A/Prof. Phillip Geary
| Work Phone | (02) 4921 6726 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 4921 6925 |
| Phil.Geary@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position |
Associate Professor
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
|
| Office | GG09, Geology |
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Western Sydney, 2005
- Master of Science, University of Newcastle, 1979
- Diploma in Education, University of Newcastle, 1974
- Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle, 1973
Research
Research keywords
- constructed wetlands
- contamination
- groundwater
- wastewater
- water quality
Research expertise
My research field deals with the environmental impacts associated with the treatment and disposal of domestic and agricultural wastewaters. Over the last 17 years I have undertaken research which deals with the movement and fate of contaminants in soils and groundwaters and have also been involved in research into the performance of small-scale treatment systems such as sand filters and constructed wetland systems. During this period I have developed a national and international profile as one of the few researchers involved in this increasingly important field. I have presented research results at National and International conferences.
My research interests are summarised below:
- Environmental impacts associated with the on-site treatment and disposal of domestic and agricultural wastewaters, and stormwaters
- Movement and fate of contaminants in soils and groundwaters
- Performance of small-scale treatment systems such as sand filters and constructed wetland systems
- Effluent transport through vadose zone and tracer applications
- Microbial/pathogen source tracking in catchments
Collaboration
My research focus over the last 20 years while at the university has been in examining the impacts to soil, groundwater and surface water from the application of human and agricultural wastes to land.
In particular I have been involved in studying different types of treatment systems and the fate of contaminants from these waste sources using a range of hydrological, geochemical and microbial tracing techniques.
I have also worked as part of a research team in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences in the Molecular Science and Detection Research Group which has investigated techniques to assist in the identification of faecal sources in catchment ecosystems. My research interests include the following:
- Environmental impacts associated with the on-site treatment and disposal of domestic and agricultural wastewaters, and stormwaters
- Movement and fate of contaminants in soils and groundwaters
- Design and performance of small-scale treatment systems such as sand filters and constructed wetland systems
- Effluent transport through vadose zone and tracer applications using fluorescein, bromide and lithium
- Microbial and pathogen source tracking in catchments, use of fluorescent whitening agents and other tools to track contaminant pathways
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 050299 | Environmental Science And Management Not Elsewhere Classified | 40 |
| 090799 | Environmental Engineering Not Elsewhere Classified | 30 |
| 040399 | Geology Not Elsewhere Classified | 30 |
Memberships
Body relevant to professional practice.
- Australian Society of Soil Science
- Australian Water Association
- Reviewer of NSW Code of Practice - Environment & Health Protection Guidelines
- International Water Association
National & International Standards Committees.
- Technical Advisor to Aust/NZ Standards Committee - Committee W13 to prepare AS/NZS1547
Appointments
|
Expert Technical Witness
NSW Land and Environment Court (Australia) |
01/01/2000 - 01/12/2007 |
Invitations
|
National On-site Wastewater Conference 03 UNE
Lanfax Laboratories/UNE, Australia (Invitation to deliver Keynote Address) |
2003 |
|
Queensland Practitioners' Forum On-site Wastewater Management
Queensland Practitioners' Forum, Australia (Invitation to deliver keynote address) |
2004 |
|
Program Leader
DEST, Australia (Invitation to be Program Leader on DEST CRC Integrated Resource Solutions Bid in 2006) |
2006 |
|
Reviewer
Various academic publishers, Australia (Invitation to review submitted papers to academic journals) |
2006 |
|
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
American Society of Civil Engineers, United States (Invitation to submit review paper to academic journal) |
2006 |
|
Reviewer
University of Newcastle, Australia (Invitations to review submitted PhD Papers) |
2006 |
|
Director
Wetlands Centre, Australia (Invited to Board of Directors of Wetlands Centre) |
2003 |
Administrative
Administrative expertise
Since 1999 I have been involved in a number of aspects of University Governance involving administration. Between 2001 and 2004 I was Program Convenor of the Bachelor of Environmental Science program and was responsible for coordinating the undergraduate program and also chairing the program committee responsible for the program's major review and subsequent restructure. The current Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management Program is the result of this ongoing committee work during my tenure as Program Convenor. I have also been closely involved with the program review in the coursework Master of Environmental Studies program and was appointed Head of the Earth Science Discipline in the School of Environmental and Life Science in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology in May 2006. I have been able to demonstrate leadership in the positions I have held within the University. I am committed to improving existing university structures, and particularly, the teaching program in environmental science.
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- earth science
- environmental science
- hydrology
- soil science
Teaching expertise
I have been teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses at this University for 17 years. In the courses I have developed I successfully integrate the theoretical aspects of environmental science with the practice of environmental management. My teaching in environmental science reflects my interdisciplinary background and each of the courses is enhanced by my own practical experiences and my past and current research.
Since 1999, I have coordinated 15 undergraduate courses, been involved in postgraduate coursework teaching, supervised 11 research theses and also been involved in extensive curriculum planning and development in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management Program.
In addition to my University teaching, I have developed, and regularly contribute to, a training course offered by a professional training organisation. I have personally delivered over 60 short courses on On-Site Domestic Wastewater Disposal throughout Australia and New Zealand over the last 12 years and am widely known for this work. As a consequence, I am acknowledged as one of major figures in training in this field and the association between this program and The University of Newcastle is widely recognised. My teaching style is regarded as articulate. My lectures in these short courses, as well my undergraduate teaching, are always well prepared and my presentations are accompanied by well prepared graphics.
Teaching interests
I have held various appointments at The University of Newcastle since 1990 and have for all of that time been involved in both teaching and research.
With respect to teaching, I have taught many courses in the following undergraduate and postgraduate programs (Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management, Bachelor of Science and Master of Environmental Studies).
I currently coordinate and teach the following undergraduate courses: ENVS1060 Environmental Chemical & Physical Processes; GEOS2080 Earth Science Field Methods; GEOS2070 Climatology and Soils & EMGT3100 Environmental Remediation.
As well as University teaching, I have also been involved in developing Short Courses dealing with small scale wastewater treatment and the land application of wastes over the last 15 years.