People

Senior Principal consultants

Mark Bailey (Director/Environmental Engineer): Mark has substantial professional experience in engineering and marine environmental work. He commenced his career as a civil engineer in 1986 and worked in marine construction and commercial project management. Since completing his MEngSc in 1996 he has worked continuously in the fields of marine environmental impact studies, environmental project management and modelling of aquatic ecosystems. Mark is a Certified Practising Engineer with the Institution of Engineers Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mark has strategic, commercial and human resources management skills developed in his role as a project manager and a director of Oceanica since 2002.
Dr Bruce Hegge (Director/Coastal Geomorphologist): Bruce is a director of Oceanica and a coastal scientist with over 20 years experience. Bruce's background is in coastal geomorphology; particularly beach systems, nearshore and coastal hydrodynamics and marine sedimentology. He also has extensive experience in environmental assessment and management of dredging operations. Bruce has been keenly involved in the development and application of techniques for the broad-scale mapping of benthic habitats. He has strong skills in project management, data analysis, report writing and presentation.
Dr Karen Hillman (Director/Aquatic Ecologist): Karen is a director of Oceanica and aquatic ecologist with over twenty five years experience in research, and the development and co-ordination of environmental monitoring programmes, in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Karen has strong skills in strategic planning, programme evaluation, the distillation and interpretation of multi-disciplinary data, and report writing.

Principal consultants

Dr Robert DeRoach (Marine Scientist): Robert is a PhD qualified marine scientist (UWA) with over ten years consulting and research experience in environmental impact assessment (EIA), biological surveys, water quality management, environmental compliance, auditing and approvals. Robert completed his postgraduate research studies on the Swan River Estuary, Western Australia, where he investigated the role of benthic fauna in sediment-water nutrient cycling, within the context of eutrophication management. His professional experience mainly includes undertaking EIA and related risk assessment and biological surveys for clients associated with West Australian marine infrastructure projects and the North West Shelf oil and gas industry.
Dr Julia Phillips (Marine Ecologist/Phycologist): Julia has around 15 years experience in marine benthic ecology both in Australia and overseas, with a strong emphasis on phycology. Julia has considerable experience as a research scientist and her work has covered a wide range of applications including researching anthropogenic nutrient loads on nearshore coastal communities, examining spatial and temporal variability in algal assemblages, investigating genetic relatedness of geographically separate algal populations, using stable isotopes as bioindicators of nutrient sources, deep-water biodiversity surveys, research into the efficacy of marine protected areas and studies of algal productivity. Julia also has considerable professional experience as a consultant and her projects have included dredge impact and recovery assessment, water quality management, benthic primary producer assessment and impact management, habitat mapping and preparation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) documents. She also has strong report writing and experimental design skills and has a PhD in marine botany.
Dr Luke Twomey (Aquatic Ecologist): Dr Luke Twomey is a marine and estuarine ecologist with a PhD in phytoplankton ecology. Luke has been working continuously in the fields of research, teaching and management since 1996. Luke’s work has focussed on the estuarine, nearshore and offshore coastal environments, both in Australia and internationally. Luke’s research interests and experience are related phytoplankton ecology, nutrient pollution and water quality. More specifically these areas of interest have included: trophodynamics in estuarine and coastal systems, the causes and management of eutrophication, upwelling off the coast of Western Australia, microphytobenthos biomass and photosynthesis, and the design and operation of large-scale water quality monitoring programs. Prior to joining Oceanica Luke was the Principal Scientist with the Swan River Trust where he was responsible for the relevance, rigour and strategic direction of scientific effort. Luke is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Murdoch University, where he maintains an active PhD supervisory role.
Dr Mark Westera (Marine Ecologist): Dr Mark Westera is a marine ecologist with a BSc (Hons) from Murdoch University and a PhD from Edith Cowan University, he is a qualified ADAS Part 2 commercial diver and has approximately 11 years of professional experience. Mark has experience in working on a number of ecosystems, including seagrass and algae but brings particular value to Oceanica with his strong skills in coral community analysis. Mark has also previously undertaken studies of fish communities and marine water quality. He has strong experimental design and statistical capabilities. Prior to joining Oceanica, Mark has been employed as a researcher with Water and Rivers Commission, CSIRO, Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS), Edith Cowan University and The University of Western Australia. Mark also has consulting experience and joins us following several years as a consultant working on a number of large-scale North West oil and gas projects.

