Tamara van Polanen Petel

Tamara van Polanen Petel is an experienced wildlife liaison officer and project manager at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, overseeing coastal hazard assessments in Port Phillip Bay. With a background in ecological research and policy development, Tamara has held multiple roles, including project management in wetlands and estuaries, and policy officer for invasive animals with the Victorian State Government. Past positions include teaching associate at Monash University, senior conservation officer, and research scientist at IMARES, where Tamara led marine mammal research and secured substantial funding for various projects. Tamara holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and Ethology from the University of Tasmania and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biological Science from Monash University, along with ongoing education in GIS essentials.