We recently welcomed Jak McCarroll to Tonkin + Taylor as a Senior Coastal Scientist. Based in Sydney, Jak brings a unique mix of academic research, government experience, and field-based coastal investigations.
With a background in geomorphology and a passion for understanding how coastlines evolve, Jak is already helping grow our coastal capability across Australia.
We sat down with Jak to hear more about his journey, what drives his work, and the coastal challenges he’s focused on solving.
Q: What excites you most about working on Australia’s coastlines?
A: I’ve surfed since I was a kid and have always spent a lot of time at the beach. I’m interested in how landscapes change over time — and coastlines change a lot. Coastal science brings together oceanography, geomorphology, and coastal engineering. That combination has always been part of the excitement, and also what makes it challenging. Over recent years I’ve been drawn to the applied aspects of coastal science, including hazards, risk and management.
Q: What’s a coastal challenge you’re passionate about solving?
A: One of the biggest questions in our field is how coastlines will change in the decades ahead — and what that means for communities. As a geomorphologist, I’m especially interested in how different coast types — dunes, cliffs, and engineered shorelines — will respond to sea level rise.
Q: What role does data play in smarter coastal management?
A: High-quality data is fundamental to designing effective coastal policy and adaptation planning. It helps us predict the impact of coastal hazards, model future shoreline change, and support evidence-based decisions. I’ve also developed a real appreciation for the perspectives of policy makers and coastal land managers — and I’ve seen how good data supports both strong policy and effective community engagement.
Q: What drew you to Tonkin + Taylor?
A: In my previous role in government, I worked with Tonkin + Taylor as a client. I was impressed by the team’s professionalism, their interest in the science, and their ability to come up with creative, practical solutions to complex problems. I’m excited to now be part of that team.
Q: What’s your favourite stretch of coastline — and why?
A: The first place that comes to mind is Cellito Beach, near Smiths Lake, about four hours north of Sydney. Our family often goes camping there over the summer. But really, it could be anywhere along the NSW coast that has decent waves and isn’t too crowded.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: At one point I worked as a hard-rock geologist, conducting research on an epithermal gold deposit in Sumatra.
Q: What’s your goal in the work you do?
A: Over the next few years, my aim is to help grow Tonkin + Taylor’s coastal business across Australia and build a strong Sydney-based team.
