Dr Anita Chalmers

Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Environmental Science and Management)

Email:anita.chalmers@newcastle.edu.au
Phone:(02) 4349 4462

Career Summary

Biography

Dr Anita Chalmers is a plant ecologist/botanist within the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her research interests aims to improve the management of vegetation by understanding its response to natural and human disturbances. She has research experience in a number of different terrestrial ecosystems (rainforest, grassland, heath, riverine and freshwater wetlands, saltmarsh), but has a particular passion for grasses, sedges and rushes.

Anita is currently working on the riparian vegetation of Wollombi Brook, and its tributaries, with Professor Erskine as well as vegetation on Gulungal Creek in the Northern Territory with Professor Erskine and Dr Saynor. More research on the the links between vegetation, fluvial processes and sediment dynamics is needed if we are to effectively manage and restore riverine vegetation. Understanding how riparian and floodplain plant species respond to wet and dry climatic periods is also needed to help us predict the impacts of climate change on riparian vegetation.

Please see "Projects" to get an idea of previous and current research projects and collaborators.

Research Expertise

Ecology of riparian & floodplain plants and their role in river recovery, i.e. interaction between riparian plants, floods, water-table, sediment deposition.
Threatened wetland plant communities and threatened species - e.g. woody wetland EECs (Swamp Sclerophyll Forest and Parramatta Red Gum woodland), Prostanthera junonis, Darwinia glaucophylla and Grevillea shiressii.
Plant traits - e.g. plant traits and plant functional groups in relation to disturbance
Fire disturbance - e.g. effects in Wallum Heath (dominated by Banksia aemula), Flannel flower (Actinotis helianthi), Hanging Swamps.

Teaching Expertise
Dr Anita Chalmers has been teaching in the disciplines of Sustainable Resource Management and Environmental Science and Management since 1999. She has taught a wide range of courses resulting in a broad interdisciplinary understanding of ecosystems and their management. Her teaching expertise includes:

Vegetation ecology, assessment, botany and plant identification (ENVS2005 & SRMT3010);
Sustainable agriculture and forestry (SRMT3050);
Land/vegetation degradation (ENVS2005 & SRMT3050)- including threatened plant species and communities;
Restoration ecology (SRMT3060) ;
Freshwater ecosystems (SRMT2030);
Environmental values and attitudes (SRMT2010).

Administrative Expertise

Course co-ordination - March 1999 - ongoing;
RHD Co-ordinator -Discipline Environmental Science & Management - July 2017 - ongoing;
Member – NSW Scientific Committee (Ministerial Appointment) (2014 – 2016).
Honours Program Convenor - Discipline of Applied Science July 2006 - July 2010;
Member - Faculty Student Recruitment Committee (2003/2004) and Faculty Community & Marketing Working Group (2009-2012);
Member – Central Coast Regional Vegetation Committee (Ministerial Appointment) (2001-2003);

Collaborations (see "Projects" for further information)

Collaboration with fluvial geomorphologists to investigate the links between vegetation and river processes.
Collaboration with Landcare/bushcare groups to obtain better on-ground outcomes for restoration projects.
Collaboration with biochemists to investigate the medicinal properties of plants.

Qualifications

PhD, University of New England
Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle

Keywords

Australian flora
floodplain vegetation
plant conservation
plant ecology
restoration
riparian vegetation
river restoration
riverine plant species
woody wetlands

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
060204	Freshwater Ecology	25
060208	Terrestrial Ecology	25
050202	Conservation and Biodiversity	50

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title	Organisation / Department
Lecturer	University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia

Academic appointment

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
1/02/2014 -	Committee Member (Ministerial Appointment)	NSW Scientific Committee Australia
1/01/2001 - 1/12/2003	Committee Member (NSW Ministerial Appointment)	Central Coast Regional Vegetation Committee Australia

Membership

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
	Member - Hunter/Central Coast Region National Parks and Wildlife Services Research Committee	Hunter/Central Coast Region National Parks and Wildlife Services Research Committee Australia
1/01/2010 -	Member - Australian Ecological Society	Australian Ecological Society Australia

Professional appointment

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
1/03/1997 - 1/03/1999	Project Manager/Research Assistant	John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle Newcastle Environmental Toxicology Research Unit Australia

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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.

