowship
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy

Male infertility

Dr Alex Callen

Lecturer, Vegetation and Restoration Ecology
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Threatened species, Environmental monitoring, Environmental management

Dr Anita Chalmers

Honorary Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Flora, Conservation biology, Plant ecology

Associate Professor David Collings

Honorary Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Gymnosperms, Spiral grain development

Associate Professor Geoffry De Iuliis

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

DNA damage, Oxidative stress, Proteomics

Dr Craig Evans

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

microbial species in environmental samples, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) 

Dr Zamira Gibb

ARC Research Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Fertility, Reproductive biology, Stem cells

Associate Professor Ian Grainge

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Microbiology, Novel antibiotics, Site-specific recombination

Professor Christopher Grof

Honorary Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

C4 photosynthesis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Biofuels

Associate Professor Karl Hassan

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Antimicrobial resistance, Membrane transport, Microbial genomics

Professor Matthew Hayward

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Conservation biology, Ecology, Introduced species

Dr Ben Long

Senior Lecturer in Molecular Plant Biology
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

synthetic biology approaches to building a CO2 concentrating mechanism in plant chloroplasts to enhance photosynthesis

Dr Tessa Lord

ARC DECRA
Office PVC - Engineering, Science and Environment

Fertility, Reproductive biology, Stem cells, Reproduction, Wildlife conservation

Professor Brett Neilan

Laureate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Bioactive compound discovery, Cyanobacteria, Genetics of complex biosynthesis

Professor Brett Nixon

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Andrology, Biology, Gamete biology

Dr Joseph Pegler

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

RNA silencing, microRNAs, Abiotic stress, Plant physiology, Sugar transport

Dr Darren Southwell

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Conservation biology, ecology, optimal monitoring, population modelling, quantitative ecology, threatened species, species distribution modelling

Dr Michael Stat

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Coral reefs, environmental DNA, genomics, symbiosis

Research in Chemistry is central to most areas of modern science and technology. Deepen your understanding of the properties and uses of chemicals, elements, and compounds with a Chemistry major. Studying Chemistry at UON you will have access to our world class facilities and our existing industry relationships, as you explore the primary concepts of chemistry, including basic atomic and molecular structure, the chemistry of carbon compounds as well as principal physical concepts of the discipline. Chemistry impacts and interacts with our lives on a daily basis. Use your extensive knowledge to pursue a career in research, the food or manufacturing industries, or even science communication and journalism.

Professor Michael Bowyer

Executive Dean of Central Coast Campus
Regional Campuses

Heterocyclic chemistry, Hydrogen sulfide, Molecularly imprinted polymers

Dr Robert Chapman

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Polymer synthesis, Self assembled nanoparticles, Macromolecular therapeutics

Dr Sam Chen

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Carbon Materials, Graphene, Materials Chemistry, Materials Science, Membranes, Rechargeable Batteries

Professor Scott Donne

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Electroanalytical chemistry, Electrochemistry, Energy storage materials

Dr Thomas Fallon

Lecturer - Computational and Synthetic Organic Chemistry
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Computational and synthetic organic chemistry

Dr Khay Fong

Honorary Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Colloid, Drug delivery, Light scattering

Associate Professor Clovia Holdsworth

Acting Head of School
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Analytical chemistry, Molecular imprinting, Organic chemistry

Dr Tim Kirkman

Technical Manager
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Chemistry

Professor Adam McCluskey

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Anti-cancer agents, Chemical biology, Clathrin inhibitors

Professor Alister Page

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Carbon nanotubes, Combustion, Computational chemistry

Dr Qianqian Shi

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Dr Ian Van Altena

Honorary Lecturer/Casual Academic
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Chemical ecology, Compound identification by spectrometry, Environmental chemistry

Professor Erica Wanless

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Adsorption, Atomic force microscopy, Characterisation of the solid-liquid interface

The Earth Sciences major is for those that are looking to build new concepts working in a variety of environments. Examine the processes of our earth, soil, water, as well as our spatial science and structural geology. You will learn from leading science researchers who will guide you through a tailored program, specifically designed to give you the skills that employers are seeking. You’ll be able to follow your passions, and customise your study with a wide range of disciplinary choices, incorporating many areas of study. Find scientific solutions to complex problems and gain the confidence that employers are looking for.

