Qualifications

Dr Robert Walsh has over 20 years experience as an aquatic micro-invertebrate ecologist, wetland ecologist and limnologist, working across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

He has worked at the CSIRO Marine Division, Australian Water Quality Centre, the South Australian Department of Environment and the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre identifying aquatic microfauna and macro-invertebrates.

Dr Walsh has a PhD in Limnology with a concentration in aquatic microcrustacean taxonomy and aquatic ecology. Dr Walsh specializes in:

  • identification of aquatic micro-invertebrates
  • identification of aquatic macro-invertebrates
  • the limnology of inland bodies of water (lakes, dams, ponds, wetlands, impoundments)
  • aquatic microfaunal ecology
  • the ecology of wetlands
Robert Walsh

EDUCATION

1997 Doctorate of Philosophy. University of Tasmania

Limnology of Tasmanian Freshwater Coastal Dune Lakes with particular reference to the micro-invertebrates. A Limnological, ecological and taxonomic study of the micro-invertebrate fauna of freshwater coastal dune lakes, lagoons and wetlands of Tasmania and the Bass Strait Islands.

1992 BSc.Hons. University of Tasmania

Investigation of the interrelationship of catchment processes, the Limnology of Tasmanian inland lakes and their plankton fauna.

 

RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Oct 2002 –Oct 2005 SENIOR SCIENTIST
Micro-invertebrate Ecologist / Taxonomist (CSIRO)
Lower Basin Laboratory, Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre, CSIRO, Mildura.

  • Identification of aquatic micro-invertebrate fauna within samples collected both externally and internally to the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre
  • Provide aquatic, ecological & specialist advice on wetlands, waterways, & their management to Catchment Management Authorities
  • Investigation of the ecology, distribution and habitat attributes of aquatic micro-invertebrate fauna, including field work, within the Murray-Darling Basin
  • Manage a taxonomic reference collection and add specimens to the collection,
  • Manage and maintain the microscope laboratory and its assets
  • Promote research links with MDFRC laboratories, external bodies and agencies
  • Develop the aquatic fauna analysis capacity of the Lower Basin Laboratory as well as manage the microscope laboratory and it's equipment
  • Conduct, co-ordinate and manage research into the taxonomic and ecological research of aquatic micro-invertebrates plus the water quality and quantity of reservoirs, wetlands, streams and rivers of the Murray Darling Basin

Aug 1999 – July 2002 ADJUNCT LECTURER: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
Awarded due to teaching and scholarship at the University of South Australia.

Aug 1999 - May 2001 SENIOR SCIENTIST, WETLANDS MANAGEMENT
National Parks and Wildlife South Australia
Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH), South Australia

  • Coordinate, design, conduct & manage limnological/biological research into the water quality & quantity of wetlands, streams & rivers, in South Australia
  • Provide an aquatic ecological assessment & specialist advice on wetlands, & their management to DEH and the South Australian Government
  • Establish working relationships with government and non-government agencies
  • Oversee staff involved in the creation & maintenance of a database of wetland type, water chemistry, general limnology & aquatic fauna/flora contained
  • Officer in charge of Wetlands Management

January 1998 - July 1999 AQUATIC BIOLOGIST, STREAM ECOLOGY
Australian Water Quality Centre
South Australia

  • Investigation of the ecology, habitat attributes, distribution, and taxonomically identify aquatic benthic invertebrates to species
  • Provide water quality assessment and specialist advice to SAWATER and external clients
  • Design, conduct and manage both biological and limnological research into the water quality and quantity of reservoirs, wetlands, streams and rivers, throughout South Australia

Feb 1997-Dec 1997 HONORARY POST DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW
Dept of Zoology
University of Tasmania

  • Investigation of the ecology, habitat attributes, distribution, and taxonomically identify aquatic benthic invertebrates to species
  • Teach Limnology, conduct tutorials and practical classes to Third Year university students