HEAD

Professor Chariton is the founder of the Environmental (e)DNA and Biomonitoring Lab (EGEEL), Macquarie University. Anthony is one of the early pioneers of environmental DNA metabarcoding, with his research focusing on the development, application and integration of ‘omic’ technologies for the monitoring and assessment of freshwater and estuarine environments. Specially, Anthony’s interest is in understanding how community structure, function and connectivity respond to both natural and anthropogenic stressors, as well as their interactions. His research captures a broad range of systems and scenarios. This includes, developing routine monitoring tools for assessing the impacts of contaminants on aquatic system, refining and applying non-invasive tools for monitoring terrestrial biodiversity; and understanding how climate change is altering the diet of whales. Prof. Chariton provides high-level advice to agencies and organizations around the world, and has been the recipient of number of prizes, including the Mid-Career Prize from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Dr Christine Chivas is a Research Scientist at Macquarie University with over six years of experience in environmental DNA research. Her skillset spans DNA extraction and PCR optimisation, sequencing, bioinformatics, mitochondrial genome assembly and metagenomics. Her research focuses on applying eDNA-based approaches to the conservation of Australian terrestrial vertebrates, combining her background in conservation biology with molecular techniques. A major focus of her research has been developing mosquito-derived iDNA as a tool for monitoring terrestrial vertebrates in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

I am a marine ecologist specialising in environmental DNA approaches to study marine animals and ecosystems. My doctoral work centred around studying whale diet and gut microbiomes, and my previous research focused on uncovering biodiversity patterns in estuarine fish communities. I have just wrapped up my PhD under Prof. Anthony Chariton and am currently working on coordinating a citizen science marine monitoring effort in South Moreton Bay! 

PHD CANDIDATE

Molecular ecologist specialised in the research and application of environmental DNA-based biomonitoring and biodiversity assessment, particularly in tropical north-Australia’s freshwaters.