Area of study / field of expertise:
Agriculture, plant and soil science, soil ecotox
Previous education
Bachelor of Agriculture, University of Melbourne. Master of Science (BioSciences), University of Melbourne
Ian has completed a Master of Science (BioSciences) focusing on the effects of microplastics on earthworms. Microplastics research has previously been heavily ‘ocean-centric’ . In comparison, knowledge on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial matrixes and organisms was lacking. This was concerning as the terrestrial environments have been found to be even larger sinks and sources of microplastics. Thus, this project studied the effects of microplastics on earthworms, as crucial bio-indicators of soil health, and subsequently, the health of the biological, economical, and cultural systems that rely on it. The research focused on two often over-looked and understudied types of microplastics: microplastics fibres and glitters.
The project aligned with Ian’s background in soil science, agriculture, and passion for environmental science.
Associations
Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
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