Senior consultants

Dr Karen Crawley (Marine Ecologist): Karen is a marine ecologist with a PhD in environmental management and is an accredited lead environmental auditor with the RABQSA and an ADAS Part I commercial diver. Karen has strong marine consulting experience in the context of Western Australia’s marine and regulatory environments, including project management, approvals, and environmental impact assessments associated with marine infrastructure projects. Karen also has extensive experience in environmental monitoring (particularly seagrass and macroalgal ecosystems) and environmental auditing.
Dr Adam Gartner (Marine Ecologist): Adam has a Bachelor of Science (1st Class Honours) and recently completed his PhD on the flow-on effects of light reductions to seagrass faunal communities. Prior to his PhD, Adam worked for the Department of Environmental Protection (now DEC), where he was involved in State of the Environment Reporting (SoER) and NRM policy development. Through Adam's previous research and work experience, he has a strong background in nearshore benthic marine ecology with a focus on dredging related impacts, as well as a strong understanding of the environmental impact assessment system.
Marianne Nyegaard (Marine Biologist): Marianne has a bachelor and masters degree in marine biology from Tromsø University in Norway and ADAS Part 2 dive qualifications. Marianne has previously worked in fisheries in the Falkland Islands before working locally in consulting, specialising in dredging environmental impacts
Sarah Scott (Marine Ecologist): Sarah has a double major in marine biology and zoology with honours in marine biology from the University of Western Australia. Sarah has previously been employed by the Department of Environment and Conservation within the Compliance Monitoring section auditing compliance with Ministerial Statements. Sarah is an accredited lead environmental auditor with the RABQSA International.
Dr Glenn Shiell (Marine Ecologist): Glenn is a marine ecologist with over ten years of research and consulting experience in the fields of marine and freshwater ecology. As an ecologist he is interested in the extent of natural change in the marine environment, and particularly the extent to which natural change can be separated from anthropogenic (or man-made) change. Most recently, Glenn has been responsible for the management and on-going development of several large ocean outfall monitoring programs: Alkimos, Bunbury and Perth. A large component of his work has involved identification of biological indicators of change (particularly related to eutrophication) and development of environmental management triggers. Recent extension to this work include simulations to determine statistical effect sizes, and the extent to which hypothesis testing (in the context of ANOVA) may be used as an effective (and sensitive) environmental management tool. Glenn is an accomplished author, having published several papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Experienced consultants

Dr Tara Amrita (Marine Ecologist): Dr Tara Amrita has completed a PhD in marine ecology, studying the ecological interactions among marine flora and fauna across the temperate Australian coastline, providing a broad-scale approach to managing pressures on marine habitats. Following completion of her studies at the Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories (University of Adelaide), Tara has worked as a consultant designing programmes for monitoring and evaluation of coastal impacts within South Australia and Western Australia.
Dr Jonathan Anderson (Marine Scientist): Jonathan has a BSc in Geology (Wyoming), MSc in Soil Science (Wyoming) and a PhD in Environmental Science (Murdoch). In addition, Jonathan has ADAS Part 2 commercial dive qualifications. Jonathan's primary academic training was in geology and soil science, but he has developed a strong interest in marine science throughout his most recent postgraduate degree. Jonathan brings to Oceanica strong skills in environmental chemistry, statistics and experimental design.
Kellie Holloway (Coastal Engineer): Kellie is an engineer graduating with honours in Applied Ocean Science from the University of Western Australia in 2006. During her time at Oceanica, Kellie has had experience in project and data management, marine environmental surveys and monitoring, dredging management, engineering and initial dilution modelling, coastal processes and geomorphology and environmental impact assessment.
Dr Lotte Rivers (Marine Ecologist): Lotte is a PhD qualified marine ecologist with an interest in rehabilitating seagrass ecosystems. Her PhD findings developed techniques to increase the success and survival of transplanted seagrasses in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Lotte's professional experience includes management of the Seagrass Research and Rehabilitation Plan which successfully transplanted over three hectares of seagrass into Cockburn Sound. Lotte has conducted professional training on the use of the underwater fluorometer (Diving-PAM) to government agencies and universities. Lotte is a confident field leader with over 12 years boating and SCUBA experience who has organised surveys of coral, seagrass, algae and sediments throughout Western Australia. Lotte spent a year in America undertaking eelgrass monitoring and teaching SCUBA classes at the University of New Hampshire. Lotte is a qualified (ADAS Part 1) commercial diver and commercial dive supervisor.

