Dr Stacy Deppeler

Biography

Stacy came to marine research later in her science career, after working for 10 years in biotechnology (cancer diagnostics) and medical research. In 2011, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to visit Antarctica on a tourist vessel and was inspired to enrol in postgraduate studies in marine and Antarctic science.

Stacy completed her PhD in 2018 and worked with the Australian Antarctic Program at Davis Station and on the RSV Aurora Australis over three summer seasons. Her research interests are in marine microbial ecology and the effects of climate change stressors on community dynamics and productivity (such as ocean acidification, temperature, nutrients, etc.). She is fascinated by all marine microbes, but Antarctic marine phytoplankton is where her real passion lies.

In her role as Marine Biogeochemistry Technician at NIWA Wellington, Stacy ensures that our scientists have the highest quality data for their research. She enjoys working with engineers to find innovative solutions to technical problems, and also has an affinity for instrumentation and how to best maintain them. Stacy is not afraid to read a manual from front to back… multiple times and has become a technical expert for several of our major pieces of scientific equipment/methods at NIWA (Flowcam, Biostat benchtop bioreactors, phytoplankton culturing, and underway seawater sampling). She also performs a wide range of technical jobs, including instrument maintenance, lab work, and prepping gear and equipment for ocean-going voyages.

In addition to her role, Stacy also manages the two Biogeochemistry PC2 labs and is an elected Health & Safety Representative on site.