College of Science & Engineering

Matthew Tan

Associate Professor / Associate Director - Research
matthew.tan@jcu.edu.au

Varsha Balu

Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
varshavivek.balu@jcu.edu.au

Samantha Russo

Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
samantha.russo@jcu.edu.au

Kishor Bommalingegowda

Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
kishorgowda.bommalingegowda@my.jcu.edu.au

Robyn Pearce

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical, Molecular and Veterinary Sciences)
robyn.pearce@jcu.edu.au

Holly Farnan

Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
holly.farnan@jcu.edu.au

. Abdullah

Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology)
abdullah@my.jcu.edu.au

Nadja Schneller

Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
nadja.schneller@jcu.edu.au

Alana Finch

Master of Philosophy (Medical, Molecular and Veterinary Sciences)
alana.finch@my.jcu.edu.au

Using NASA aircraft observations to improve understanding of biogenic VOC chemistry and aerosols over the eastern US, and to increase the value of related satellite observations

Jenny Fisher - College of Science & Engineering

01 Jul 2014 - 30 Jun 2017

Using NASA aircraft observations to improve understanding of biogenic VOC chemistry and aerosols over the eastern US, and to increase the value of related satellite observations

SEAC4RS mission support using the nested GEOS-Chem chemical transport model

Jenny Fisher - College of Science & Engineering

01 Aug 2011 - 31 Jul 2014

SEAC4RS mission support using the nested GEOS-Chem chemical transport model

EarthBank: An Australian geochemistry network activity enabling the analysis, preservation and discoverability of nationally significant Earth & environmental collections

Alex McCoy-West - College of Science & Engineering

01 Jun 2025 - 30 Jun 2028

This project will fund an Earthbank scientist to contribute to the expansion of the Earthbank database and build capacity in earth and environmental sciences.

Frantz Magnetic Separator

Alex McCoy-West - College of Science & Engineering

01 Jun 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

A Frantz Magnetic Separator is a fundamental piece of equipment for efficient mineral separation, by enabling separation of heavy minerals using their magnetic properties. This instrument directly contributes to workflows for geochemical analyses and geochronology being undertake in the AAC and supports critical minerals research at JCU.

Understanding the ecology and behaviour of platypus in far North Queensland

Sophia Love - College of Science & Engineering

01 Aug 2025 - 01 Apr 2028

Our study seeks to understand the ecology and behaviour of genetically isolated and understudied platypuses in far north Queensland. While platypuses were classified as “near threatened” by the IUCN in 2016, most research has been confined to populations in NSW and Victoria. Far north Queensland uniquely hosts platypuses in a predominantly rainforest environment, yet formal region-specific ecological knowledge is lacking. To address this, we aim to 1) assess the presence and relative abundance of platypuses in the Atherton Tablelands, 2) quantify population demographics, and 3) quantify local resource availability and quantify carrying capacity. These efforts will help us establish a baseline understanding of the population’s overall health and longevity and cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the population’s unique characteristics and life history. Developing such knowledge is critical to informing current and future regional management and conservation efforts of this iconic Australian species in a rainforest biome. This project will work closely with local stake holders and conservation efforts, mainly Dulguburra Yidinji traditional owners and the Yungaburra Landcare Group who share a vested interest in the project’s findings.