Intermediate consultants

Adelaide Bevilaqua (Marine Ecologist): Adelaide has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Conservation Biology and Management from the University of Western Australia. Adelaide has experience in marine research and environmental monitoring, with two years experience as a laboratory assistant with the UWA School of Plant Biology, on projects situated in Geographe Bay and Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Adelaide's honours project looked at the microhabitat associations of Cowries (Cypraea spp) within the Ningaloo Marine Park, expanding her knowledge of marine ecology and ecosystem functioning.
Samantha Green (Coastal Geomorphologist): Samantha has a background in coastal geomorphology, having graduated with honours in Geography from the University of Western Australia. Samantha has experience in coastal vulnerability to climate change. Her honours project looked at developing a conceptual model for erosion hazard assessment on rocky embayed coasts: focusing on Trigg to Sorrento, Western Australia.
Alex Grochowski (Marine Scientist): Alex is a marine scientist with a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology/Zoology) from the University of Western Australia (UWA). Alex’s previous experience includes 5 years working at UWA, where he has occupied the roles of Centre Team Leader at the Centre for Marine Futures, University Diving and Boating Safety Officer, and Senior Research Officer. In these positions, Alex has developed skills using a range of diver and diverless sampling techniques to assess coral, algal, and seagrass ecosystems. He is a qualified ADAS Part 1 commercial diver and also has a strong background in field logistics and occupational safety and health systems.
Alannah Sinden (Marine Ecologist): Alannah has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine Science from Murdoch University. Alannah’s Honours project looked at the intertidal ecology of onshore rocky platforms within the Marmion Marine Park, focusing on Mettams Pool and Trigg, expanding her knowledge of invertebrate and macroalgae ecology. Alannah was previously at Downer EDI and is joining Oceanica to work on EIA related projects. She also has formal audit qualifications from SAI Global plus useful experience in the preparation and implementation of EMPs, as well as working with environmental laboratories.

Graduate consultants

Dr Katharine Cox (Oceanographer): Katharine has worked as an environmental consultant in the UK after completing a PhD in Chemical Oceanography and Climate Change at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. Her PhD project involved using chemical analysis of water samples to trace freshwater transport and ice melt in the Arctic. She also holds a Masters in Applied Meteorology from Reading University and a Masters in Earth Sciences from Oxford University.
Ben Davis (Marine Scientist): Ben Davis has a BSc in Marine Science and Environmental Management from Murdoch University, and will be completing an honours project in 2011 focusing upon the influence of marine benthic habitat data on systematic conservation planning solutions for Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Ben will be working at Oceanica on a casual basis while he completes his honours year.
Sarah Marshman (Coastal Geomorphologist/Engineer): Sarah has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from the University of Sydney. Her Honours project examined long-term modelling of the response of estuarine morphology to the combined effects of sea level rise and sedimentation. She then completed a Masters in Coastal and Marine Engineering and Management (CoMEM), coordinated by leading European universities in Norway, The Netherlands, and the UK. Sarah has a keen interest in the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and the long-term sustainable development of the coastal zone.
Antosh Sokol (Marine Scientist): Antosh has recently graduated from marine science at UWA, and also holds ADAS Part 1 qualifications
Louise Synnot (Marine Scientist): Louise has recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Science at Murdoch University where she was awarded for the best academic achievement in the unit Oceanography and Marine Pollution.

