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Dr Lachlan Hart

Dr Lachlan Hart

Lecturer

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - University of New South Wales (2024)

Master of Science (Research) - University of New England (Armidale) (2019)

Graduate Diploma in Science - University of New England (Armidale) (2015)

Graduate Certificate in Science - University of New England (Armidale) (2013)

Bachelor of Education (Primary) - University of Western Sydney (2008)

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA)
School of Education

Dr Lachlan Hart is an accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience across primary and tertiary education. Holding a PhD in Palaeontology, Lachlan combines scientific expertise with a passion for teaching, bringing a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to learning. Committed to innovation in education, Lachlan is interested in combining his two passions, palaeontology and education, to enhance student outcomes through evidence-based practices.
E-mail
l.hart@unsw.edu.au
Location
Morven Brown G54
  • Journal articles | 2025
    Hart LJ; Ślipiński A; Frese M; Djokic T; McCurry MR, 2025, 'The first fossil longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Australia', Science of Nature, 112, pp. 2, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00114-024-01954-0
    Journal articles | 2024
    Hart LJ; Engel MS; Frese M; McCurry MR, 2024, 'The first fossil mantis lacewing (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from Australia', Palaeoentomology, 7, pp. 345 - 348, http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.3.3
    Journal articles | 2024
    McCurry MR; Gill AC; Baranov V; Hart LJ; Slatyer C; Frese M, 2024, 'The paleobiology of a new osmeriform fish species from Australia', Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 44, pp. e2445684, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445684
    Journal articles | 2024
    Smith PM; Schoon I; Hart LJ; Bicknell RDC; Hopkins MJ; Zhen YY, 2024, 'Significance of a Late Ordovician Triarthrus (Trilobita, Olenidae) from New South Wales, Australia', PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 146, pp. 57 - 70
    Journal articles | 2023
    Bicknell RDC; Smith PM; Hart LJ; Long JA; Trinajstic KM, 2023, 'Evidence for Placoderms from the Mid-Palaeozoic Sandon Beds of North-western New South Wales, Australia', PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 145, pp. 7 - 24
    Journal articles | 2023
    Mccurry MR; Park T; Coombs EJ; Hart LJ; Laffan S, 2023, 'Latitudinal gradients in the skull shape and assemblage structure of delphinoid cetaceans', Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 138, pp. 470 - 480, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blac128
    Journal articles | 2023
    Poropat SF; Bell PR; Hart LJ; Salisbury SW; Kear BP, 2023, 'An annotated checklist of Australian Mesozoic tetrapods', Alcheringa, 47, pp. 129 - 205, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2023.2228367
    Journal articles | 2023
    Ristevski J; Willis PMA; Yates AM; White MA; Hart LJ; Stein MD; Price GJ; Salisbury SW, 2023, 'Migrations, diversifications and extinctions: the evolutionary history of crocodyliforms in Australasia', Alcheringa, 47, pp. 370 - 415, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2023.2201319
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hart LJ; Campione NE; McCurry MR, 2022, 'On the estimation of body mass in temnospondyls: a case study using the large-bodied Eryops and Paracyclotosaurus', Palaeontology, 65, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/pala.12629
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hart LJ; Gee BM; Smith PM; McCurry MR, 2022, 'A new chigutisaurid (Brachyopoidea, Temnospondyli) with soft tissue preservation from the Triassic Sydney Basin, New South Wales, Australia', Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 42, pp. e2232829, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2023.2232829
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hart LJ; Bell PR; Smith ET; Mitchell DR; Brougham T; Salisbury SW, 2021, 'A probable skeleton of Isisfordia (Crocodyliformes) and additional crocodyliform remains from the Griman Creek Formation (Cenomanian, New South Wales, Australia)', Journal of Paleontology, 95, pp. 351 - 366, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2020.98
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hart LJ; McCurry MR; Frese M; Peachey TJ; Brocks J, 2021, 'The first tetrapod remains from the Upper Jurassic Talbragar Fossil Fish Bed', Alcheringa, 45, pp. 423 - 428, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2021.1983651
    Journal articles | 2020
    Hart LJ, 2020, 'Taxonomic clarifications concerning the crocodyliform genus Isisfordia', Peerj, 2020, pp. e8630, http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.8630
    Journal articles | 2019
    Bell PR; Fanti F; Hart LJ; Milan LA; Craven SJ; Birch SA; Smith E, 2019, 'Revised geology, age, and vertebrate diversity of the dinosaur-bearing Griman Creek Formation (Cenomanian), Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia', Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology, 514, pp. 655 - 671, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2018.11.020
    Journal articles | 2019
    Hart LJ; Bell PR; Smith ET; Salisbury SW, 2019, 'Isisfordia molnari sp. Nov., a new basal eusuchian from the mid-Cretaceous of Lightning Ridge, Australia', Peerj, 2019, pp. e7166, http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7166
  • Conference Abstracts | 2026
    Hart L, 2026, 'Palaeontology as a “Gateway Science” – exploring the potential for education', in Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2026 Program and Abstracts, Melbourne, Australia, presented at Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2026, Melbourne, Australia, 03 February 2026 - 06 February 2026
