Danielle Verdon-Kidd

Dr. Danielle Verdon-Kidd is an Associate Professor in Earth Sciences at the University of Newcastle, specializing in climate variability and extreme event analysis. Her research integrates palaeoclimatology, hydrology, and climatology to understand and mitigate climate-driven risks. She has held roles in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences since 2003, after completing her PhD in Civil Surveying & Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Eng) at the University of Newcastle.

Education:

• PhD (Civil Surveying & Environmental Engineering), University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Eng), University of Newcastle

Research Interests: Her work focuses on climate extremes (droughts, bushfires, tropical cyclones), palaeoclimate reconstructions, and interdisciplinary approaches to risk assessment. She emphasizes leveraging long-term data (e.g., tree rings, coral records) to inform water management, infrastructure planning, and community resilience. Key projects include collaborations with governments and industries to develop tools like CoastAdapt for coastal risk management.

Publications & Awards: Over 100+ publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and conference contributions. Notable awards include the Women in Research Fellowship (2018) and Envisage Program mentorship (2019).

Advising & Partnerships: Supervises undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of climate researchers. Collaborates with federal/state agencies (e.g., NSW Department of Planning), water authorities, and international partners (e.g., University of Melbourne, Hydro Tasmania) to bridge scientific research and practical applications.

Labs & Teams: Leads projects in palaeoclimate reconstruction, stochastic modeling, and climate adaptation. Active in interdisciplinary teams addressing climate change impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, and urban planning.