Dean manages the research, data and innovation at WRI Indonesia, specifically pertaining to forests, climate, cities, ocean and food. He leads WRI Indonesia’s efforts in producing robust, evidence-based research and fosters a culture of research excellence. His research interest predominantly evolves around the ever-changing relationship between state-society and nature, including land tenure issues, institutional arrangements in natural resource governance, and history of natural resource management.

Aside from research, he leads and manages the Wahana Riset Indonesia program, an in-house research incubator at WRI Indonesia that intended especially for youth wanting to develop their research skills and support WRI's missions.

Dean received a Ph.D. in Human Geography from Monash University, Australia (2017) and an M.Sc. in Development Studies from University of Glasgow, UK (2007). Dean has worked at the University of Indonesia since 2010 and has been involved in research projects in many institutions. During his down time, he loves to be at his eco-friendly garage tinkering with his old cars and vespa, and playing with his three wonderful kids.