1. Congratulations on winning the prestigious 2023 Paul Turner Award. What does this mean to you?

I am delighted to share the exciting news that I have been awarded the prestigious 2023 Paul Turner Award for my project titled "Assessment of Sediment Quality near Stormwater Drains at Ashfield Flats Reserve, Perth, Western Australia." This recognition from the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) is a proof to the collective efforts of everyone involved in this research. My journey with the Paul Turner Award began through the encouragement of my professor, Andrew Rate, who has been providing support and guidance throughout the project, from collecting field samples to managing data. The Paul Turner Award holds a special place in my heart as it commemorates the legacy of Paul Turner, a respected industry member in Western Australia. His dedication and contributions on contaminated sites have left a lasting impact, and I am humbled to be part of this. This award serves as a stepping stone for me to recognise industry leaders and establish connections within the land and groundwater community.

2. Can you tell us about your award-winning project: Assessment of Sediment Quality near Stormwater Drains at Ashfield Flats Reserve, Perth, Western Australia?

The Ashfield Flats Reserve in Perth faces imminent threats from altered hydrology and historical pollution sources, with elevated copper and zinc levels, likely from stormwater runoff from Chapman Drain and Kitchener Drain, posing potential threats to aquatic ecosystems. Rapid urban development has accelerated sediment contamination, introducing trace elements like arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc, commonly found in densely populated urban river sediments. This study focuses on the reserve, addressing spatial distribution of heavy metals, associations between trace and major elements, variations near stormwater drains, and the presence of acid sulphate soils. Field sampling reveals elevated copper and zinc levels originating from historical agriculture, residential runoff, traffic, and industry, emphasising the need for comprehensive modelling and mitigation strategies.

3. We’d love to hear more about your academic journey and the intersection of Environmental Science and Data Science:

In my final year at the University of Western Australia, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Data Science, my academic journey is fuelled by a profound love for the natural world and a commitment to addressing escalating environmental challenges. The integration of Data Science into my studies is rooted in a passion for data analysis and visualisation. Environmental Science provides the contextual understanding of ecosystems, while Data Science equips me with tools to extract meaningful insights from vast datasets. Also, my skills in Geographic Information System (GIS) allow me to precisely identify vulnerable areas. In the contaminated land and groundwater sector, technology and data science play a pivotal role. Beyond field samples and laboratory work, effective analysis and visualisation are critical in making complex information accessible to the broader community.

4. What are your future plans and career aspirations?

Looking to the future, I will complete my studies by mid-2024. I am excited about contributing to projects addressing rising environmental challenges. The intersection of my expertise in environmental science and data science positions me to engage in multidisciplined roles, from conducting hands-on fieldwork and laboratory research to employing advanced data analysis techniques and GIS mapping. I hope that I could utilise the knowledge I learnt to make meaningful contributions to sustainable land and groundwater management practices.

5. Can you share with us what you most look forward to in the future?

What excites me most about the future in this sector is the prospect of actively addressing environmental challenges and making a positive impact on communities, the opportunity to apply cutting-edge technology, data science, and innovative methodologies to solve complex problems in contaminated land and groundwater is rewarding. I want to express my deepest gratitude to ALGA, my professor Andrew Rate, and everyone who has supported me on this transformative journey. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, the environmental challenges I will have the privilege to work on, and the communities I will have the opportunity to serve. Together, let us continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in sustainable land and groundwater management.

About Jing Ying Wong

I am Jing Ying Wong (Yvette), an international student from Malaysia, studying environmental science and data science at the University of Western Australia. In the winter of 2022, I have worked with St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) as a citizenship for their member development project in the emergency relief call centre. I developed instructional, infographic and recruitment videos, helped with data entry and planned advertising list for marketing. I have also volunteered with Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG): Weekend Conservation Session, assisting in planting native vegetation along the foreshore of Pelican Point, one of the marine reserves SERAG is looking after. This ensures the sustainability of an ecosystem that is a crucial breeding ground for migratory wading birds by reducing soil erosion and nutrient input into the river.

Recently, I have worked as a junior analyst at Greenbase during the 2023 National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) reporting season, gaining insights into contaminants and emission reporting process. Balancing responsibilities as a casual worker and full-time student, I achieved consistent academic excellence. My skills include meticulous attention to detail, strong organisational and time management, and adaptability under pressure. In my spare time, I love to work on useful side projects, enhancing my coding and problem-solving abilities. With a passion for cooking, I love to explore different cuisines, reflecting creativity and bringing joy to others.

The 2023 Paul Turner Award symbolises my commitment to the contaminated sites industry. I am looking forward to contributing to contaminated sites industry, by bringing a blend of academic background and practical experience. Thank you to all who supported me. I am excited about future opportunities and growth in environmental and data analysis sectors.

Article Published on 12/12/2023

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