Using plant physiology as a base, I have a broad interest in understanding how plants function in the environment to inform conservation and restoration actions. My research interests include understanding plant-substrate-water interactions of individual species and ecosystems.

This information helps to inform current distributions of plants in the landscape, their management, restoration and potential use in production systems. I apply this knowledge to conservation, mining and agricultural sectors in collaboration with many stakeholders.

Research themes

• Restoration science
• Native plant ecophysiology
• Plant function in restored environments
• Climate and management impacts on plant function
• Native plant use in production systems

Major projects

• Innovative seed technologies for restoration in a biodiversity hotspot./li>
• Eco-engineering soil from mine tailings for native plant rehabilitation.
• Using plant ecophysiology as a tool to underpin successful Banksia woodland restoration.
• ARC Training Centre for Mining Restoration (Industrial Transformation Training Centre).
• Integrated conservation and translocation of the threatened banded ironstone species Tetratheca erubescens (Elaeocarpaceae).

Visit the Restoration Ecology section to learn more about the current and past projects.

Selected publications

Stevens JC, Rokich DP, Newton VK, Barrett RL and Dixon KW. Banksia woodlands: A restoration guide for the Swan Coastal Plain. UWA Publishing. Perth Western Australia ISBN: 9781742589077.

BP Miller BP, et al ... [Stevens J] (2017) A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems. Restoration Ecology 25 (4), 605-617.

Lewandrowski W, Erickson TE, Dixon KW and Stevens JC (2017) Increasing the germination envelope under water stress improves seedling emergence in two dominant grass species across different pulse rainfall events. Journal of Applied Ecology 54 (3), 997-1007.

Bateman A, Lewandrowski W, Stevens JC and M Muñoz‐Rojas (2018). Ecophysiological indicators to assess drought responses of arid zone native seedlings in reconstructed soils. Land degradation & development 29 (4), 984-993.

Stevens J, Senaratna T and Sivasithamparam K (2006) Salicylic acid induces salinity tolerance in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Roma): associated changes in gas exchange, water relations and membrane stabilization. Plant Growth Regulation 49: 77-83.