Our people
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures (CIEHF) is built on a foundation of collaboration, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, partners, and students. Each role within the Centre contributes uniquely to our shared vision of creating a sustainable future informed by Indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge research. Together, we strive to weave the stories of the past with innovative approaches to care for Country. Below is a brief overview of the key roles that help drive our mission forward, each playing a crucial part in our collective success
Alex Pecenko
Australian National University
Anna Kreij
James Cook University
Anthony Romano
University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Alana Grech
James Cook University
Associate Professor Annie Ross
The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Bastien Llamas
The University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Felecia Watkin Lui
James Cook University
Alex Pecenko
Australian National University
Anna Kreij
James Cook University
Associate Investigators
AIs contribute to the Centre’s research, training, and engagement programs, offering their expertise and mentoring students. They play a valuable role in specific research projects, potentially spanning both Australia and overseas.
Associate Professor Annie Ross
The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Bastien Llamas
The University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Fiona Foley
Butchulla / The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Larissa Schneider
Australian National University
Associate Professor Michael O’Leary
The University of Western Australian
Associate Professor Michela Mariani
University of Nottingham, UK
Associate Professor Rebe Taylor
University of Tasmania
Dr Agathe Lise-Pronovost
University of Melbourne
Dr Ailie McDowall
Indigenous Education and Research Centre, James Cook University
Dr Amy Way
Australian Museum / University of Sydney
Dr Ariana Lambrides
James Cook University
Dr Ashleigh Rogers
Monash University
Associate Professor Annie Ross
The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Bastien Llamas
The University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Fiona Foley
Butchulla / The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Larissa Schneider
Australian National University
Associate Professor Michael O’Leary
The University of Western Australian
Associate Professor Michela Mariani
University of Nottingham, UK
Alumni
Alumni are former Centre members who have completed their studies or positions within the Centre. Their status as alumni is granted by the Centre Executive Committee, allowing them to remain connected with the Centre’s community and activities.
Business Operations
This team handles the Centre’s operational needs, including managing budgets, reporting on outcomes, and supporting administrative functions. They are integral to the running of the Centre and encompass the Professional and Technical Staff roles.
Dr Matthew Harris
James Cook University
Dr Vincent Backhaus
James Cook University
Dr Matthew Harris
James Cook University
Dr Vincent Backhaus
James Cook University
Centre Advisory Committee
The Centre Advisory Committee (CAC) is an Indigenous-led group of eminent leaders guiding the Centre’s operations, strategy, and engagement. It ensures progress, advises on research and connections, and identifies future opportunities across academia, government, and industry.
Associate Professor Alana Grech
James Cook University
Associate Professor Felecia Watkin Lui
James Cook University
Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson
Australian National University
Associate Professor Ray Tobler
Australian National University
Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell
Monash University
Distinguished Professor Michael Bird
James Cook University
Chief Investigators (CIs)
CIs are responsible for leading research and strategic decisions within the Centre. They must be employed by an eligible organisation and dedicate a portion of their time to the Centre’s activities. CIs are essential for guiding research projects and are eligible to nominate AIs. CIs have an established relationship to at least one of the Indigenous Partner Organisations.
Associate Professor Alana Grech
James Cook University
Associate Professor Felecia Watkin Lui
James Cook University
Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson
Australian National University
Associate Professor Ray Tobler
Australian National University
Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell
Monash University
Distinguished Professor Michael Bird
James Cook University
Distinguished Professor Sean Ulm
James Cook University
Dr Amy Prendergast
University of Melbourne
Dr Christopher Wilson
University of Tasmania
Dr Frederik Saltre
Flinders University
Professor Alison Bashford
University of New South Wales
Professor Corey Bradshaw
Flinders University
Associate Professor Alana Grech
James Cook University
Associate Professor Felecia Watkin Lui
James Cook University
Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson
Australian National University
Associate Professor Ray Tobler
Australian National University
Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell
Monash University
Distinguished Professor Michael Bird
James Cook University
Executive
The Centre Executive, led by the Director, Deputy Directors, and Chief Operating Officer, oversees the Centre's operations with efficient and responsive leadership. Comprised of experienced leaders, it ensures the strategic direction and management of this large-scale and complex initiative.
Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell
Monash University
Distinguished Professor Sean Ulm
James Cook University
Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher
University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Alana Grech
James Cook University
Associate Professor Felecia Watkin Lui
James Cook University
Associate Professor Janelle Stevenson
Australian National University
Associate Professor Ray Tobler
Australian National University
Distinguished Professor Lynette Russell
Monash University
Distinguished Professor Michael Bird
James Cook University
Indigenous Partner Organisation Representatives
These representatives are central collaborators, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives shape the Centre’s research. They support the co-design, implementation, and governance of research activities and actively engage in Centre events.
Associate Professor Fiona Foley
Butchulla / The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Fiona Foley
Butchulla / The University of Queensland
Partner Investigators (PIs)
PIs take on significant roles in research projects and provide strategic input. They work closely with partner organisations and contribute to research direction.
Associate Professor Michael Slack
Scarp Archaeology
Associate Professor Stefani Crabtree
Santa Fe Institute
Dr Alan Williams
EMM Consulting
Dr Brit Asmussen
Queensland Museum
Dr Matthew Leavesley
University of Papua New Guinea
Associate Professor Michael Slack
Scarp Archaeology
Associate Professor Stefani Crabtree
Santa Fe Institute
Dr Alan Williams
EMM Consulting
Dr Brit Asmussen
Queensland Museum
Research Staff
Employed to advance the Centre’s research objectives, these staff members are usually work for partner Universities and together with research students undertake most of the research program. Research staff include post-doctoral researchers and technical staff.
Cody Nitschke
Flinders University
Dr Vilma Pérez
The University of Adelaide
Cody Nitschke
Flinders University
Dr Vilma Pérez
The University of Adelaide
Research Students
Students are integrated into the Centre’s research programs with the support of Chief Investigators. Upon completing their degrees, they may continue their involvement with the Centre as alumni or in other roles. These include Honours, Masters, and PhD Students.
Alex Pecenko
Australian National University
Anna Kreij
James Cook University
Anthony Romano
University of Melbourne
Bohao Dong
University of Melbourne
Georgina Skelly
James Cook University
Jade Gould
University of the Sunshine Coast
Joshua Connelly
James Cook University
Leandra Martiniello
Australian National University
Lucy Hughes
James Cook University
Mahsa Alidoostsalimi
University of Melbourne
Mike Kneppers
James Cook University
Nic Reilly
Monash University
Alex Pecenko
Australian National University
Anna Kreij
James Cook University
Anthony Romano
University of Melbourne
Bohao Dong
University of Melbourne
Georgina Skelly
James Cook University
Jade Gould
University of the Sunshine Coast
