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Professor Patrick Moss is a leading academic in Physical Geography and Head of School at QUT's School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. His research focuses on understanding landscape responses to climate change and human impacts, with expertise in palaeoecology, Quaternary Science, and environmental management. He holds a PhD from Monash University and supervises PhD and undergraduate students in these disciplines. Key research interests include wetland resilience, fire ecology, and the application of palynology to environmental history. His work integrates archaeological perspectives to address contemporary conservation challenges, such as ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation strategies. Publications span over three decades, emphasizing global fire regimes, human-environment interactions, and Quaternary environmental reconstruction. Collaborations include international projects on peatlands, monsoon variability, and volcanic ash stratigraphy.

• Palaeoecology
• Quaternary Science
• Environmental Management
• +5 more

Associate Professor Marco Coolen is an academic at Curtin University, serving as Deputy Director of the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre. He holds a joint affiliation with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on molecular palaeoecology and geomicrobiology, particularly using ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to study past ecosystem-climate interactions and microbial responses to environmental changes. Coolen has led projects funded by institutions like the US National Science Foundation (NSF), investigating topics such as monsoon-driven OMZ expansions in the Indian Ocean and microbial activities in subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. Education and Professional Background: Coolen completed his PhD in Oldenburg and held postdoctoral roles at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and the University of Groningen. He later served as an Associate Scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) before joining Curtin in 2015. His expertise spans microbial ecology, lipid biomarkers, and bioinformatics analysis of metagenomic datasets. Research Interests: Coolen’s work integrates cutting-edge molecular tools (e.g., metatranscriptomics) with traditional geochemical proxies to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Key areas include microbial life in impact craters (e.g., Chicxulub), permafrost thaw dynamics, and the role of organic matter in the carbon cycle. His recent studies explore microbial communities in extreme environments like hydrothermal systems and granitoid rocks. Awards and Grants: He has received the WHOI Ocean Life Institute Fellowship (2008–2011) and the NWO-ALW VENI Award (2004). His collaborations include high-impact groups such as Prof. Kliti Grice’s team at Curtin and international projects like IODP-ICDP drilling of the Chicxulub crater. Lab and Teams: Coolen leads the WA Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre, focusing on interdisciplinary research in geobiology and organic geochemistry. He co-advises PhD students and supervises postdoctoral researchers in projects involving ancient DNA analysis and microbial genomics.

• Molecular Paleobiology
• Geomicrobiology
• Paleoecology
• +3 more

Senior Professor Guang R. Shi is a leading academic at the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS) within the University of Wollongong , Australia. His research spans geology, paleontology, and stratigraphy, with over 25 years of experience. He has conducted extensive fieldwork globally, focusing on marine invertebrate fossils and their paleoecological implications. Research Interests : Palaeontology, Palaeoecology, Stratigraphy, Marine Geoscience, Biostratigraphy, and Paleobiogeography. Funding : Principal Investigator for Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects on deep-time biodiversity and Permian body size evolution (2023-2026, 2015-2020). Supervision : Actively supervises Doctor of Philosophy candidates in geochronology, sedimentology, and tectonic studies. Publications : Extensive contributions to journals like Nature Geoscience , Earth Science Reviews , and Journal of Paleontology , with recent works on Permian-Triassic CO2 dynamics, marine ecosystem collapses, and brachiopod biogeography.

• Palaeontology
• Palaeoecology
• Stratigraphy
• +3 more

Associate Professor Scott David Mooney is a faculty member at the University of New South Wales specializing in fire history, climate change, and human-environmental relationships. His research focuses on reconstructing fire regimes in southeastern Australia's humid environments, examining both pre-colonial and post-European fire patterns through palaeoenvironmental reconstruction using charcoal analysis from well-dated sediments. Dr. Mooney's primary research investigates the complex nexus between climate and human activity in shaping fire regimes, challenging simplistic narratives about pre-colonial fire patterns in Australia. He examines how Indigenous people used fire across different environmental settings (ridge tops vs. valleys, coastal vs. inland), how fire frequency varied through time during climatic transitions, and whether recent fire regimes represent significant departures from historical patterns. His work bridges palaeoenvironmental reconstruction with contemporary environmental management challenges. With an extensive publication record including 72 journal articles and 5 book chapters, Dr. Mooney has made significant contributions to understanding Quaternary environments and fire history. His research applies pollen analysis (palynology) to reconstruct past climate variability, particularly associated with Pacific Ocean climate modes, and examines anthropogenic alterations to land-cover and post-colonial human impact on ecosystems. Dr. Mooney is an active member of several professional organizations including the Institute of Australian Geographers, the Linnean Society of New South Wales, and AQUA (Australasian Quaternary Association), demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental science and Quaternary research.