Journal article (32 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2019

Hayward MW, Scanlon RJ, Callen A, Howell LG, Klop-Toker KL, Di Blanco Y, et al., 'Reintroducing rewilding to restoration ¿ Rejecting the search for novelty', Biological Conservation, 233 255-259 (2019) [C1]

© 2019 Rewilding is emerging as a major issue in conservation. However, there are currently a dozen definitions of rewilding that include Pleistocene rewilding, island rewilding, trophic rewilding, functional rewilding and passive rewilding, and these remain fuzzy, lack clarity and, hence, hinder scientific discourse. Based on current definitions, it is unclear how the interventions described under the rewilding umbrella differ from those framed within the long-standing term ¿restoration¿. Even projects held up as iconic rewilding endeavours invariably began as restoration projects (e.g., Oostvaaderplassen; Pleistocene Park; the return of wolves to Yellowstone, etc.). Similarly, rewilding organisations (e.g., Rewilding Europe) typically began with a restoration focus. Scientific discourse requires precise language. The fuzziness of existing definitions of rewilding and lack of distinction from restoration practices means that scientific messages cannot be transferred accurately to a policy or practice framework. We suggest that the utility of ¿rewilding¿ as a term is obsolete, and hence recommend scientists and practitioners use ¿restoration¿ instead.

DOI	10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.011
Co-authors	Alex Callen, Andrea Griffin, John Rodger, John Clulow, Rose Upton Uon, Matthew Hayward, Simon Clulow

2018

Vuong QV, Hong NTP, Vu HT, Trung TD, Thanh VN, Chalmers AC, 'Fruit characteristics, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)', HELIYON, 4 (2018) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00834
Citations	Scopus - 1
Co-authors	Vanquan Vuong

2018

Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'An array of bioactive compounds from Australian eucalypts and their relevance in pancreatic cancer therapeutics', Pancreas, 47 690-707 (2018) [C1]

DOI	10.1097/MPA.0000000000001074
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer

2018

Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Bond DR, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Eucalyptus microcorys leaf extract derived HPLC-fraction reduces the viability of MIA PaCa-2 cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle', Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 105 449-460 (2018) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.150
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, Danielle Bond

2017

Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Development of the ultrasonic conditions as an advanced technique for extraction of phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus robusta', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 52 100-112 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.1080/01496395.2016.1250777
Citations	Scopus - 2Web of Science - 3
Co-authors	Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, Ian Vanaltena, C Scarlett

2017

Ngoc MQP, Chalmers AC, Vuong QV, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Characterising the Physical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of the Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) Fruit', TECHNOLOGIES, 5 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.3390/technologies5030057
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong

2017

Bhuyan DJ, Sakoff J, Bond DR, Predebon M, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, et al., 'In vitro anticancer properties of selected Eucalyptus species', IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL, 53 604-615 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.1007/s11626-017-0149-y
Citations	Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6
Co-authors	Michael Bowyer, Jennette Sakoff, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Danielle Bond, Ian Vanaltena

2017

Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Bond DR, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Exploring the Least Studied Australian Eucalypt Genera: Corymbia and Angophora for Phytochemicals with Anticancer Activity against Pancreatic Malignancies', CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, 14 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.1002/cbdv.201600291
Citations	Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4
Co-authors	Michael Bowyer, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Ian Vanaltena, Danielle Bond

2017

Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, van Altena IA, Scarlett CJ, 'Phytochemical, antibacterial and antifungal properties of an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus microcorys leaves', SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, 112 180-185 (2017) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.sajb.2017.05.030
Citations	Scopus - 8Web of Science - 6
Co-authors	Ian Vanaltena, C Scarlett, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong

2016

Tozer M, Chalmers AC, 'Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion should remain listed as a Threatened Ecological Community until strong evidence emerges in support of delisting', Cunninghamia, 16 31-34 (2016) [C1]

DOI	10.7751/cunninghamia.2016.16.004

2016

Bhuyan D, Vuong QV, Chalmers A, van Altena I, Bowyer M, Scarlett C, 'Investigation of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of selected Eucalyptus species using conventional extraction', Chemical Papers, 70 567-575 (2016) [C1]

DOI	10.1515/chempap-2015-0237
Citations	Scopus - 7Web of Science - 8
Co-authors	Ian Vanaltena, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett, Michael Bowyer

2015

Vuong QV, Hirun S, Chuen TLK, Goldsmith CD, Munro B, Bowyer MC, et al., 'Physicochemical, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity of a Eucalyptus robusta (Sm.) leaf aqueous extract', INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS, 64 167-174 (2015) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.10.061
Citations	Scopus - 18Web of Science - 16
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Jennette Sakoff, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong

