BSc Hons, PhD

Deb received a B.Sc. Hons degree in physics from University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand in 1979 and a Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of St Andrews, Scotland in 1984. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Southampton University, Southampton, UK during 1984-86, and a lecturer in physics at Massey University, NZ during 1986-89. She moved to Australia in 1989 when she joined Macquarie University and established the first semiconductor laser research there. She also designed, developed and delivered curriculum and content for senior units in the then newly established Bachelor of Technology in Optoelectronics degree. Her teaching and mentoring has been at all levels from introductory physics for all comers, through to master’s level in optics and photonics and supervising honours and PhD students. She is active in physics outreach. As a balanced research and teaching academic during her career at Macquarie University she was awarded a Personal Chair in Physics in 2005. She served as Head of Department of Physics 2003-2006 and as a member of the Macquarie University Council 2010-2017. She joined ANU as an Honorary Professor in 2022.

Deb’s research includes:

• tailoring and understanding the diverse dynamical outputs of semiconductor laser, and related, systems;
• science of laser material interactions - modification, characterisation, surface cleaning, conservation and preservation applications;
• the optical properties of the micro-optic elements of certain spider webs including silks;
• light in the natural world; and
• physics education.

She has edited or co-edited 4 books including: “Unlocking Dynamical Diversity: Optical Feedback Effects on Semiconductor Lasers”; “Laser Cleaning II”; “Nanotechnology in Australia: Showcase of Early Career Research”; and “Nanomaterials – Science and Applications”. She has more than 250 research publications (~100 refereed journal publications).

Deb served IUPAP as a member, Vice-Chair (2012-2014) and Chair (2015-2017) of the Commission of Laser Physics and Photonics (C17). She served AIP as the National Vice Chair of the AIP Women in Physics Group (2000 – 2004); and as a member (2012-present) and Chair (2017-2022) of the AIP Accreditation Committee. She’s been a member (including chairing) of many prize and related committees for Optica, IEEE, IUPAP, and APPS. She has fulfilled a number of roles in the organisation of national and international conferences and workshops.

She is a Fellow the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) and an Optica Fellow (formerly Fellow of OSA), and was the 2006 AIP Women in Physics Lecturer and medallist.