Dr Deborah O'Connell is a systems analyst, currently focusing on biofuels, bioenergy, and sustainability research.
Current activities
Dr Deborah O'Connell is a systems analyst at CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems in Canberra, Australia. Her recent research has focused on developing and applying integrated assessment frameworks and systems analysis approaches in the domains of water and energy.
She is currently leading a major interdisciplinary team of 20 scientists on a project entitled Sustainable Biomass Production for Biofuels and Bioenergy in Australia: Can biomass provide low emission fuel and energy without compromising food, water and biosecurity? As part of this work, she is currently writing a review on sustainability guidelines applicable to second generation biofuels.
Background
Dr O’Connell has a background in pedology, hydrology, statistical and spatial analysis, and systems analysis. She worked for many years with a team undertaking systems view of the Murray River in Australia, including evaluation of the non-market benefits of the river.
She has specialised in the emerging area of 'integration' science and systems analysis to provide insight into complex issues. This requires integrating multiple disciplines, being able to elicit complex research questions and provide tractable research approaches that draw on different forms of knowledge and skills.
Achievements
Dr O’Connell joined CSIRO in 2002 and worked as a hydrologist and systems analyst in the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship.
Since 2005 Dr O'Connell has led the CSIRO team that produced a series of industry reports including the high profile report Biofuels in Australia – an overview of issues and prospects. These reports have set the agenda for biofuels and bioenergy research in Australia.
This team has produced numerous journal and conference papers with many more in progress. In the last two years she has given over 20 keynote and other high profile talks, had extensive engagement with print, radio and TV media, and been on numerous Steering Committees, discussion panels and other industry forums.
Academic qualifications
Dr. O’Connell holds the following qualifications:
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Bachelor of Science (incomplete) University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, 1985
(incomplete by two units due to migration to Australia)
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Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 1988
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Doctor of Philosophy at the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, ANU and CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, Australia, 1997.
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