معرفی
Dr. Owen Missen serves as Lecturer in Environmental Geology within the Earth Sciences department at the University of Tasmania's School of Natural Sciences. Based at the CODES ARC facility in the 109 Physics Building on Sandy Bay Campus, he coordinates KEA102 (Earth Evolution) and KEA348 (Environmental Geology) while teaching environmental mineralogy and hydrogeology topics across multiple subjects.
His educational background includes a PhD from Monash University focused on tellurium mineralogy and biogeochemistry, an MSc from the University of Melbourne examining tellurium oxysalt crystal structures, and a BSc from the University of Melbourne. Prior to his current position, he held research roles at Museums Victoria and laboratory demonstrator positions at Monash University and the University of Melbourne.
Dr. Missen's research centers on the environmental mineralogy and geochemistry of Critical Minerals essential for the green energy transition, with particular expertise in tellurium and cobalt biogeochemistry. His work employs a multidisciplinary approach to mineralogical research, often utilizing advanced techniques like the Australian Synchrotron's MX2 beamline for crystal structure determination. Recent publications demonstrate his focus on understanding natural enrichment processes that could inform critical element extraction from mine wastes.
His research spans environmental mineralogy, biogeochemistry of critical elements, geometallurgical characterization of ore deposits, and analysis of mine tailings. Dr. Missen actively participates in professional organizations including the Society of Economic Geologists, Mineralogical Society of America, and Geological Society of Australia (where he serves as Tasmania Division Treasurer).
As an educator and researcher, Dr. Missen combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and teaching to advance understanding of environmental geology and mineral resources. His work bridges fundamental mineralogical research with practical applications for sustainable resource development and environmental management, particularly relevant to Tasmania's mining heritage and future critical mineral opportunities.
