Stephen's research interests are centered on aeolian dust as a soil-forming factor in NSW, the parna soils of southern NSW, the recovery of soils previously affected by wind erosion, and the transport of heavy metals in the environment via wind and water. He has also recently supervised student research projects on soil change at a decadal scale in the lower Lachlan valley and on the distribution of physical contaminants in soil previously amended with Mixed Waste Organic Outputs.
His aeolian research has recently explored methods for detecting dust accessions to topsoils in semi-arid districts of NSW, the features of contemporary dust deposits and of soils derived from much older dust deposits, and the contribution of mining activities to dust generation and deposition. The dust storms that swept across New South Wales (including Sydney) in September 2009 were a great example of why aeolian dust should not be overlooked as a significant soil forming parent material in this country.