Associate Professor Anthony Kiem

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Agriculture, Climate change

Dr Michael Kinsela

Lecturer - Coastal and Ocean Geoscience
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Coastal risk management, Coastal hazards, Climate change, Coastal barrier-estuary systems, component depositional landforms

Dr Chris Owers

Lecturer - Spatial Information Science
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Spatial science, carbon storage, remote sensing, GIS, coastal science, biogeography, vegetation science, geomorphology, biodiversity

Associate Professor Hannah Power

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

coastal environments including sandy beaches, estuaries, rocky shores, and coral reefs; coastal processes including ocean waves, tides, and currents; coastal hazards including wave overwash and tsunami; climate change impacts on coasts; geographic information systems (GIS); field experiments; numerical modelling

Dr Gabriel Rau

Lecturer- Hydrogeology
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Engineering geology, Hydrogeology, Groundwater, Hydrogeophysics

Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Climate change impact/vulnerability assessment, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Hydrology

If you have a passion for science, sustainability and want to play a part in solving the environmental problems facing our society, the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management at the University of Newcastle is for you. You'll learn to understand and combat the critical issues placing a growing strain on the earth’s natural resources such as climate change, human impacts, and the biodiversity crisis. Find scientific solutions to our current environmental

Dr Alex Callen

Lecturer, Vegetation and Restoration Ecology
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Dr Anita Chalmers

Honorary Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Plant conservation, vegetation management, restoration ecology

Dr Craig Evans

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

microbial species in environmental samples, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) 

Associate Professor Troy Gaston

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Marine, coastal and estuarine ecosystem functioning and health, habitat rehabilitation, fishery productivity

Dr Andrea Griffin

Associate Professor in Wildlife Conservation Science
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Professor Matthew Hayward

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Estuarine and marine ecotoxicology

Professor Michael Mahony

Honorary Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Environmental Science and Management, Frog Species

Dr Bonnie McBain

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Sustainability Science, Learning for sustainability, Science Teaching

Dr Liam Phelan

Senior Lecturer in Multidisciplinary Science
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Climate change, Complex adaptive systems, Environmental Studies

Dr Margaret Platell

Lecturer/Casual Academic
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Aquatic systems, Ecological processes, Fishing and aquaculture impacts

Associate Professor Hannah Power

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

coastal environments including sandy beaches, estuaries, rocky shores, and coral reefs; coastal processes including ocean waves, tides, and currents; coastal hazards including wave overwash and tsunami; climate change impacts on coasts; geographic information systems (GIS); field experiments; numerical modelling

Dr Danielle Verdon-Kidd

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Climate change impact/vulnerability assessment, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Hydrology

Dr Richard Yu

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

EDC, Endocrine disrupting chemicals, Environmental DNA (eDNA)

The Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition is offered at the Ourimbah campus. The degree provides a strong background in the principles underlying the sciences of food technology and human nutrition. This includes the basic sciences, the chemistry and biology of nutrients and the attributes of food, including food commodities and functional foods.

Many countries have alarming rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. New healthy, enticing and tasty products are needed to help with these emerging health threats and graduates of this program are in the best position to make a difference.

Dr Taiwo Akanbi

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Food Bioprocessing; Food Waste Valorisation; Encapsulation for Nutrient Delivery

Dr Emma Beckett

Casual Academic/Casual Academic - Online Development (HEPP)
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Biomedical science, Epigenetics, Science management

Dr Tamara Bucher

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Food labelling, Health perception, Nutrient profiling

Mrs Michelle Challinor

Mrs Michelle Challinor

Associate Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Dr Joseph Pegler

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Food security; Sugar transport, Abiotic stress; Plant physiology; microRNAs

Dr Penta Pristijono

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Edible coating, Food processing, Food safety

Professor Christopher Scarlett

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Biochemistry, Carcinogenesis, Metastases

Dr Quan Vuong

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Bioactives as functional ingredients, food waste utilisation, food preservation

Geography explores the ways that people and places are connected. On the surface this appears to be a simple connection, yet our research demonstrates the complex entanglements and consequences that arise out of various spatial, political, social, cultural, economic and environmental knowledges, practices and processes. The intersection of these is where Science sits.

