Past Students

Heidi Bartram (Honours in 2006)
Now a marine scientist at Primary Industries SA

I work as a scientist within South Australia's department of Primary Industries.  My role is to facilitate the use of marine resources in environmentally sustainable ways.  Initially, I worked for The Wilderness Society on the protection and restoration of wilderness and natural processes across Australia.  

Dr Meegan Fowler-Walker (PhD in 2006)

Now a Coastal Ecologist http://www.oceanica.com.au/  My work focused on the ecology of kelp forests from local through to regional spatial scales. I investigated patterns in the morphology of kelp and the structure of understorey assemblages, over a hierarchy of spatial scales and environmental conditions. This research will contribute to a broadly based understanding of major ecological patterns within kelp forests over multiple spatial scales. I now work as a Coastal Ecologist for Marine & Estuarine Specialists that design the use and development of coasts in Western Australia. Publications (n = 7)

Dr Bethany K. Roberts (PhD in 2008)

Fiord ecologist, National Institute, Water & Atmosphere (New Zealand)  I tested the effects of water pollution (nutrient enrichment) and over-harvesting (loss of grazers) on several measures of algal abundance and diversity.  My thesis highlights the importance of classification (e.g. morphology versus species) and indices (e.g. Shannon index versus ABC curves and phylogenetic diversity) in their potential to predetermine our perception of ecological change and predictions of future environments.  I now work on the ecology and economic development of New Zealands fiords.

 Dr Juan Matias Braccini (PhD in 2006)

Now a shark biologist at the Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute (MAFRI) in Queenscliffe in Victoria, Australia.  My main scientific objective was to gain an understanding of the ecological implications of fishing on top predators such as sharks. My PhD research focused on the study of the reproductive biology, age and growth, feeding ecology and fishing impacts of the broadnose sevengill shark and the piked spurdog. The resulting information will be used to assess the ecological risk of stock depletion of these species of shark, currently fished in the Southern Ocean. I now work as a shark biologist at the Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute (MAFRI) in Queenscliffe in Victoria, Australia. Publications (n = 8)

Melita de Vries (BSc Honours in 2003, and Research Officer till 2007)

My research was based upon the chemistry of ololiths and statoliths in fish and cephalopods, respectively.  In my honours year,  I investigated how processes, such as competition and facilitation among multiple elements, influenced otolith chemistry.  This research highlighted the need for experimental tests of the incorporation of multiple elements into otoliths, in environments with varying levels of salinity.  As a Research Officer my collaborators and I applied the science of statolith chemistry to determine the population structure of the giant Australian cuttlefish with the broader aim of predicting their future in the face of climate and human driven changes to their environment. 

Dr Bayden Russell (PhD in 2005)
Now a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the University of Adelaide
bayden.russell@adelaide.edu.au

My Ph.D. research focused on the role of bottom-up (nutrients in the water) and top-down (grazing of algae by molluscs) processes in structuring algal assemblages on subtidal reefs. I assessed how grazers were able to alter the effects of elevated nutrients, possibly reducing the negative impacts of increasing nutrient levels in our coastal waters. I am currently working as a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, assessing the effects of Climate Change on temperate reef ecosystems. Publications (n = 9)

Dr Andrew Irving (PhD in 2005)
Now a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Bertness Lab - Brown University, USA
Andrew_Irving@brown.edu

My PhD research centered on two key issues in ecology: 1) the importance of scale for the detection of pattern, and 2) testing the spatial generality of local patterns and responses to generate predictive power. I assessed spatial heterogeneity in the composition of subtidal algal forests in Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica, and tested how such heterogeneity can positively and negatively affect understorey communities to create and maintain associations observable across local (kms) to regional scales (1000's kms). For the next two years, I am swapping my wetsuit for waders as I test hypotheses about the recruitment and persistence of intertidal cobble-beach plant communities on the productive shores of New England. Publications (n = 11)

Dr Travis Elsdon (PhD in 2005)
Currently an ARC Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Adelaide
travis.elsdon@adelaide.edu.au

My PhD focused of fish ecology. I determined how environmental variables (temperature, salinity, ambient concentration) influence otolith chemistry (earstones of fish). This experimental information was used to determine movements of fish between and among habitats. I am currently an Ocean Life Institute Post-doctoral Scholar at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. While at WHOI, I will broaden my research on chemicals in fish otoliths, by investigating novel chemical tracers within otoliths that have remained largely unexamined. I will also investigate the impact of anthropogenic processes on algae habitats, and the effect of habitats on fish communities. Towards the end of 2006 I will complete my work at WHOI and start an Australian Reserch Council Fellowship at the University of Adelaide investigating estuarine fish and nutrient dynamics. Publications (n = 11)

Dr Paris Goodsell (PhD in 2004)
Now a Research Fellow - University of Sydney

My research was about understanding the origin and maintance of diversity of subtidal plants and animals. I tested ecological theories about the response of biodiversity to disturbance using the diverse and unique assemblage of invertebrates (polychaetes, amphipods, echinoderms) that lives in the holdfast of kelp.

At the Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities (University of Sydney) I found that much of the natural coastline in Sydney Harbour has been lost and fragmented by urban structures (e.g. seawalls) and has substantial effects on intertidal diversity. Whilst there is an appreciation of similar affects in terrestrial landscapes, there is less appreciation of their effects on invasive species (addition) and native species (deletion) in marine systems.  Publications (n = 7)

Justin Rowntree (BEnvSc Honours in 2004)
Now an Environmental Consultant with Coffey International

My honours project investigated spatial variation of fish assemblages in South Australian estuaries. In addition, three fish species were  analysed to determine whether otolith chemistry can be used to test whether fish movement occurs among estuaries. After honours I  worked for Native Fish South Australia (NFA) and the Adelaide City Council investigating appropriate habitat for native fish in the River Torrens. Over the summer of 2004/2005 I travelled to Antarctica as part of a Flinders University Research Team looking at spatial variation in plankton communities. Currently, my work as a research assistant involves many projects including the giant Australian cuttlefish, restocking of golden perch in native rivers using otolith chemistry and determining hatchery from wild populations of yellowtail kingfish using fluorescent dyes in otoliths.

