Lee Baumgartner

Lee Baumgartner serves as the Executive Director of the Gulbali Research Institute at Charles Sturt University since October 2016, overseeing strategic direction and operations focused on agriculture, water, and environment research with an emphasis on First Nations engagement. In conjunction, Lee holds the position of Research Professor in Fisheries and River Management, managing a $15 million portfolio of global research projects aimed at enhancing freshwater resource sustainability. Prior experience includes serving as Science Director at La Trobe University, leading a research team on Murray-Darling Basin freshwater issues, and holding various leadership roles at NSW DPI, including managing significant research projects in freshwater resources. Lee Baumgartner's educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Aquatic Ecology from the University of Canberra, along with honors and undergraduate degrees in aquatic and biological sciences from Deakin University.