Future directions for the Discipline must address the existential threat of climate change, its deeper causes, and the differential impacts it will have across communities and places. Geography is uniquely positioned to do so – indeed, this work is already underway. An important research trajectory involves acknowledging different ways of understanding the world and how these understandings shape places and environments. Indigenous frameworks of relationality and reciprocity, which translate into Country-led research projects, exemplify such work and offer an important pathway for more just and sustainable futures. Research which helps to foreground equity and care will be vital for navigating times of change, not just for human communities but also ecological communities. Lastly, a challenge for all Science disciplines is to find effective ways of communicating research to a broader public, to better inform policy and participation, and to help foster resilience for all people and places.

Dr Faith Curtis

Honorary Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Social Geography

Associate Professor Michelle Duffy

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Affect, Community, Embodiment

Dr Paul Hodge

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Dr Bonnie McBain

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Environmental management, Futures analysis, Learning for sustainability

Associate Professor Kathleen Mee

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Assemblage, Belonging, Cultural geography

Professor Simon Springer

Professor of Human Geography
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Southeast Asian studies, Human geography, Social justice

Dr Meg Sherval

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Climate change Impacts, Community engagement, Energy development

Dr Jill Sweeney

Dr Jill Sweeney

Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Social Geography

Professor Sarah Wright

Future Fellow
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Cultural geography, Development studies, Food sovereignty

When you undertake a Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science at UON you will build up your experience through practical activities in a range of marine habitats where you will learn to collect, analyse and present information appropriate for your career. The Bachelor of Coastal and Marine Science allows you to tailor your program to your interests through a wide range of minors while obtaining the core skill for a career relating to coastal and marine environments. This program will help you increase your employability by complimenting traditional science learning in marine and coastal environmental studies with a number of study areas, such as animal biology, education studies, social science and environmental regulation. While undertaking your degree you will have access to boats and field equipment plus a dedicated marine science lab used for undergraduate and postgraduate research activities. If you have an interest in learning about marine environments, their ecosystems and natural processes this is the degree for you.

Associate Professor Troy Gaston

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Bycatch reduction in fisheries, Ecosystem processes, Marine ecology

Dr Megan Huggett

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Bacterioplankton, Environmental change, Marine Ecology

Dr Michael Kinsela

Lecturer - Coastal and Ocean Geoscience
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Coastal risk management, Coastal hazards, Climate change, Coastal barrier-estuary systems, component depositional landforms

Associate Professor Bill Leggat

Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Anthropogenic impacts, Climate change, Coral

Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Estuarine and marine ecotoxicology

Dr Chris Owers

Lecturer - Spatial Information Science
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Spatial science, carbon storage, remote sensing, GIS, coastal science, biogeography, vegetation science, geomorphology, biodiversity

Dr Margaret Platell

Lecturer/Casual Academic
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Benthic ecological processes, Fishing and aquaculture impacts, Food webs

Associate Professor Hannah Power

Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

coastal environments including sandy beaches, estuaries, rocky shores, and coral reefs; coastal processes including ocean waves, tides, and currents; coastal hazards including wave overwash and tsunami; climate change impacts on coasts; geographic information systems (GIS); field experiments; numerical modelling

Dr Vincent Raoult

Casual Senior Research Assistant
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Dr Gabriel Rau

Lecturer- Hydrogeology
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Engineering geology, Hydrogeology, Groundwater, Hydrogeophysics

Dr Michael Stat

Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences

Coral reefs, Environmental DNA, Genetics