معرفی
Dr. Nicole McCasker is a Research Fellow at the Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, within the Faculty of Science and Health. Her research focuses on freshwater ecology, particularly the early life stages of freshwater fish, environmental water impacts, and the functional role of freshwater mussels in riverine systems across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Education:
- Doctor of Philosophy, Charles Sturt University (2011)
- Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours), Monash University (2002)
- Bachelor of Conservation Ecology, Deakin University (2000)
Nicole’s research interests include river and floodplain ecology, flow-ecology relationships, conservation of freshwater mussels, and early life history of freshwater fish. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and life below water. She has over 15 years of experience in large, multi-disciplinary projects evaluating ecological responses to environmental water delivery.
Her recent publications highlight trends in using eDNA for monitoring fish assemblages, analyzing trophy fish records for ecological insights, and evaluating basin-scale environmental water impacts. She actively contributes to citizen science and public engagement through social media and community newsletters.
Scientific Awards:
- Vice-Chancellor's Team Award for Research Excellence (2015)
- Faculty of Science and Health Research Award (2021)
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Research Support Grant (2018)
Nicole has served as a chief investigator on research projects totaling over $7.6 million and continues to supervise honours and higher degree students. She is actively involved in public lectures, reference group meetings, and collaborative monitoring initiatives with government and community stakeholders.
She is a key contributor to the Edward/Kolety-Wakool environmental water monitoring program and participates in the FLOW MER Annual Forum, demonstrating strong integration with applied water management and policy frameworks.
