Adam Frew

Adam Frew is a Lecturer and researcher at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. He holds a PhD (2017) from HIE and has held roles including a research fellowship at Charles Sturt University and a faculty position at the University of Southern Queensland. His research focuses on mycorrhizal ecology, plant-soil interactions, and agricultural sustainability. Key interests include arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi’s roles in plant defense against herbivory and responses to environmental stressors like microplastics and climate change.

Teaching expertise includes courses on sustainability science, resource use, and ecology at the University of Southern Queensland (2019–2021). Awards include the 2023 Next Generation Ecologist Award and 2021 Young Tall Poppy Science Award. Grants include projects on fungal community ecology and plant defense mechanisms funded by the ARC DECRA and British Ecological Society.

Research highlights 15+ recent publications on mycorrhizal fungal community dynamics, plant-herbivore interactions, and soil carbon stabilization. Current projects explore how agricultural practices influence fungal diversity and plant resilience. Frew emphasizes translating ecological insights into sustainable agriculture through citizen science initiatives like the 'Dig Up Dirt' project.