Dr. Tom Swan

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Tom holds a Bachelor's degree in Water Resource Management and a PhD in Ecology. He joined the University of Sydney as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2023, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Prior to this role, Tom worked in various sectors including mining rehabilitation and conservation research. His work focuses on developing actionable advice for sustainable soil management strategies for smallholder cocoa farmers in Papua New Guinea. His curiosity in science has led him to engage with diverse cultures and communities, researching innovative approaches to mosquito control. Tom’s interests lie in evidence-based practices to address pressing global issues, such as land rehabilitation and food security. He has experience with interdisciplinary research, integrating ecology and entomology to provide effective management solutions. Tom is also a co-supervisor for a PhD project on soil properties in coffee management systems.

Research Interests

Experience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

— Present

University of Sydney • Sydney, Australia

Research Fellow focused on sustainable soil management strategies for cocoa farmers.

Mining Rehabilitation Specialist

— Present

GEMCO • Groote Eylandt, NT, Australia

Provided expertise in mining rehabilitation.

Research Assistant

— Present

World Mosquito Program, Monash University • Australia

Assisted in research projects related to mosquito control.

Lecturer

— Present

Operation Wallacea • Amazon Jungle, Peru

Taught global education and conservation research programs.

Awards

#

James Cook University Medal for Excellence

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.