Alissa Flatley
University of New South Wales
Rate Professor Alissa Flatley
Brings real-world examples to learning.
Encourages open-minded and thoughtful discussions.
Inspires curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.
Knowledgeable and truly inspiring educator.
A role model for academic excellence.
About Alissa
Dr. Alissa Flatley is a lecturer in physical geography in the School of Science at UNSW Canberra, University of New South Wales. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in 2022 from the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Melbourne, with doctoral research examining the geomorphology of small arid zone streams in the Eastern Pilbara, Western Australia, and implications for mining river relocation designs. Following her PhD, she worked as an associate lecturer and research assistant at the University of Melbourne, supporting projects in cosmogenic isotope analysis and optically stimulated luminescence dating of Quaternary materials. After a brief period in Wales, she joined UNSW Canberra in early 2025. During her PhD, Flatley held an AINSE scholarship, facilitating landscape research in dryland environments using cosmogenic isotope dating at ANSTO, Australia.
Flatley is a fluvial geomorphologist who integrates geochronological methods and remote sensing to investigate past Quaternary environments and anthropogenically driven environmental changes. Her research interests include applied geomorphology, fluvial geomorphology, dryland geomorphology of mesic systems and headwater channels, sediment supply and catchment management interventions, and river diversion dynamics. She delivers courses such as Geography 1A (ZPEM1201), Geography 1B (ZPEM1202), Environmental Hazards (ZPEM3204), and Geographic Research Methods (ZPEM3208) in the School of Science. Key publications comprise 'Measuring dune development with handheld terrestrial laser scanning' (Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 2025), 'Investigating sediment dynamics and landscape change processes in the semi-arid Pilbara, Western Australia – Insights using paired cosmogenic 26Al/10Be ratios' (Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 2025), 'Australian non-perennial rivers: Global lessons and research opportunities' (Journal of Hydrology, 2024), 'Establishing Geomorphic Reference Criteria for Design of River Diversions Around Mine Pits in the Pilbara, Western Australia' (Mine Water and the Environment, 2023), and 'River channel relocation: Problems and prospects' (Water, 2018). Her contributions advance understanding of human-physical system interactions and landscape processes across timescales.
Professional Email: a.flatley@unsw.edu.au