Jodie Haig (BSc Honours in 2004)
Currently doing a PhD at Griffith University, Queesnland
jodie.haig@student.griffith.edu.au

My honours project investigated the reproductive biology and larval development of the tiny, southern Australian feather star Aporometra wilsoni. This unique little creature is extraordinary in two ways; not only is it ovoviviparous (broods its larvae) which is relatively rare for crinoids, it is also semelparous in that it is reproductive over winter and dies once reproduction is complete. A. wilsoni also displays a reduction in larval features required for locomotion and settling, this is thought to have evolved alongside brooding in this species. To the best of my knowledge, my study was the first to investigate the reproductive biology of a brooding crinoid, and also the first to study an entire life cycle for any crinoid. Keep an eye out for these little beasties as I'll be publishing my work on them in the not too distant future. I am currently enrolled in a PhD at Griffith University.

Jarrod Stehbens (BSc Honours in 2004)

Jarrod's honours project investigated the potential interactive effects of disturbance and productivity on the diversity and structure of a benthic marine community. His study was the Australian contribution to the Global Approach by Modular Experiments (GAME) program. This had Jarrod travel to the Leibniz-Institute for Marine Science in Kiel, Germany, to collaborate with other participants from around the world. Jarrods diving, boating and data collection skills were utilised while a Research Assistant in the Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories. From his honours project the Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research on the North Sea island of Helgoland off the German coast offered Jarrod a PhD candidature as part of the EU-wide Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MarBEF) program.

Caroline Wilson (BSc Honours in 2004)
Now an Educational Consultant

I didn't do a PhD, but work as an educational consultant to a local council (earning lots $ with a new company car :- all,in the first month of graduating). I did not need to do a PhD to get a career path in a field that I love and enjoy talking about. The communication and marine biology skills I gained during my degree are essiential to my daily work. My BSc (Honours) was about documenting the last remaining population of the world's smallest starfish. This species is only found on a couple of kilometeres of the world's coast!

Ali Bloomfield (BSc Honours in 2003)
Now a Research Officer for Marine Protected Areas
(Dept of Environment & Heritage)

My honours focused on fish and invertebrates in estuarine habitats (seagrass, mangroves, saltmarsh and nonvegetated) over summer and winter months. Completing honours taught me many things, including how to gather good data, analyse it and present it to my peers. I now work for the State Government on Marine Protected Areas which involves gathering data on the distribution and abundance of marine organisms, both raw (from subtidal surveys) and published data, and using it to guide design and location of marine parks in South Australia. It also involves public consultation and providing scientific support to the Coast and Marine Conservation Branch, of which I am an employee. Publications (n=1)

Tanya Joyce (BEnvSc Honours in 2003)
tanyacharmainejoyce@yahoo.com.au

My honours project used otolith chemistry to distinguish between aquaculture and wild yellowtail kingfish. The project was completed as part of my Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours). I have also studied Japanese to the highest level possible, within a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies). After graduating I worked in rural Japan as an International Exchange Teacher. My job involved teaching children, and presenting community speeches and television shows. I have future aspirations to combine my Japanese and Marine Ecology skills and plan on educating children of the need to protect our marine environment. Publications (n = 1)

Simon Drummond (BSc Honours in 2002)
Now an Aquatic Ecologist - FRC Environmental

My job involves substantial amounts of fieldword (lots of crawling around mangroves, setting nets for fish studies, beam trawling from a dinghy, SCUBA diving on pristine as well as severely degraded reef, quite a bit of intrastate travel and a healthy dose of lateral thinking!). Fairly strong taxonomy skills are also required, and of course a strong background in statistics. I have been involved in a diverse range of marine and freshwater projects from estuary modelling studies, management of algal blooms, coring of harbour sediments, mine site EIS to working as part of a multidisciplinary team in the Torres Strait based around anthropological studies. We also consult in various parts of SE Asia for AUSAID projects. We also require a strong understanding of the legislation governing the use of the marine environment in NSW and QLD. Publications (n = 1)

Ben Leonello (BEnvSc Honours in 2001)
Now a Scientific Officer for the Coastal Protection Branch
(Department of Environment and Heritage)
Leonello.Ben@saugov.sa.gov.au

My honours explored the effects of shade and the presence and absence of grazers on the recruitment of subtidal invertebrates. Completing honours taught me how to collect and analyse data. It also has given me the opportunity to successfully present my findings to my peers, both in writing and through a public presentation. Since leaving the University of Adelaide I have worked for the South Australian Government as a Environmental Policy Officer for three years in the Office of Sustainability where I was involved in the development of a Greenhouse Strategy and coordinated a broad range of environmental policy advice ranging from threatened species to sustainability. I now work as a Scientific Officer for the Coastal Protection Branch and am writing scientific reports on sand levels, coastal erosion and seagrass.

Dr Maren Wellenreuther (MSc in 2000)
Now a senior scientist at University of Lund (Sweeden)

My project investigated the effects of prey density and patch size on the functional response of a predatory reef fish to their invertebrate prey. For my PhD thesis I studied the ecological factors associated with speciation in the New Zealand triplefin fishes. I now work on the ecological forces responsible for the origin and persistence of species and the evolution of differences between them. Publications (n = 10).