    Conference Abstracts | 2025
    Forrest B; Hart L; Bevitt J; Bell P; Campione N, 2025, 'Revealing the cranial anatomy of the Triassic temnospondyl Deltasaurus kimberleyensis (Stereospondyli, Rhytidosteidae) using synchrotron scanning', in 19th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS) Program and Abstracts, Adelaide, presented at 19th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics, Adelaide, 24 November 2025 - 28 November 2025
    Conference Abstracts | 2025
    Hart L; Tuohilampi L, 2025, 'Exploring the benefits of palaeontology for education in Australia', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abstracts, 2025, Taylor and Francis Group, Birmingham, UK, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 85th Annual Meeting, Birmingham, UK
    Conference Abstracts | 2025
    Hart L, 2025, 'Mandibular evidence for suction feeding in the Cretaceous temnospondyl Koolasuchus cleelandi', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abstracts, 2025, Taylor and Francis Group, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 85th Annual Meeting
    Conference Abstracts | 2025
    Hart L, 2025, 'Temnospondyl body mass — why do we care?', in 19th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS) Program and Abstracts, Adelaide, Australia, presented at 19th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics, Adelaide, Australia, 24 November 2025 - 28 November 2025
    Theses / Dissertations | 2024
    Hart L, 2024, Palaeobiology and taxonomy of Australian temnospondyl amphibians
    Conference Abstracts | 2023
    Hart L; Ziegler T, 2023, 'New discoveries in Australian temnospondyl palaeontology', in Alcheringa, Palaeontology from Australasia and beyond: Abstracts from Palaeo Down Under 3 Perth, Western Australia, July 2023, Taylor and Francis Group, presented at Palaeo Down Under 3, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03115518.2024.2347595
    Conference Abstracts | 2023
    Hart L, 2023, 'Temnospondyl palaeontology in Australia: a window to the past and a view to the future.', in 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS) Program and Abstracts, presented at 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS)
    Conference Abstracts | 2023
    Morrow T; Hart L; Campione N, 2023, 'Understanding Deltasaurus (Rhytidosteidae, Temnospondyli) from the Early Triassic of Australia', in 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS) Program and Abstracts, Melbourne, Australia, presented at 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics, Melbourne, Australia, 27 November 2023 - 30 November 2023
    Conference Abstracts | 2023
    O'Connor J; Hart L, 2023, 'From 2D to 4D: Reconstructing and animating Siderops kehli', in 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics (CAVEPS) Program and Abstracts, Melbourne, Australia, presented at 18th Conference on Australasian Vertebrate Evolution, Palaeontology and Systematics, Melbourne, Australia, 27 November 2023 - 30 November 2023
    Conference Abstracts | 2022
    Hart L; Campione N; McCurry M, 2022, 'Methods of body mass estimation in temnospondyl amphibians.', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abstracts, 2022, Taylor and Francis Group, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 82nd Annual Meeting, https://vertpaleo.org/2022_svp_program-final/
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    Hart L; Bell P; Smith E; Salisbury S, 2019, 'A new basal eusuchian from the Griman Creek Formation at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abtracts, 2019, Taylor and Francis Group, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 79th Annual Meeting
    Theses / Dissertations | 2019
    Hart L, 2019, Cretaceous Crocodyliforms from Lightning Ridge, NSW
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Bell P; Fanti F; Hart L; Birch S; Smith E, 2018, 'Exposing the remarkable opalised dinosaur-dominated fauna of the Griman Creek Formation at Lightning Ridge, NSW.', in 9th National Opal Symposium Program and Abstracts, presented at 9th National Opal Symposium
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Bell P; Fanti F; Hart L; Milan L; Craven S; Birch S; Smith E, 2018, 'Revised age and palaeoecology of the dinosaur-bearing Griman Creek Formation at Lightining Ridge, NSW, Australia', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abstracts, 2018, Taylor and Francis Group, Albuquerque, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 78th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, 17 October 2018 - 20 October 2018, https://vertpaleo.org/svp-2018-program-book-v4-final-with-covers-9-24-18/
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Hart L; Bell P; Salisbury S, 2018, 'Cretaceous Crocodyliforms of Australia – new evidence of the origin of crocodiles from the Griman Creek Formation, Lightning Ridge, NSW.', in University of New England Postgraduate Conference 2018 Program and Abstacts, presented at University of New England Postgraduate Conference
    Conference Abstracts | 2018
    Hart L; Bell P; Salisbury S, 2018, 'Lower Cretaceous Crocodyliforms from Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia: new evidence of the basal eusuchian Isisfordia.', in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Program and Abstracts, 2018, Taylor and Francis Group, presented at Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 78th Annual Meeting
    Conference Abstracts | 2017
    Hart L; Bell P; Salisbury S, 2017, 'Cretaceous Crocodyliforms of Australia – new evidence of the origin of crocodiles from the Griman Creek Formation, Lightning Ridge, NSW.', presented at Geological Society of Australia Earth Science Student Symposium

