My research focuses on the spatial structure and temporal dynamics of benthic invertebrates in tropical transitional wetlands. This work filles a critical gap in our knowledge of the unique components of these fauna and ways in which they respond to changes in tidal and freshwater flow. Consequently, the work provides a vital underpinning for work to restoration the functioning of human impacted tropical coastal wetlands.

My research focuses on the spatial structure and temporal dynamics of benthic invertebrates in tropical transitional wetlands. This work fills a critical gap in the knowledge of the unique components of these fauna and ways in which they respond to changes in tidal and freshwater flow. this work provides a vital underpinning for work to restoration and functioning of human impacted tropical coastal wetlands.

My research focusses on the spatial structure and temporal dynamics of benthic invertebrates in tropical transitional wetlands. I examine, document and evaluate the understanding of these components of these vitally important environments. This work fills a critical gap in the knowledge of the unique components of these fauna and ways in which they respond to changes in tidal and freshwater flow. This work provides a vital underpinning of work to restoration and functioning of human impacted tropical coastal wetlands.

I am te Director of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program for undergraduate students in the College of Science and Engineering. Our program connects our students with industry and community organisations to support their learning and prepare them for their future careers.

Teaching

• AG1007: Introduction to Plants and Animals for Veterinary Science (Level 1; TSV)
• BS1001: Introduction to Biological Processes (Level 1; TSV)
• BS1007: Introduction to Biodiversity (Level 1; TSV)
• MB2080: Invertebrate Biology (Level 2; TSV)
• MB3270: Coastal, Estuarine and Mangrove Ecosystems (Level 3; TSV)
• MB5270: Coastal, Estuarine and Mangrove Ecosystems (Level 5; TSV)
• MB5380: Invertebrate Biology (Level 5; TSV)
• SC3003: Science Research Internship (Level 3; CNS & TSV)
• SC3008: Professional Placement (Level 3; CNS & TSV)

Research Disciplines

• Environmental management (4104)
• Policy and administration (4407)
• Human geography (4406)

Socio-Economic Objectives

• Environmental policy, legislation and standards (1902)

Awards

• 2014 - Inclusive Practice Award
• 2011 - Inclusive Practice Award
• 2010 - Certificate of Recognition from Australian College of Educators. For ability to engage students in skill development and understanding of biological concepts and for providing outstanding support to enable students to achieve their goals.
• 2010 - Inclusive Practice Award
• 2006 - Inclusive Practice Award

Other

• 1997 - Graduate Certificate of Education (Tertiary Teaching).

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU.

Journal Articles

• Sheaves M, Waltham N, Benham C, Bradley M, Mattone C, Diedrich A, Sheaves J, Sheaves A, Hernandez S, Dale P, Banhalmi-Zakar Z and Newlands M (2021) Restoration of marine ecosystems: understanding possible futures for optimal outcomes. Science of the Total Environment, 796, Article: 148845, DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148845.
• Sheaves M, Bradley M, Herrera C, Mattone C, Lennard C, Sheaves J and Konovalov D (2020) Optimizing video sampling for juvenile fish surveys: using deep learning and evaluation of assumptions to produce critical fisheries parameters. Fish and Fisheries, 21 (6), pp. 1259-1276, DOI:10.1111/faf.12501.
• Sheaves J, Dingle L and Mattone C (2016) Biotic hotspots in mangrove-dominated estuaries: macro-invertebrate aggregation in unvegetated lower intertidal flats. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 556, pp. 31-43, DOI:10.3354/meps11860.
• Sheaves M, Sheaves J, Stegemann K and Molony B (2014) Resource partitioning and habitat-specific dietary plasticity of two estuarine sparid fishes increase food web complexity. Marine and Freshwater Research, 65 (2), pp. 114-123, DOI:10.1071/MF12348.

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Completed

• Biodiversity beyond species census: Assessing organisms’ traits and functional attributes using computer vision (2021, PhD , Secondary Advisor)