Project Team

Brady Hamilton

Graduate Researcher, Deakin University

Formerly a secondary school teacher, Brady’s interest in analytical chemistry and environmental science led him into research. Since 2023, he has coordinated Pesticide Watch, a community science initiative focused on monitoring pesticide contamination. Brady’s research centres on emerging environmental contaminants, with a strong emphasis on the role of community science in tackling agrichemical pollution. Pesticide Watch has since grown into a national program, engaging communities across the country in monitoring pesticide levels in their local freshwater streams. He uses a range of mass spectrometry techniques in his work, including LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, and ICP-MS.

Dr. Damien Callahan

Associate Professor, Deakin University

Dr Damien Callahan is an Associate Professor of Chemistry in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Deakin University (Melbourne, Australia). His research spans analytical mass spectrometry, metabolomics, persistent and emerging contaminants, chemical ecology and applied research on metal hyperaccumulating plants and microalgal lipid biochemistry. He has more than 25 years’ experience in analytical chemistry in both industry and academic environments. His research has advanced the methodology used for small molecule analysis in the rapidly progressing omics fields. More recently his work has expanded to chemical ecology with field-based projects including a campaign on the RV Investigator, the CSIRO marine research vessel and a national pesticide monitoring project. His laboratory comprises a suite of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment enabling elemental, small molecule and protein analysis. Dr Callahan is also passionate about teaching chemistry at both under-graduate and post-graduate levels.

Dr. Julie Mondon

Associate Professor, Deakin University

Dr Julie Mondon studied a B.Sc. in Zoology/Botany, followed by a BSc.Honours in Marine Ecology, a MA degree in Science and Technology Studies and PhD in Aquatic Ecotoxicology. For the past 25 years her research interests have related to multidisciplinary research associated with indicators of ecological health and risk assessment. Dr Mondon’s publication record represents her special interest in ecotoxicological risk assessment and biomarkers of human impact and toxicological effects of non-metal, metals and organics contaminants exposure to marine organisms and habitats. Her research applies to coastal and ocean ecosystems from tropical regions through to the Antarctic.

Dr. Patrick Bonney

Research Fellow, Deakin University

Patrick is a Research Fellow in Anthropology at the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation. A human geographer and science and technology studies scholar, he specialises in public participation and socio-technical change across water governance, climate change, and circular economy domains. Primarily a qualitative researcher, his research has illuminated emerging forms of public engagement in water policy, documented outcomes of participatory practice, and co-developed an environmental stewardship program with direct policy impact. His research has contributed to the development of key government frameworks for integrating community knowledge into natural resource management decisions.

Patrick’s current research encompasses two primary streams of inquiry. The first examines tensions between circular economy ideals and persistent chemical contamination in waste management systems. The second investigates how community perspectives on risk influence engagement with vegetation management for bushfire mitigation in Victoria, addressing the fundamental challenge of creating democratic approaches to environmental risk governance amid increasing climate-related hazards. He currently serves as Chair of the Australian Citizen Science Association Victoria Chapter, advancing citizen science and participatory research practices across the state.