• Fire History
• Palaeoclimatology
• Quaternary Environments
• +7 more

Dr. Phil Bell is an Associate Professor in Earth Sciences (Palaeontology) at the School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, where he leads the Dino Lab within the Palaeoscience Research Centre. His fieldwork focuses on Cretaceous ecosystems in Canada, Mongolia, and Australia. Qualifications: PhD - University of Alberta BSc (First Class Honours) - Macquarie University Research examines dinosaur evolution, behavior through skin impressions, and Cretaceous paleoecology. Specific interests include dinosaur thermoregulation evidenced by skin morphology, trackway analysis, and taphonomic studies of bonebeds. Australian research concentrates on Lightning Ridge fossil sites. Teaching coordinates geoscience units including: Introductory Palaeontology; Dinosaurs!; Vertebrate Palaeontology; and Applied Geoscience. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in vertebrate ichnology, exceptional soft-tissue preservation, and high-latitude dinosaur faunas. Studies frequently integrate histological analysis and 3D preservation techniques to reconstruct paleobiology.

• Dinosaur Paleontology
• Vertebrate Ichnology
• Cretaceous Ecosystems
• +1 more

Professor John Paterson is a leading palaeontologist at the University of New England , serving as Professor of Earth Sciences within the School of Environmental and Rural Science since 2016. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. from Macquarie University, focusing on Cambrian-Ordovician trilobites. He has held leadership roles, including Head of Earth Sciences (2008–2020) and ARC Future Fellow (2014–2018) , and remains an active member of the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy . Research Interests center on documenting the palaeo-biodiversity of Australian Cambrian and Ordovician biotas (444–541 million years ago), using fossils to address evolutionary, biogeographic, and palaeoecological questions. His work spans taxonomy, phylogeny, biostratigraphy, and the refinement of the geologic timescale through global strata correlation. Recent publications highlight his focus on the Emu Bay Shale Lagerstätte , including studies on trilobite predator-prey dynamics , radiodont vision , and arthropod biomechanics . These works integrate finite-element analysis , laser micropyrolysis , and multi-proxy stratigraphy to explore evolutionary drivers during the Cambrian Explosion. Scientific Awards include the Anton Hales Medal (2016), UNE Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research (2009), and the Charles Marshall Award (2001). He has secured major grants such as ARC Discovery Projects and National Geographic Society grants , totaling over AUD $350,000. Academic Leadership includes editorial roles at Alcheringa and Zootaxa , organizing international conferences like Palaeo Down Under 2 , and coordinating multidisciplinary teams for projects on the Flinders Ranges and Georgina Basin . His work bridges fieldwork, lab analysis, and global collaborations to unravel the complexities of early animal evolution.

• Palaeontology
• Cambrian and Ordovician Biotas
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Professor Greg Jordan is a faculty member at the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences, specializing in Biological Sciences. He holds a PhD and BSc(Hons) from the University of Tasmania. His research focuses on plant responses to environmental change over timescales from years to millions of years, integrating fossil evidence, plant physiology, and phylogenetics. He has supervised 30 PhD and 35 honours students. Key research areas include palaeoecology, plant systematics, and climate change impacts on vegetation. Notable projects include studies on leaf anatomy, conifer evolution, and forest management practices. He has secured over $16 million in grant funding for projects like drought resilience and forest biodiversity conservation. Awards include the 2005 Bullard Fellowship at Harvard. Teaching responsibilities include courses on plant ecology, evolution, and field botany. Administrative roles include former Head of Biological Sciences (2018–2021). Research highlights include groundbreaking work on Tasmanian palaeoendemic flora and the use of LiDAR for forest structure analysis. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Adelaide and University of Otago. Current projects explore leaf cuticle-environment links and conifer hydraulic vulnerability.

