معرفی
Dr. Deirdre Gleeson serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, where she holds leadership roles including Chair of the Education Committee and Board of Examiners. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, she teaches core environmental science courses (ENVT1104, ENVT3361, ENVT4461, ENVT5503) while supervising PhD candidates.
Her academic credentials include:
- PhD in Biotechnology, Dublin City University (2001)
- BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology, Dublin City University (1996)
Gleeson's research pioneers the integration of molecular approaches with ecosystem studies, focusing on linking microbial community structure to function across terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Her work examines habitat-scale impacts on microorganisms—from micro-scale rhizosphere interactions to landscape-level climate effects—using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies. Recent expansions include applying eDNA for vertebrate/invertebrate biodiversity assessment in soil and water systems, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals through environmental conservation.
Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in eDNA monitoring for invasive species detection and soil microbiome responses to anthropogenic interventions. Key research threads connect microbial carbon dynamics with sustainable agricultural practices, while aquatic studies optimize cost-effective fish assemblage monitoring in Western Australian river systems.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- ANSTO Grant AP16174 for Holocene environmental record analysis
- Ecological Society of Australia Wiley Fundamental Ecology Award
As a dedicated mentor, Gleeson has supervised 8 research students while securing 15 competitive grants totaling over $5M AUD. Current funding includes the active Holsworth application (2024-2026) investigating ecological processes, and recently completed projects like the $2.3M Pilot to Paddock initiative developing sustainable technologies for Australian agriculture. Her grant portfolio spans soil science, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage preservation.
Gleeson co-leads the Avon River Critical Zone Observatory within Australia's national network, studying earth surface processes, and contributes to the Murujuga Rock Art Conservation Project where microbial ecology expertise aids cultural heritage preservation through rock art stabilization research.
