I am an environmental scientist and project manager with a track record of leading cross-disciplinary research and remediation initiatives across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the U.S. Over the past 15 years I have managed budgets, coordinated multi-partner teams, and driven projects from concept to publication and impact. My work spans algae and phytoplankton ecology, marine bioproducts, and site remediation, with collaborations across academia, government and industry. I pride myself on turning complex data into actionable decisions and delivering measurable outcomes. I enjoy mentoring students and engaging with stakeholders to translate science into practical solutions. I have taught at universities, led research cruises, and partnered with organizations such as CSIRO, NAMRA, Teagasc and EPA to advance knowledge and application in ecology and bioproduct development. I am eager to apply my leadership, analytical and communication skills to future environmental and bioproduct initiatives.

Diane Purcell-Meyerink

I am an environmental scientist and project manager with a track record of leading cross-disciplinary research and remediation initiatives across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the U.S. Over the past 15 years I have managed budgets, coordinated multi-partner teams, and driven projects from concept to publication and impact. My work spans algae and phytoplankton ecology, marine bioproducts, and site remediation, with collaborations across academia, government and industry. I pride myself on turning complex data into actionable decisions and delivering measurable outcomes. I enjoy mentoring students and engaging with stakeholders to translate science into practical solutions. I have taught at universities, led research cruises, and partnered with organizations such as CSIRO, NAMRA, Teagasc and EPA to advance knowledge and application in ecology and bioproduct development. I am eager to apply my leadership, analytical and communication skills to future environmental and bioproduct initiatives.

Available to hire

I am an environmental scientist and project manager with a track record of leading cross-disciplinary research and remediation initiatives across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the U.S. Over the past 15 years I have managed budgets, coordinated multi-partner teams, and driven projects from concept to publication and impact. My work spans algae and phytoplankton ecology, marine bioproducts, and site remediation, with collaborations across academia, government and industry. I pride myself on turning complex data into actionable decisions and delivering measurable outcomes.

I enjoy mentoring students and engaging with stakeholders to translate science into practical solutions. I have taught at universities, led research cruises, and partnered with organizations such as CSIRO, NAMRA, Teagasc and EPA to advance knowledge and application in ecology and bioproduct development. I am eager to apply my leadership, analytical and communication skills to future environmental and bioproduct initiatives.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Rehabilitation Project Manager at Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Hobart
July 1, 2024 - Present
Lead the Savage River Mine remediation project addressing legacy waste from pre-1997 operations. Oversee budget management, procurement and OH&S compliance, coordinate with mine owners utilizing PPF funding for remediation and AMD control. Contributed to governance and stakeholder engagement across federal and state agencies to ensure long-term site stewardship.
Research Scientist at CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Hobart
February 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Work across CSIRO units in applied phycology to assess algal species for bioproduct development while maintaining and expanding NRCA biodiversity collections and collaborating on publications with NAMRA and Teagasc.
Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellow at Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2023
Led optimization of seaweed cultivation for bioproducts (Macrocystis pyrifera) during the outgoing phase, with a return phase at Teagasc focusing Laminaria digitata extraction and related bioproduct development; published review articles and pursued further collaborations.
Research Fellow at NAMRA - ATRF, Darwin, NT
July 1, 2013 - January 31, 2017
Investigated metal content in water column and sediments, planned and executed extensive sampling cruises across Darwin Harbour and adjacent regions, and co-authored influential publications including a Nature data paper on the Australian phytoplankton database.
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist for NERC at National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, UK
June 1, 2010 - January 31, 2012
Phytoplankton ecology, biogeochemistry and ecosystems research; pigment analysis via HPLC; field sampling on multiple hydrology cruises; contributed to EU PROTOOL project outputs.
Research Associate at SETI Institute, NASA Ames, USA
June 1, 2001 - September 30, 2004
Managed field sampling in Yellowstone; conducted algal experiments, supervised students, and performed documentation and data analysis for ecological research.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Institute of Applied Ecology, University of Canberra
April 1, 2012 - May 31, 2013
Taught two undergraduate units (Concepts in Biology and Chemistry 1); contributed to Antarctic bioremediation project through artificial sediment work and algal inputs.
Research Fellow at University of Canberra & Visiting Fellow, Australian National University
April 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
Taught first and second year undergraduates; designed and delivered the BIOL2012 experiment design and statistics unit; led practicals and field-based teaching.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Australian National University (ANU), Research School of Biology
January 1, 2013 - July 31, 2013
Short-term post-doctoral project on algae-based biofuels, including genetic modification of cyanobacteria to enhance lipid production; contributed to peer-reviewed output.

Education

Bachelor of Education (Mathematics & Science) - B.Ed. at Charles Darwin University, Australia
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017
PhD in Water Chemistry & Microbiology at Cranfield University, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010
MSc Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at Imperial College, London, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2005
BSc Zoology at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000
Evolution – Berkeley, University of California at Berkeley, USA
January 1, 2004 - May 1, 2004
Molecular Biology – Berkeley, University of California at Berkeley, USA
September 1, 2003 - December 1, 2003
GLM and R Statistics at Imperial College, London, UK
January 1, 2005 - January 31, 2005
HPLC at Foothill College, San Jose, CA, USA
January 1, 2003 - March 1, 2003

Qualifications

Coxswain NC Class 1 License
January 1, 2025 - February 22, 2026
Advanced First Aid Certificate (St. John Ambulance)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2025
4WD Certificate of Competency
January 1, 2016 - February 22, 2026
ENG1 Medical Certification
January 1, 2010 - February 22, 2026
STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
IRFU Rugby Coaching Certificate
January 1, 2011 - February 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Agriculture & Mining, Education, Life Sciences, Government, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment