Diana, fondly known to many as Di, has now had that dedication recognised; awarded with the Museum’s highest honour – Fellow of the Western Australian Museum.
She joined the Museum in 1977 as a part-time Graduate Research Assistant, after moving to Perth as a young scientist. Science in Western Australia at the time was still a very male dominated field, but Di took that in her stride and became a trailblazer.
She went on to become one of the Museum’s most respected researchers and senior leaders, holding roles including Curator of Crustacea, Head of Aquatic Zoology and Executive Director of Collections and Research.
An expert in crustaceans, Di built an international reputation through her research. Her work has been widely published, and she has edited scientific papers and served on panels across the globe. Her leadership has been central to several of the Museum’s major research projects, including work in the Dampier Archipelago and the Kimberley.
In 2011, she was instrumental in the Museum’s project Exploring the Marine Biodiversity of Northern WA winning the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management and Managing the Environment. She was also awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2022 for her significant service to conservation and the environment.
Di also played an important role in major changes to the Museum’s collections and research work, including the relocation of the Museum’s collections and the establishment of the Harry Butler Research Centre.
These projects strengthened the Museum’s ability to care for its collections, support research and share knowledge about WA with the world.
Across her career, Di has represented the Museum on many occasions and has acted as a mentor and supporter to staff across the organisation. Her support of women in science and leadership, especially, has left a lasting impact on colleagues who have worked with her and learned from her.
After 48 years with the WA Museum, Di officially retired in 2024. She continues as a WA Museum Research Associate, pushing scientific boundaries and ensuring her expertise and knowledge remain part of the Museum community.
The Fellowship recognises her extraordinary service and dedication over the years, the scale of her scientific contributions and the mark she has left not just on the Museum, but its people.
