Samantha J. Imberger

Brief Overview: I am a freshwater ecologist interested in the effects of landuse change and other anthropogenic impacts on aquatic systems. I am particularly interested in the effects of urbanisation on organic matter dynamics and both ecosystem structure and function. I seek to undertake experimental and observational research that informs and guides both policy and ecosystem management. Broad Research Interests: Landuse impacts on freshwater ecosystems (incl. urban & agricultural) Ecosystem structure and function Restoration ecology Organic matter dynamics Nutrient processing and cycling (esp. N, P and C) Groundwater-surface water interactions I am currently researching four major areas: 1. Investigating the structure, function and hydrology of small ephemeral headwater streams around Melbourne. 2. Investigating linkages between flow, sediment, organic matter and in stream vegetation. 3. Investigating the potential for integrated water management to protect streams from urban development. 4. Investigating factors driving and limiting the restoration of peri-urban streams using stormwater control measures (http://www.urbanstreams.unimelb.edu.au/).