Amanda Reichelt-Brushett

Biography

Professor Amanda Reichelt-Brushett has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Coastal Management from the University of New England – Northern Rivers, a Master of Science in Marine Chemistry from James Cook University (North Queensland), and a PhD in Marine Ecotoxicology from Southern Cross University. She has 30 years of experience in investigating human impacts on the environment. She is the Immediate Past President of the Asia/Pacific chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC A/P) (President 2020-2022), Vice president (2017-2020), and was Deputy Head of School from 2015-2019.

Research

Her research is focused on enhancing our understanding of the sources, fate, and consequences of contaminants in our environment and includes several subthemes: ecotoxicology, risk assessment based on multiple lines of evidence, sediment and water quality assessment and management, sustainable practice, and rehabilitation and restoration. The general theme of her research also incorporates catchment management and interactions between the land and sea in the context of pollution inputs and habitat management and communities. Amanda has worked with communities in the Asia-Pacific region to help understand various local pollution issues and improve environmental outcomes. Locally, she is motivated to use her expertise to work within the community to improve the health of the Richmond River through her research and leadership in the Richmond RiverKeeper organisation. 

Furthermore, works in transdisciplinary collaborations that connect art and science. Her research and collaborations in this area explore combining research methodologies of both discipline areas to evolve new ways of thinking that can contribute to solving complex environmental problems we face.

Community Engagement

Amanda has advised landholder groups in PNG by providing expertise in assessing the potential impacts of deep-sea mine tailings disposal in coastal regions of PNG. Recent work has focussed on assessing mercury pollution from small-scale gold mining activities with colleagues at the University of Pattimura in Indonesia. She has been shortlisted for 3 Excellence in Community Engagement awards and received national recognition for teaching excellence.

Supervision

Amanda has supervised 14 PhD students to completion and many Honours and Masters students. She is a keen and motivated supervisor who is interested in research training to produce high-quality outcomes with her students.

Teaching

Over the years, Amanda has taught Chemistry, Ecology, Aquaculture Management, Aquatic Ecosystems, Waste Management, Marine Pollution, Aquatic Pollution and Catchment Management, and Environmental Chemistry. She also supports several units in the undergraduate program, including Cells and Molecules and Ecosystem Restoration. She has recently co-authored and edited a textbook published by Springer titled Marine Pollution -Monitoring Management and Mitigation. Available as open access: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-10127-4