2015

Tozer M, Chalmers AC, 'Should Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion be listed as a Threatened Ecological Community?', Cunninghamia, 15 201-201 (2015)

DOI	10.7751/cunninghamia.2015.15.011

2015

Munro B, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Goldsmith CD, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties of Euphorbia tirucalli Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts.', Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 4 647-661 (2015) [C1]

DOI	10.3390/antiox4040647
Citations	Web of Science - 9
Co-authors	Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett

2015

Bhuyan DJ, Quan VV, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Microwave-assisted extraction of Eucalyptus robusta leaf for the optimal yield of total phenolic compounds', INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS, 69 290-299 (2015) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.02.044
Citations	Scopus - 44Web of Science - 45
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong, Ian Vanaltena

2015

Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Comparison of long-stem and standard tube-stock performance five years after planting in a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of NSW', Ecological Management and Restoration, 16 236-238 (2015) [C1]

DOI	10.1111/emr.12175

2015

Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Jyoti Bhuyan D, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Botanical, phytochemical, and anticancer properties of the eucalyptus species', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 12 907-924 (2015) [C1]

Copyright © 2015 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich. The genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) is mainly native to Australia; however, some species are now distributed globally. Eucalyptus has been used in indigenous Australian medicines for the treatment of a range of aliments including colds, flu, fever, muscular aches, sores, internal pains, and inflammation. Eucalyptus oils containing volatile compounds have been widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for a multitude of purposes. In addition, Eucalyptus extracts containing nonvolatile compounds are also an important source of key bioactive compounds, and several studies have linked Eucalyptus extracts with anticancer properties. With the increasing research interest in Eucalyptus and its health properties, this review briefly outlines the botanical features of Eucalyptus, discusses its traditional use as medicine, and comprehensively reviews its phytochemical and anticancer properties and, finally, proposes trends for future studies.

DOI	10.1002/cbdv.201400327
Citations	Scopus - 17Web of Science - 14
Co-authors	C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer

2014

Vuong QV, Hirun S, Chuen TLK, Goldsmith CD, Bowyer MC, Chalmers AC, et al., 'Physicochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-proliferative capacity of a lilly pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) extract', Journal of Herbal Medicine, 4 134-140 (2014) [C1]

Lilly pilly (LP) fruit (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) is widely grown in eastern Australia and has been used as food by indigenous Australians. However, there is limited informati... [more]

Lilly pilly (LP) fruit (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) is widely grown in eastern Australia and has been used as food by indigenous Australians. However, there is limited information on its bioactivity. This study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the crude fruit extract, identified its bioactive compounds and also assessed its potential anti-proliferative effect on pancreatic cancer cells. Our data showed that the LP extract was water-soluble and possessed a total phenolic content of 96 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, flavonoid levels of 52 mg catechin equivalents (CAE)/g, proanthocyanidin levels of 29 mg CAE/g. Several phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin were identified in the LP extract with levels of 0.39, 2.35, 0.47 and 2.9 mg/g, respectively. Results from six different antioxidant assays revealed that the LP extract pocessed potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. Although antioxidant capacity of the extract was lower than that of vitamin E, vitamin C and BHT, it could be significantly improved if the extract was to be further purified. We also showed that the LP extract (200 µg/mL) significantly reduced the viability of MiaPaCa-2 and ASPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells to levels comparable to that of the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. For this reason lilly pilly should be further investigated for its health promoting and potential anti-cancer benefits, particularly for pancreatic cancer. © 2014 Elsevier GmbH.

DOI	10.1016/j.hermed.2014.04.003
Citations	Scopus - 17Web of Science - 16
Co-authors	Michael Bowyer, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong

2014

Booyens C, Chalmers AC, Beckers D, 'The effect of disturbance regime on Darwinia glaucophylla (Myrtaceae) and its habitat.', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 136 231-244 (2014) [C1]

2013

Erskine F, Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, 'Survival of Casuarina cunninghamiana on a recovering sand-bed stream in the Wollombi Valley of coastal New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 13 295-304 (2013) [C1]

DOI	10.7751/cunninghamia.2013.007

2012

Chalmers A, Erskine WD, Erskine F, 'Partial geomorphic and floristic recovery of an incised channel over the last twenty years on dairy arm, hunter valley, Australia 101-130 (2012)

