Study Environmental Science

Environmental Scientist Professor Damien Maher introduces the Southern Cross University's Catchments, Coasts and Communities Research Cluster. The Catchments, Coasts and Communities Cluster aims to bring together existing research strengths in coastal biology chemistry, aquatic pollution, hydrology, land use management and social sciences to help solve some of these wicked problems that we're facing. Communities are a key social unit that really define the human race. What we want to do is undertake research that improves the lives of communities within the coastal zone. Clean water and sanitization, managing catchments in a sustainable way, and life underwater because the work we do improves water quality in these catchments. Working with community, with government, with industry… these partnerships are what actually will drive change. Southern Cross University has invested heavily in this area since its inception, which has resulted in a critical mass of expertise, knowledge and instrumentation that allows us to do cutting-edge research in catchment sciences. It's an awesome group of academics who are coming together to work within this cluster. The impact that we can provide for the community, for the environment into the future and that's really what's driving and motivation.