Alex Callen

Dr. Alex Callen is a Lecturer in Vegetation and Restoration Ecology at the University of Newcastle within the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. With extensive field experience and academic training, she focuses on the recovery of threatened species through ecological restoration to mitigate multiple environmental stresses, particularly examining how fine-scale habitat manipulations can improve survival of vulnerable amphibian communities in both natural and industrial environments.

Dr. Callen earned her Doctor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Environmental Science, and Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), all from the University of Newcastle. Before returning to academia in 2013, she worked for sixteen years as an environmental scientist and ecologist across government and industry positions, bringing practical experience to her research and teaching.

Her research spans conservation biology, restoration ecology, threatened species management, and amphibian conservation. She has pioneered approaches integrating community science and science-art communication to enhance biodiversity protection and public engagement. In 2020, she co-curated Biomes, an annual community outreach art-science exhibition, and co-founded Stream - Community for Knowledge Exchange, which increases science accessibility through experiential exhibitions and workshops.

Dr. Callen's publication record demonstrates expertise in amphibian conservation, with recent work addressing hydroperiod effects on tadpole development, fire impacts on biodiversity, amphibian habitat design, and innovative monitoring techniques like tadpole fingerprinting. Her research consistently bridges theoretical understanding with practical conservation applications.

• Numerous research grants totaling over $8 million
• Collaborations with government agencies, industry partners, and community organizations
• Extensive field methodology expertise including bioacoustics, habitat analysis, and disease monitoring

As an active supervisor of PhD students, Dr. Callen mentors the next generation of conservation scientists working on amphibian conservation, aquatic weed control, and environmental policy. Her work exemplifies the integration of rigorous scientific research with practical conservation outcomes and community engagement.