• Plant Physiology
• Palaeoecology
• Plant and Fungus Systematics and Taxonomy
• +3 more

Gilbert Price is an Associate Professor in Palaeontology at the University of Queensland, specializing in Cenozoic vertebrate evolution. His research integrates geochronology, taphonomy, and palaeoecology to study megafauna extinctions and ecosystem responses to climate change. Education : PhD from Queensland University of Technology focused on Australian megafauna extinction chronologies. Research Focus : His work examines evolutionary patterns in marsupials, climate-driven extinctions, and hominin dispersals using advanced dating techniques. Fieldwork spans Australia, Sumatra, and Arabia. Publication Trends : Recent articles (2018-2025) show focus on: Pleistocene mammal diversity patterns Hominin dispersal chronologies Pathology in fossil marsupials Bone diagenesis and collagen preservation Taxonomic revisions of megafauna Field Contributions : Key discoveries include Australia's oldest evidence of marsupial diseases, Homo sapiens fossils in Arabia dating to 85,000 years, and new crocodilian taxa.

• Vertebrate Palaeontology
• Quaternary Geochronology
• Megafauna Extinctions
• +4 more

Professor Dan Penny is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science. He is affiliated with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre and the Vere Gordon Childe Centre. His research focuses on environmental and cultural dynamics in Southeast Asia, particularly the Angkor civilization and climate-human interaction. He has conducted extensive work on paleoenvironmental reconstruction, water management systems in ancient cities, and the impacts of climate change on pre-modern societies. His research explores the interplay between human societies and their environments, with a focus on the collapse of complex urban systems like Angkor. Key themes include historical ecology, archaeological methodologies, and the application of interdisciplinary approaches to understand socioecological systems. Professor Penny's work has been featured in major media outlets including the BBC, National Geographic, and The Conversation. His recent projects include studies on mangrove ecosystems, urban resilience, and the environmental history of the Mekong River system. He has secured grants for projects like 'Paleoenvironmental histories from montane Australia' and 'Wonders of the Mekong in Cambodia.' His advising and grants highlight interdisciplinary collaborations, with a focus on environmental policy, archaeological fieldwork, and paleoenvironmental data integration. He is part of the Greater Angkor Project, which uses cutting-edge techniques to explore the region's historical landscapes.

• Environmental History
• Paleoenvironmental Studies
• Southeast Asian Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Mathew Stewart is a Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Griffith University, within Griffith Sciences. His work focuses on Palaeontology, Palaeoecology, Archaeology, and Climate Science. He has contributed to studies on human migration patterns, prehistoric environmental adaptations, and faunal ecology across regions like Saudi Arabia, the Mediterranean, and Africa. His research integrates interdisciplinary methods such as taphonomy, stable isotope analysis, and zooarchaeology. Dr. Stewart currently serves as an Associate Supervisor for doctoral projects on Arabian Neolithic stable isotopes and Padang Highlands faunal migration. He holds editorial roles in journals like Frontiers in Mammal Science and Palaeontologia Electronica. His professional activities include thesis examining and guest editorships. Research Interests: Human migration and settlement in arid environments Prehistoric climate-human interactions Faunal paleoecology and extinction dynamics Rock art and landscape archaeology Paleoenvironmental reconstruction Professional Contributions: Associate Editor, Frontiers in Mammal Science (2024–) Handling Editor, Palaeontologia Electronica (2021–) Thesis Examiner, Griffith University (2024)

• Palaeontology
• Palaeoecology
• Proteomics and metabolomics
• +3 more

Prof Philip Piper is a Professor at the School of Archaeology & Anthropology, Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Archaeology from the University of York and specializes in Zooarchaeology, Palaeoecology, and Southeast Asian prehistory. His research focuses on prehistoric subsistence strategies, island colonization, and the application of archaeological methods to conservation. Key projects include studies on the Philippines' Pleistocene hominins, Neolithic transitions in Vietnam, and Southeast Asian subsistence patterns. Education: PhD Archaeology (University of York). Research interests include Zooarchaeology, Palaeoecology, and the transition from hunting to animal management in Island Southeast Asia. He leads major research projects such as 'The Missing Millennium and the Origins of Agriculture in Southeast Asia' and 'Resolving the archaeological enigma of Indonesia's Toalean culture.' Research highlights include discovering early evidence of hominin activity in the Philippines (700,000 years ago), analyzing the Neolithic transition in Vietnam, and investigating stable isotope insights into ancient diets. His work bridges archaeology with contemporary conservation efforts, emphasizing the relevance of prehistoric data to modern ecological challenges.

