Vanessa Wong

Vanessa Wong is an Associate Professor at Monash University's School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment. Her research focuses on biogeochemical interactions between soils, sediments, and water across scales, with emphasis on acid sulfate soils, land degradation, and climate change impacts. She collaborates with industry and government to develop land/water management strategies.

• Key roles: Editor-in-Chief of Land Degradation & Development, Federal President of Soil Science Australia (2021-2022), and Chair of the Acid Sulfate Soil Working Group (since 2018)

Research Interests

Dr. Wong investigates soil-surface water-groundwater interactions, acid sulfate soil remediation, soil organic carbon dynamics, and coastal floodplain mapping. Her work addresses environmental challenges like salinity/sodicity, waste application effects, and climate-driven biogeochemical shifts. Recent projects include:

• Acceleration of Carbon Locking in Minerals (2022-2027)
• Australian National Soil Information System (2023)
• Coastal erosion assessments for Victoria (2018-2023)

Publications

Recent work spans nanocellulose biodegradation studies, coastal geomorphology mapping, and soil carbon sequestration in Tonga. Her research integrates fieldwork, lab experiments, and geospatial techniques to inform sustainable land management.

Grants & Awards

Secured 16 grants totaling over AUD 5M, including CSIRO collaborations and Victorian government funding. Active in policy advocacy through Soil Science Australia and international UN SDG initiatives.