Institute Contacts
Professor Tim Roberts
Professor Tim Roberts is the Director of The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment.
Professor Roberts took up the position of Director, following the completion of his tenure as Dean of Research at JCU Singapore. His previous tenure was as inaugural Dean of the Singapore campus of the University of Newcastle, Australia.
In line with his appointment as Conjoint Professor in Biology he continues to be active in research in the laboratory of his long-time collaborator, Associate Professor Hugh Dunstan, at the University of Newcastle. He has published 100 papers.
Belinda McNab
Belinda has been with the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment since soon after it began in 2006. She is responsible for the design and layout of all publications and advertising materials, organisation of Forums and Community Engagement activities, as well as looking after the financial and administrative functions of the Institute.
"Since I began working at the Institute in 2006, I have seen it go from strength to strength, and in 2010, we have engaged more with the Region than ever before, a trend that I see continuing in the years to come".
Belinda.McNab@newcastle.edu.au
Dr Gary Ellem
Dr Gary Ellem received his PhD in Biophysics from the University of Newcastle (Australia) and followed on to lecture in Biology and Ecology.
He moved to an innovative technology development and consulting company the ‘Crucible Group Pty Ltd’ as a Senior Scientist and Strategic Analyst in the cleantech innovation space. As a private consultant he worked on projects such as the ‘Blueprint for a Low Carbon Hunter Valley’ and he has now rejoined the University of Newcastle as the Sustainable Futures Program Manager at the Tom Farrell Institute For the Environment. In this role Dr Ellem has initiated the Carbon Valley 2050 think tank which has gone on to develop the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival and the Diamonds from Coal initiative.
Dr Ellem is an expert on sustainable industry development in resource intensive regions and is currently investigating strategic linkages between sustainability, corporate social responsibility and opportunities for transformational approaches to regional innovation and industry development.
Dr Ellem has registered IP in the fields of wireless signal communications, the thermal processing of Biomass and micro algae photobioreactor design.
Dr Steven Lucas
Steven has over 10 years of experience in sustainable water (and soil) management and has contributed to the development of water systems understanding. Dr Lucas has been involved in (with the aim of optimising systems):
- Analysis of centralised and decentralised water supply systems (sources, treatment, delivery to users and disposal)
- Analysis of centralised and decentralised wastewater treatment systems (conveyance, treatment and disposal/reuse)
- Analysis of centralised and decentralised stormwater systems (retention, detention, discharge peaks and volumes); including WSUD principles aimed at promoting infiltration to soil storage and groundwater
- Developing sustainable approaches to sourcing fit-for-purpose water at the point-of-use and integration of available mains water, rainwater, stormwater and wastewater systems, and
- Water quality, irrigation practices and soil/water dynamics
Danielle Lloyd-Prichard
Creative and results-driven engagement professional with an 18-year record of achievement in coordinating, developing, promoting, delivering and evaluating environmental sustainability programs across the Northern Territory and Hunter Region of Australia. Excellent skills in communicating, inspiring and motivating others to implement simple solutions to complex environmental issues using a hands-on, lead by example management style which fosters a culture of teamwork, shared mission and dedication to excellence and the environment.