Dairy Arm is a small sand-bed stream whose channel and flood plain were essentially cleared of woody vegetation by early European settlers in the 1820s to 1880s for agriculture. C... [more]

Dairy Arm is a small sand-bed stream whose channel and flood plain were essentially cleared of woody vegetation by early European settlers in the 1820s to 1880s for agriculture. Channel incision of Dairy Arm was initiated on 17-18 June 1949 by a catastrophic flood and resulted in substantial erosion of the channel in the upstream part of the channel network and massive deposition in downstream reaches. River training works carried out in the depositional zone between 1982 and 1991 predominately involved the installation of cylindrical wire mesh barriers for bank protection, stockproof fencing and the planting of exotic poplars and willows and native river she-oaks. Thirteen permanently marked valley-floor cross sections were surveyed on three occasions between 1981 and 2009. Quantitative data from the cross sections show that the incision cycle initiated by the 1949 flood essentially finished in the early 1990s. Recovery from incision is now well advanced and, in the former incised zone, involves channel contraction, bank revegetation (predominately grasses) and spatially discontinuous bed erosion. Bed erosion involves the creation of a pool-riffle sequence or chain of ponds, and is also very active in the former depositional zone. Channel width has contracted by the construction of a new bench and flood plain in the bed of the former incised channel. In 2009/2010, the vegetation on the bar/bed, bench and flood plain at six cross sections was sampled and the abundance of plant functional types examined. Floristic recovery on Dairy Arm is evidenced by the diversity of plant functional types present on fluvial landforms, by native and exotic species being evenly represented, and by the presence of species indicative of the reference plant community. A lack of catastrophic floods, the exclusion of livestock by river training works, presence of remnant vegetation in the upstream reaches of Dairy Arm (as well as where the channel abuts steep valley slopes), scattered shade trees retained on the flood plain, burial of introduced pasture by substantial sand deposition and the resulting reduction in stocking rates have all played a role in this recovery. Whilst the abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants is good and they have played a crucial role in channel contraction, the same is not the case for woody species. Woody plants are present on the benches, banks and flood plain, but their abundance appears to be limited by grazing and the lack of supply of propagules. The absence of overstorey vegetation is hindering the recovery of important ecological functions, such as the regulation of stream temperature and the supply of large wood for further pool development. Full recovery of both the geomorphic processes and floristic diversity on Dairy Arm will take a long time yet because of the substantial lag time in natural recruitment from planted or remnant vegetation and the production of large wood from overstorey vegetation. This study shows that partial geomorphic and floristic recovery of an incised channel is possible in an agricultural setting, where grazing has been intermittent and stocking densities are low. However, progression to full recovery would be greatly enhanced by protecting the woody vegetation regenerating on the benches, banks and flood plain from livestock. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Citations	Scopus - 1

2012

Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, Cheetham M, Chalmers AC, 'Influence of riparian vegetation on channel widening and subsequent contraction on a sand-bed stream since European settlement: Widden Brook, Australia', Geomorphology, 147-148 102-114 (2012) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 20Web of Science - 23
Co-authors	Richard Bush

2012

Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene AF, Bush RT, 'Relationship between vegetation, hydrology and fluvial landforms on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, Australia', Austral Ecology, 37 193-203 (2012) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 4Web of Science - 5
Co-authors	Richard Bush

2012

Erskine WD, Saynor MJ, Chalmers AC, Riley SJ, 'Water, wind, wood, and trees: Interactions, spatial variations, temporal dynamics, and their potential role in river rehabilitation', Geographical Research, 50 60-74 (2012) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 8Web of Science - 11

2012

Payne R, Chalmers AC, Laxton J, 'Understanding the characteristics of a groundwater-dependent ecosystem: Eucalyptus parramattensis Woodland at Porters Creek Wetland, NSW', Cunninghamia, 12 191-211 (2012) [C1]

DOI	10.7751/cunninghamia.2012.12.016

2009

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Keene A, Cheetham M, Bush R, 'Role of a rheophyte in bench development on a sand-bed river in southeast Australia', Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34 941-953 (2009) [C1]

DOI	10.1002/esp.1778
Citations	Scopus - 27Web of Science - 24
Co-authors	Richard Bush

2007

Todarello P, Chalmers AC, 'The characteristics of five species of hollow-bearing trees on the New South Wales Central Coast', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 128 1-14 (2007) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 4

