Dean is an urban greening specialist and Lecturer in Urban Ecology at UCL, where he integrates ecological theory into urban design and engineering. He leads core modules on the interdisciplinary MSc in Ecology and Urban Engineering and previously was an Associate Lecturer in Urban Greening at UWE Bristol, where he also obtained his PhD in engineered solutions for urban forestry. Dean is active in international education and practice networks and sits on committees that connect research and practice to higher education curricula. He is passionate about equipping the next generation with tools to implement evidence-based solutions that benefit urban ecosystems and climate resilience in built environments.