Dean has more than 15 years of experience working on inland water ecosystems, both as a researcher and a consultant. He holds an MPhil degree in Environmental Science from the University of Cape Town and an MSc degree in Ecological Assessment (with a focus on freshwater ecosystems) from the University of Stellenbosch. In addition to being involved in research and consulting projects relating to rivers and wetlands, Dean has worked as the course coordinator for a third-year undergraduate course on Inland Water Ecosystems at the University of Cape Town. He was also, for a number of years, the national coordinator for the development and roll-out of a series of postgraduate modules on Integrated Environmental Water Management for the FET-Water programme. His research interests include the testing and development of tools for the assessment of freshwater ecosystems. Dean is one of the founding members of the Freshwater Research Centre.
Formal education
MSc (Ecological Assessment), with Distinction: Stellenbosch University
MPhil (Environmental Science): University of Cape Town
BSc Honours (Ocean & Atmosphere Science), First Class: University of Cape Town
BSc (Ocean & Atmosphere Science, Environmental & Geographical Science): UCT
Professional Memberships/Accreditations
Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) – South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
Member – Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists (SASAqS)
Member – South African Wetland Society (ex Board Member)
Member – Western Cape Wetlands Forum
Member – International Association for Impact Assessment, South Africa (IAIAsa)
Accredited SASS5 practitioner
Specialisations
Biomonitoring using aquatic invertebrates (SASS5), freshwater ecological input to environmental impact assessments, wetland mapping and classification, assessment of the present ecological condition of river and wetland ecosystems, water quality assessments, training (theoretical and practical)
Affiliations:
Member: Freshwater Consulting cc
Email: dean@frcsa.org.za
Research Gate Link: Research Gate
