Current students

 

Postgraduate students

Scott McKendrick Scott is investigating how flow, geomorphology, and sediment dynamics interact and influence the propagule bank and instream vegetation (macrophyte) recruitment, and potential biogeomorphic feedbacks, in lotic ecosystems. This project aims to build upon the current knowledge and, ultimately, help inform management aimed at promoting instream vegetation regeneration and river ecosystem restoration.

Alanna Main Alanna is investigating the role of water temperature in the inundation tolerance of herbaceous riparian plants. Conducted in collaboration with the Arthur Rylah Institute, the project aims to further our understanding of seasonal differences in the effect of environmental flows on riparian vegetation.

 

Former students

Jack Davis Jack investigated the natural regeneration potential of burnt foothill forest in Coranderrk Bushland Reserve after the removal indigenous shrub Yarra Burgan (Kunzea leptospermoides). Woody shrub encroachment is a global phenomenon that has been linked to the disruption of disturbance regimes, overgrazing and changes in climatic conditions. Exploring how fire influences the natural regeneration potential of conservation reserves helps to inform management decisions on how to protect and promote biodiversity in recovering landscapes.

John Muchan John investigated the natural regeneration potential following removal of the invasive indigenous shrub Yarra Burgan (Kunzea leptospermoides) at Coranderrk Bushland Reserve. Woody shrub encroachment is a global phenomenon that has been identified as a major threat to species diversity. Understanding if, and how, native vegetation can recover naturally helps inform management decisions to promote and protect our unique biodiversity.

Marjorie Pereira Marjorie researched the relationship between elevation and soil seedbank composition along the Campaspe River in Victoria. This study was conducted in conjunction with the Arthur Rylah Institute and aims to help managers plan environmental water releases along the Campaspe to encourage native plant species recruitment and discourage exotic species.

Vanja Kitanovic My project investigated the flooding tolerances of various native and exotic riparian grasses. I conducted flooding experiments on juvenile and mature individuals with the goal of finding an optimal flooding duration that gives a competitive advantage to native species. This project was in partnership with the Arthur Rylah Institute, and aims to better inform the release of environmental flows in the Campaspe River.

Luke Westerland Luke studied the habitat of the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. His research aimed to identify associations between vegetation structure and the presence and health of possum populations, and drivers such as flooding or forest succession. This research will inform the management of vegetation and hydrology at Yellingbo, as well as inform potential translocation of the possums to other lowland swamp areas.

Rob Dabal Rob completed a Masters of Science (Ecosystem Sciences). As part of his masters he investigated the ecology of the invasive wetland grass species Phalaris arundinacea in order to develop means for its control and to rehabilitate wetland areas currently infested with the invasive grass.

Sarah Moser Sarah studied the effect of environmental determinants on the success of revegetated woody plants in wetland forests. In particular, she examined factors that influence the persistence of plants planted in canopy gaps (infill planting) and within the perimeter of sedges (cryptic planting) with the aim to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of these revegetation methods. Sarah’s research is published here.

Alice Duong My masters project investigated the potential use of managed flooding to restore wetland vegetation. In particular, the potential use of flooding to promote the success of revegetation and natural regeneration, and suppress terrestrial weeds. We found that reinstating more natural flooding regimes can promote native wetland plant communities, while concurrently suppressing terrestrial exotic species. Alice’s research is published here.

Georgina Zacks My research explored the flooding tolerance of two ecologically important woody riparian shrubs. I looked at how depth and duration of flooding can affect Melaleuca squarrosa and Leptospermum lanigerum at their important life history stages. My research provides further evidence that water regime acts as an important ecological filter in wetlands forests.