Biography
Mariana is a biosecurity scientist with a background in Plant Ecology (MSc), Plant Ecophysiology (PhD) and Education (Licentiate) whose broad research and experience cover weeds, plant diseases, and (to a smaller extent) vertebrates and invertebrates. Mariana seeks to use her biosecurity work to positively impact the environment, industry and community.
Her research and applied work have spanned biosecurity pathways and surveillance, ecological studies leading to biocontrol, and genetics to support improved detection, diagnostics, and control (including eDNA and population genetics).
Mariana is an adjunct senior lecturer at the Harry Butler Institute (Murdoch University) since 2021 and is the CSIRO member for the Subcommittee on National Plant Health Surveillance.
Research interests: invasive species ecology, invasive species management, biological control, biocontrol, biosecurity, pathways, surveillance, detection, eDNA (environmental DNA), monitoring, risk assessment, plant ecophysiology, education, training.
Academic Qualifications
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2012
PhD in Plant Ecophysiology
University of Western Australia, Australia -
2006
MSc in Plant Ecology
Universidade de Campinas, Brazil -
2004
Licenciate Degree in Biological Sciences
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil -
2004
BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Current Roles
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Acting Group Leader
Weed Management Systems -
Senior Research Scientist
Ecosystem Change Ecology Team, Health & Biosecurity -
CSIRO representative
Subcommittee on National Plant Health Surveillance -
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University -
Leader for women in STEMM
Homeward Bound Leadership Training, HB7 cohort
Professional Experiences
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2021-2024
Team Leader
Ecosystem Change Ecology Team, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO -
2018-2022
Director of the Board
Australian Plant Biosecurity Science Foundation -
2016-2021
Research Fellow
Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University -
2014-2016
Scientist
Astron Environmental Consultants -
2011-2014
Botanist
Ecologia Environmental Consultants
Community and Corporate Citizenship
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2023-current
Floreat Site Deputy Chief Warden
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2021-current
Floreat Site HSE Committee Member
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2021-current
Floreat Site Leadership Committee Member