Blackall has a
bachelor's degree, master's degree, and Ph.D. from the
University of Queensland, completed respectively in 1981, 1982, and 1987. She was professor of microbiology at the University of Queensland from 1992 to 2008, At the
Australian Institute of Marine Science from 2008 to 2010, She became head of biosciences at
Swinburne University of Technology, Blackall's publications include the
edited volume The Microbiology of Activated Sludge. == Recognition ==