As sole scholarship/grant recipient:

Australian Earth Sciences Convention Scholarship - 2026

University of New South Wales Education Focussed Grant - 2025

University of New South Wales School of Education Research Outputs Scheme - 2025

University of New South Wales HDR Completion Scholarship - 2023-2024

University of New South Wales BEES-DRTG - 2023

University of New South Wales Development and Research Training Grant - 2023

Earth and Environmental Sustainability Research Centre Discretionary Funds - 2022

Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Jackson School of Geosciences Travel Grant - 2022   

University of New South Wales Development and Research Training Grant - 2022

University of New South Wales PANGEA ECR/HDR Grant Award - 2020

Australian Museum Research Institute Postgraduate Award -  2020

Australian Government Research Training Program - 2020-2023

UNE Keith and Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travelling Scholarship - 2018

As contributor:

Australian Museum Foundation Project title: Unearthing an Ancient Amphibian - 2024

Australian Synchrotron Beamtime (in-kind support) Project title: X-ray tomographic analysis of cranial fossils from a new polar Cretaceous relict temnospondyl amphibian (NMV P256484) and its hitherto last relative, Koolasuchus cleelandi (AS232/IMBL/19834) - 2023

 

University of New England: Unit Commendation – Primary Mathematics 1: Numeracy - 2022

BEES Postgraduate Student Forum: Outstanding Earth and Sustainability Science Presentation - 2021

UNE Postgraduate Conference: Third Place Presentation - 2018

GSA NSW ESSS: Best Presentation, Best Overall Contribution - 2017

3 Minute Thesis: Asia Pacific Semi-Finalist, Cosmos Magazine Editors Choice - 2017

3 Minute Thesis: UNE Winner, School of ERS Winner - 2017

  • Exploring the Benefits of Palaeontology for Education in Australia
  • Palaeobiology and Taxonomy of Australian Temnospondyl Amphibians
  • Miocene Fauna of McGraths Flat
  • Fossil Crocodyliforms

My Research Supervision

PhD (Joint Supervisor) - Corrine Robinson - Assessment in Mathematics Education

PhD (Secondary Supervisor) - Yiran Gong - Museum exhibitions: physical and virtual communication

My Teaching

2026:

Secondary Methods Coordinator

EDST6785: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (K-6)

EDST1200: Foundations of Science in Education 

EDST4002: Foundations of Primary School Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 

EDST6784: Science and Technology (K-6)