Dr. Daniel Ierodiaconou

Education

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PhD in Aquatic Sciences, Deakin University, Australia, 2005

 

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Research Interests

 

Daniel Ierodiaconou is a marine ecologist interested in multidisciplinary and multi-scalar approaches to habitat mapping integrating remotely sensed geophysical and biological datasets. He has an interest in understanding the physical and biological processes that influence biogeographic patterns in marine ecosystems at both ecological and geological timescales. Dr Ierodiaconou is currently the principal scientist for the Victorian Marine Habitat Mapping Program. His Geospatial Group team have developed techniques to map benthic biological communities on the seafloor, and for the first time provided an accurate and comprehensive picture of life and the diversity of marine habitats along the Victorian coast. He has also recently taken the role of deputy node leader for the newly established South East Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (SEA-IMOS) node to establish long term monitoring programs for our ocean systems with a particular focus on filling gaps in Bass Strait.

 

Ierodiaconou’s team has led State-marine habitat mapping projects in Victoria, Australia for over 10 years developing novel approaches for multidisciplinary and multi-scalar approaches to habitat mapping integrating remotely sensed geophysical and biological datasets. His Deakin Marine Mapping Group have developed techniques to map benthic biological communities on the seafloor and coastal zone, and for the first time provided an accurate and comprehensive picture of life and the diversity of marine habitats along the Victorian coast. Ierodiaconou’s team that is at the forefront of Multibeam data acquisition, processing and ecological modelling for conservation and fisheries assessment.

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Research Highlights

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Successful crowdfunding campaign for sonar science as part of Deakin’s first Pozible Campaign “Voyages of Discovery” (https://pozible.com/project/22613 )

 

In May 2014, Ierodiaconou hosted the international Geological Habitat (GEOHAB) mapping conference in Lorne, Australia bringing a wealth of expertise and collaborative opportunities from this international community

 

Translation of research in the media (TV, Web and Print). This has included the opportunity to showcase research through TV including Catalyst “Mapping Underwater Victoria” (2013), Network Ten’s children’s science show SCOPE TV (2016) andBBC Coasts Australia program (2017). Extensive coverage in National print with articles reaching a Global readership including “Sonar science uncovers grim wartime secret” (2009); Maps reveal Prom's underwater secrets (2013) and “Five ‘Drowned Apostles' Discovered Off The Australian Coast”(2016).

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Awards

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2016   Vice Chancellors Award for Industry Engagement, Deakin University

 

2015   Victorian Seafood Industry Award for Research, Development and

            Extension, Fisheries Research Development Corporation

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2010-2014   Annual Awards for Teaching Excellence, Deakin University

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2014   Award for Excellence in Research, Deakin University

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2009   Tall Poppy Award, Australian Institute of Policy and Science

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2006   Technical Achievement Award, Australian Hydrographic Service