2007

Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Improved growth and survival of deep-planted long-stem tube-stock within a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of New South Wales: Preliminary results', Ecological Management & Restoration, 8 151-154 (2007) [C1]

DOI	10.1111/j.1442-8903.2007.00355.x
Citations	Scopus - 1

2005

Chalmers AC, McIntyre S, Whalley RDB, Reid N, 'Grassland species response to soil disturbance and nutrient enrichment on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales', Australian Journal of Botany, 53 485-499 (2005) [C1]

DOI	10.1071/BT04211
Citations	Scopus - 8

2003

Hensley MJ, Chalmers AC, Clover K, Gibson PG, Toneguzzi R, Lewis PR, 'Symptoms of Asthma: Comparison of a Parent-Completed Retrospective Questionnaire With a Prospective Daily Symptom Diary', Pediatric Pulmonology, 36 509-513 (2003) [C1]

DOI	10.1002/ppul.10360
Citations	Scopus - 22Web of Science - 21
Co-authors	Michael Hensley, Peter Gibson

2001

Gibson PG, Simpson J, Chalmers AC, Toneguzzi R, Wark PA, Wilson AJ, Hensley MJ, 'Airway Eosinophilia is associated with Wheeze but is uncommon in Children with Persistent Cough and Frequent Chest Colds', American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 164 977-981 (2001) [C1]

Citations	Scopus - 49Web of Science - 37
Co-authors	Jodie Simpson, Amanda Wilson, Peter Wark, Michael Hensley, Peter Gibson

1994

Chalmers AC, Turner JC, 'Climbing plants in relation to their supports in a stand of dry rainforest in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.', Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W, 114 73-90 (1994) [C1]

Show 29 more journal articles

Conference (7 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2015

Bond D, Turner A, Richmond R, Sadeqzadeh E, Vuong Q, Bhuyan D, et al., 'THE SEARCH FOR NOVEL TREATMENT AGENTS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER: TALES FROM THE LAND AND SEA', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2015) [E3]

Co-authors	Danielle Bond, Ian Vanaltena, Troy Gaston, Michael Bowyer, Judith Weidenhofer, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett, Jennette Sakoff

2014

Sadeqzadeh E, Vuong QV, Goldsmith CD, Nguyen VT, Bhuyan DJ, Trung TD, et al., 'A NATURAL PRODUCT DRUG DISCOVERY PIPELINE FOR NOVEL PANCREATIC CANCER THERAPIES: A NEW CANCER RESEARCH HUB FOR THE HUNTER REGION OF NSW', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2014) [E3]

Co-authors	Michael Bowyer, Troy Gaston, Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, Ian Vanaltena, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett, Rick Thorne, Judith Weidenhofer

2010

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Townley-Jones ME, 'The importance of sediment control for recovery of incised channels', Sediment Dynamics for a Changing Future, Warsaw, Poland (2010) [E1]

Citations	Scopus - 4Web of Science - 1
Co-authors	Maureen Townley-Jones

2009

Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, 'Flow regimes influencing riparian vegetation on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, NSW', H2009: Proceedings of H2009, the 32nd Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, Newcastle, NSW (2009) [E1]

Co-authors	Richard Bush

2009

Keene A, Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Bush R, Cheetham M, 'Riparian revegetation and creation of a pool-riffle sequence by river restoration works on the sand-bedded Widden Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]

Co-authors	Richard Bush

2009

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, 'Natural river recovery from catastrophic channel changes by vegetation invasion of the sand-bedded Wollombi Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]

2006

Chalmers AC, 'Trait differences between exotic and native species within a long-grazed temperate grassland on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales', Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference, Adelaide, SA (2006) [E1]

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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants	11
Total funding	$159,525

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.

20182 grants / $39,200

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$30,000

Funding body: Mt Owen Pty Limited

Funding body	Mt Owen Pty Limited
Project Team	Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2018
Funding Finish	2018
GNo	G1800639
Type Of Funding	C3111 - Aust For profit
Category	3111
UON	Y

Identifying indicators of restoration success in saltmarshes$9,200

Funding body: Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)

Funding body	Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)
Project Team	Doctor Troy Gaston, Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2018
Funding Finish	2019
GNo	G1800844
Type Of Funding	C3111 - Aust For profit
Category	3111
UON	Y

20173 grants / $30,000

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$15,000

Funding body: Ravensworth Operations Pty Limited

Funding body	Ravensworth Operations Pty Limited
Project Team	Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo	G1701594
Type Of Funding	C3111 - Aust For profit
Category	3111
UON	Y

