May 4, 2026
Profile photo of Dr Pearse Buchanan
In this conversation we speak with Dr Pearse Buchanan, a Research Scientist at CSIRO.
Where did you grow up, and how did you become a climate researcher?
I grew up in Fremantle, Western Australia. I became an ocean biogeochemical modeller when I started a PhD with Professor Zanna Chase at the University of Tasmania. Before this, I was interested in biological oceanography, but I decided to take the risk and move into model development for my PhD, which was terrifying!
Which ACCESS models/configurations do you use and what do you use them for?
I use ACCESS-OM2, ACCESS-OM3, and ACCESS-ESM1.6, all enabled with ocean biogeochemistry (WOMBAT). I use them for my research on ocean biogeochemical cycles.
What is the focus of your research, and what excites you about your work?
The focus of my research has always been on the interaction between the environment and the ecosystem. I find these systems and interactions fascinating. For example, one of my research projects looked at how physical intrusions of oxygen into low oxygen zones in the ocean created a niche for a specific kind of bacteria, and the presence of this bacteria then affects how nitrogen cycles through the ocean.
Journal article from one of Pearse Buchanan’s recent research projects
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to dance. I dance Cuban salsa, Afro-Cuban, Afro-beats, and a little bit of hip hop. I also teach Cuban salsa a few nights per week.