• Zooarchaeology
• Palaeoecology
• Southeast Asian Prehistory
• +3 more

Dr. Solomon Buckman is an Associate Professor in the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS) at the University of Wollongong. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Hong Kong (1996-2000). His research focuses on tectonic evolution and mineral systems, with expertise in subduction complexes, porphyry/epithermal deposits, and Quaternary stratigraphy. He has conducted fieldwork in regions like the Himalaya, Australia, Chile, and Central Asia. Education: Ph.D. in Geology, University of Hong Kong, 1996-2000 Research Interests: Tectonic and metallogenic evolution of orogens Continental collision zones (e.g., Himalaya, Central Asia) Quaternary stratigraphy and paleofire records Mineral exploration in Paleozoic and Mesozoic terranes Teaching & Supervision: Course coordinator for EESC250 Field Geology and EESC326 Resources and Environments Supervised 34 honours, 2 masters, and 8 PhD projects Current supervision includes studies on Permian rocks in Australia, volcanic activities in Flores, and tectonic evolution of the Kohistan Suture Zone Funding & Leadership: Recipient of multiple internal grants (e.g., Himalaya Orogen project, Phenom XL SEM facility) Served as SEALS Associate Head (Teaching and Learning, 2020-2022) Member of faculty committees including International Committee and Education Committee

• Tectonic Evolution
• Mineral Exploration
• Geochemistry
• +5 more

Tara Clark is a DECRA Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences (SEALS), specializing in historical changes to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Her work employs multidisciplinary approaches including geochronology, geochemistry, and palaeoecology to study coral community dynamics. Current projects focus on linking photographic records with geochemical data to track modern reef changes. Funding: ARC Discovery Early Career Research Award (2018–2025) Australian Academy of Science J.G. Russell Award (2018–2020) University of Wollongong High Impact Grants (2022–2023) Research Interests: The intersection of climate change and coral reef resilience, with emphasis on: Coral mortality events and recovery mechanisms Human and environmental drivers of reef decline Uranium-Thorium dating of coral skeletons Recent Work Trends: Publications emphasize U-Th dating applications, Holocene reef dynamics, and climate-proxy development. Key themes include coral refugia identification, historical human impact assessment, and global climate linkages. Awards: DECRA Fellowship (2018–2025) J.G. Russell Award (2018–2020) Supervision & Grants: Currently supervising three PhD projects on: Microplastics in reef environments Coral bleaching geochemical analysis GBR climate evolution Labs & Teams: Affiliated with SEALS' coral reef research group, using advanced geochemical instrumentation and field-based coral sampling networks.

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Geochemistry
• Palaeoecology
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Reid is an Associate Professor in Physical Geography at the University of New England (UNE), within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. His primary affiliation is with the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Previously, he held post-doctoral fellowships at Monash University and New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. His research focuses on floodplain and river ecosystems, integrating palaeoecology, food web ecology, and ecohydrology across global regions like the Murray-Darling Basin, Mekong Delta, and Danube River. Dr. Reid holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD from Monash University. He teaches Earth Surface Systems, Catchment Processes, and environmental research methodologies. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address climate change impacts, sediment dynamics, and water resource management. He currently supervises six PhD students researching topics ranging from ecohydrology to coastal groundwater systems in Pacific islands. His research interests include floodplain vegetation resilience, hydrological connectivity, and the effects of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic ecosystems. He served as President of the Australian Freshwater Sciences Society (2019-2021) and contributes to national environmental policy through his expertise in riverine landscapes. Publications highlight his focus on palaeolimnological records, sedimentation trends, and climate adaptation strategies. His work frequently addresses the interplay between human activity, environmental change, and ecosystem resilience in dryland and coastal regions.

• Palaeoecology
• Food Web Ecology
• Floodplain Vegetation Dynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Claire Reymond is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, specializing in marine carbonate sedimentology, climate change, and ocean sustainability. She holds a PhD in Marine Palaeoecology from the University of Queensland (2011) and a BSc in Conservation and Biodiversity from Macquarie University (2005). Her research integrates geological records and modern environmental data to inform marine management strategies. Reymond has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals like Science Advances , Global Change Biology , and Earth-Science Reviews . She led the 2022 Special Issue on Tropical Large Benthic Foraminifera for the Journal of Earth Science . Current projects include Australian marine jurisdiction studies with Geosciences Australia and the Sustainable Ocean Science initiative by the Sydney Environment Institute. Her research interests span marine carbonate dynamics, tropical island stabilization, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. She is affiliated with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and the EU Ocean Governance COST Action. Awards include the SEI Collaborative Grant (2023) and the IOI Ocean Impact Award (2022). Labs/Teams: Member of the Geocoastal Research Group and the Sydney Environment Institute. Collaborates internationally on projects such as coral reef resilience and tropical foraminifera ecology.

• Marine Carbonate Sedimentology
• Climate Change
• Ocean Sustainability
• +3 more