Identifying indicators of restoration success in saltmarshes$10,000

Funding body: NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)

Funding body	NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)
Project Team	Doctor Troy Gaston, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Kylie Russell, Craig Copeland, Dr Matt Taylor
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo	G1701111
Type Of Funding	C2220 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Other
Category	2220
UON	Y

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$5,000

Funding body: Eastern Creek Operations Pty limited

Funding body	Eastern Creek Operations Pty limited
Project Team	Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo	G1701589
Type Of Funding	C3111 - Aust For profit
Category	3111
UON	Y

20151 grants / $49,128

Williams River Catchment Improvement Program$49,128

Funding body: Hunter Water Corporation

Funding body	Hunter Water Corporation
Project Team	Doctor Troy Gaston, Conjoint Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Debashish Mazumder
Scheme	Research Consultancy
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2015
GNo	G1501235
Type Of Funding	C2210 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Own Purpose
Category	2210
UON	Y

20111 grants / $1,000

What factors influence the habitat, distribution and population structure of Grevillea shiressii Blakely (Proteaceae) a threatened species of the Central Coast of New South Wales?$1,000

Funding body: Australian Plants Society

Funding body	Australian Plants Society
Project Team	Doctor Anita Chalmers, Ms Diane Warman
Scheme	Valette Williams Scholarship in Botany
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2011
Funding Finish	2012
GNo	G1200762
Type Of Funding	Grant - Aust Non Government
Category	3AFG
UON	Y

20061 grants / $29,197

Equity Research Fellowship Semester 1, 2006$29,197

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme	Equity Research Fellowship
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2006
Funding Finish	2006
GNo	G0185992
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

20051 grants / $1,000

Hanging swamps of the Central Coast Plateau$1,000

Funding body: Central Coast Community Environment Network Inc.

Funding body	Central Coast Community Environment Network Inc.
Project Team	Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2005
Funding Finish	2005
GNo	G0185192
Type Of Funding	Contract - Aust Non Government
Category	3AFC
UON	Y

20021 grants / $5,000

Factors influencing the population dynamics of Prostathera Junonis.$5,000

Funding body: Gosford City Council

Funding body	Gosford City Council
Project Team	Ms Robin Stanger, Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme	Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2002
Funding Finish	2002
GNo	G0181648
Type Of Funding	Other Public Sector - Local
Category	2OPL
UON	Y

20001 grants / $5,000

Disturbance and the Integrity of Vegetation Remnants along Streambanks: The Wingello Creek Pilot Study.$5,000

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme	Early Career Researcher Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2000
Funding Finish	2000
GNo	G0179322
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

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Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed4

Current4

Current Supervision

Commenced	Level of Study	Research Title	Program	Supervisor Type
2017	PhD	Examining the Myth of Fast-Forwarding	PhD (Environmental Sc), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Principal Supervisor
2017	PhD	Evaluating Governance System of Climate Change Mitigation Projects in Bangladesh: A GO-NGO Perspective	PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2017	PhD	Identifying Indicators of Restoration Success in Saltmarshes	PhD (Marine Science), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2015	PhD	Impact of Environmental Governance on Local Livelihoods in Forest Protected Areas of Bangladesh: A Study at Lawachara National Park	PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor

Past Supervision

Year	Level of Study	Research Title	Program	Supervisor Type
2017	PhD	Processes, Rates and Pathways to Recovering River Channel Functions Through Geomorphically Effective Floods: A Case Study of the Highly Regulated Snowy River Downstream of Jindabyne Dam, Australia	PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Principal Supervisor
2011	Masters	The Effect of Disturbance Regimes (Fire and Slashing) on Populations of Darwinia Glaucophylla on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia	M Philosophy (SustainResMngt), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Principal Supervisor
2011	Masters	Attitudes, Values, and Knowledge Relating to Australian Native Wildlife	M Philosophy (Psychology), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2006	PhD	Response of Frog Populations to Habitat Attributes and Riparian Zone Rehabilitation Across an Urban-Rural Gradient in the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia	PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor

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Research Projects

Riverine vegetation in the Hunter Valley of NSW 2005 - 2019

A productive research partnership with Professor Wayne Erskine (fluvial geomorphologist), since 2004, has contributed to the UoN research strength in geosciences. At Widden Brook and Wollombi Brook in the Hunter Valley of NSW we investigated the links between vegetation and channel contraction after historical over-widening of a sand-bed stream. We demonstrated the important role that River She-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) plays in the formation of fluvial landforms. Anita also established the flow regimes typically experienced by River Oaks at Widden Brook.
It is planned for this project will be expanded to other locations on Wollombi Brook and the Hunter River. This research benefits the Australian community by helping government agencies and landowners reduce risks when managing freshwater wetlands.

