Scott Johnston

Scott Johnston serves as Professor (Research Scholar) and Deputy Associate Dean of Education (Students) at Southern Cross University's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where he co-leads the Catchments, Coasts and Communities Research Cluster. His environmental hydrogeochemistry expertise focuses on water quality processes in wetlands, coastal floodplains, and river systems, particularly regarding acid sulfate soils and toxic element cycling.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of New England (1990-1993) and a PhD from Southern Cross University. These qualifications underpin his research on redox-sensitive element transformations and contaminant behavior in natural environments.

Johnston's research examines iron, sulfur, and carbon cycling alongside toxic trace elements (arsenic, antimony, aluminum) through field studies and mineral-water interface experiments. Recent work addresses climate extremes, bushfire impacts on water quality, and revolutionary findings on tree-mediated methane emissions in wetlands, revealing previously underestimated ecosystem fluxes.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications shows dominant themes in antimony/arsenic geochemistry within mining-impacted systems and acid sulfate environments, coupled with innovative investigations into wetland methane dynamics from tree stems. These studies integrate advanced spectroscopic techniques and field monitoring to develop practical remediation strategies.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Australian Research Council APDI Fellowship (2008)
• Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (2011-2015)
• Outstanding Teaching Award from Southern Cross University (2024)

Johnston has secured >$5.1 million in external funding as lead CI, directing large-scale ARC/CRC projects with government and industry partners. He currently supervises 8 PhD and 1 Master's student (with 8 PhD and 1 Master's completions), while teaching undergraduate courses in Earth Systems, Environmental Chemistry, and Hydrodynamics.

As founding Co-Lead of the Catchments, Coasts and Communities Research Cluster, he coordinates interdisciplinary teams conducting sub-catchment scale field research and laboratory experiments. His community collaborations include citizen science projects quantifying bushfire impacts on water quality across eastern Australia.