Publications

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Townley-Jones ME, 'The importance of sediment control for recovery of incised channels', Sediment Dynamics for a Changing Future, Warsaw, Poland (2010) [E1]

Completed Honours Research Projects 2002 - 2019

Anita has supervised numerous Honours research projects that will assist government agencies and landowners to manage endangered ecological communities, threatened plant species and fauna that depend on plant resources such as tree hollows. This type of ecological research benefiting the whole of society by reducing the risks in environmental decision-making.

Year	Research Topic	Theme	End-user benefits
2002	Response of a Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) forest community to an environmental gradient at Porter’s Creek wetland.	Endangered Ecological Community	Council Reserve management, environmental decision making
2002	Factors influencing the population dynamics of the endangered plant: Prostanthera junonis.	Threatened Species	National Park management Council - environmental decision making
2004	Response of Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower) populations to fire and soil type.	Fire Ecology	National Park management
2004	Number and types of cavities in eucalypt species on the Central Coast of NSW.	Fauna Conservation	National Park management Council - environmental decision making
2004	Effect of fire frequency on the Wallum heath vegetation communities of Bouddi National Park.	Fire Ecology	National Park management
2005	Plant diversity in the rocky Hawkesbury sandstone landscapes of Brisbane Water National Park	Fire Ecology	National Park management
2006	Defining Hanging Swamps on the Somersby Plateau, NSW. An examination of floristics, structure and influence of fire.	Endangered Ecological Community	Landowners & National Parks - wetland management Council - environmental decision making
2006	The effect of fragment size and disturbance on population structure and health of Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) within the Lower Dora Creek Catchment.	Endangered Ecological Community	Council - environmental decision making Landowners - wetland management
2008	The effects of fire frequency on tree hollow resources within coastal woodlands on the Central Coast of NSW	Fauna Conservation	National Park management
2011	The efficacy of different sampling methods in saltmarsh vegetation within the Brisbane Water estuary on the Central Coast of NSW	Endangered Ecological Community	National Park management Council - environmental decision making
2011	The regeneration of Casuarina cunninghamiana: a major riparian species on sand bed streams	River Ecology	Landowners - wetland management Council - environmental decision making
2012	Distribution, habitat and population structure of the rare Grevillea shiressii in relation to flooding and fire disturbance.	Threatened Species	National Park management Landowners - wetland management
2018	Tree hollows and arboreal marsupial food plants within floodplain and footslope communities in the Central Coast of NSW	Fauna Conservation	National Park management Council - environmental decision making
2019	Environmental factors affecting the distribution of threatened shrub Tasmannia glaucifolia (Fragrant Pepperbush) in the Barrington Tops National Park.	Threatened Species	National Park management
2019	Montane Peatlands and Swamps Endangered Ecological Community in the Barrington Tops National Park, NSW.	Endangered Ecological Community	National Park management Landowners - wetland management

Publications

Erskine F, Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, 'Survival of Casuarina cunninghamiana on a recovering sand-bed stream in the Wollombi Valley of coastal New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 13 295-304 (2013) [C1]

Long-stem planting 2005 - 2010

In this project Anita collaborated with the Australian Plants Society (Central Coast Group) and Gosford City Council on a field experiment established in the edge of a rainforest at Katandra Reserve near Gosford. The experiment tested how useful the long-stem planting technique (developed by Bill Hicks for riparian zones) is for rainforest restoration. We found no significant benefit of the technique in this particular location, but acknowledge that further study is needed in other locations and over a longer time-scale.

Publications

Bioactive plant compounds 2018

Anita's botanical skills and expertise helps Dr Quan Vuong's research identifying, extracting and purifying bioactive compounds for use in the pharmaceutical and neutraceutical industries and Associate Professor Chris Scarlett's research testing the efficacy of bioactive compounds as novel therapeutics in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Publications

Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Jyoti Bhuyan D, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Botanical, phytochemical, and anticancer properties of the eucalyptus species', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 12 907-924 (2015) [C1]

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