Operations Management

Giuseppe Paccani (Operations Manager): Gus is Oceanica's Operations Manager and he is responsible for fieldwork, diving and associated systems.
Rochelle Desmond (Regional Project Officer): Rochelle Desmond is based in Geraldton and provides regional support primarily on the Oakajee Port project as well as other support in the region as required. Rochelle has recently completed a Bachelor of Business at Edith Cowan University with a double major in Management and Politics. She has previously worked as a Visitor Services Officer at the WA Museum (Geraldton), as well as having undertaken a number of administrative/management roles, including Project Officer/Events Coordinator, National Retail Manager and Statistics Coordinator.

Data Management

Philip Kindleysides (Manager - GIS and Data): Philip is an Environmental Data Manager and Marine Cartographer. Philip holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a Bachelor of Science in Cartography. Philip has experience in managing spatial and aspatial data via logical data frameworks, relational databases and integrated documentation. As a Cartographer, Philip is responsible for the in-house design of Oceanica's map products. Philip is an experienced user of ArcView GIS 3.2, ArcGIS 9.1 and related spatial software packages. Prior to commencing work for Oceanica, Philip worked as a Marine Information Officer in the GIS section of CALM’s Marine Conservation Branch.
Dinesh Tuladhar (GIS Analyst): Dinesh is an Experienced GIS Analyst mainly responsible for producing high quality maps, performing geospatial analysis, providing expert GIS advice as well as helping in the design and implement data collection and management policies. Dinesh is particularly interested in the application of GIS and remote sensing tools and the development of semi automated/programming aids for effective spatial data management, analysis and mapping system. Dinesh has completed a Master of Science in GIS from Curtin University. Dinesh has also completed a Master of Arts in Geography from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. During and after completing his MA, Dinesh has been involved in a database development project for higher secondary schools of all 75 districts of Nepal. Later he worked as a GIS Assistant at the National Information Technology Institute/South Asian Institute of Technology (NITI/SAIT) being responsible for instructing GIS trainees, analysis of GIS data and several GIS database development projects. Dinesh joined Oceanica, part-time since Jun 2008 and working full-time from Nov 2009.
Ashty Saleem (GIS Assistant): Ashty studied Agricultural Science at the College of Agriculture and Forest in Iraq. During his study, he developed an interest in remote sensing. In 2009, Ashty gained a graduate diploma in Surveying and Mapping from Curtin University, and following this, completed a Masters degree in Geospatial Science.

Office Management

Selby Walsh (Office Manager): Selby is Oceanica's Office Manager and is involved in most aspects of the day-to-day administrative management of the organisation. She provides support to the consultants and oversees other administrative staff. Selby also plays a key role and has great interest in the development of Oceanica's office systems including financial and project management software, our internal intranet and Oceanica's website. She has worked in administrative and administrative management positions for a range of small businesses since 1995. Selby is a member of the Australian Institute of Office Professionals (AIOP).
Caroline Gibson (Library & Special Projects Co-ordinator): Caroline works part time for us as our Librarian. In this role she maintains the library of all reports prepared by Oceanica together with other relevant publications, as well as maintaining our EndNote bibliographic database. In addition Caroline helps with special projects as needed, recently playing a key role in our office renovation and move.
Alvin Wang (Bookkeeper): Alvin completed a B.Com in 2008 with a major in accounting at Curtin University. In addition to his hands-on experience in accounts and record keeping his studies provide him with solid accounting and administrative knowledge. Alvin also has a strong interest in IT and has undertaken freelance web design as a hobby after hours.
Dennis Bothur (Systems Officer): Dennis is Oceanica's Systems Officer. He completed his bank management assistant degree in Germany and has settled down in Perth after travelling through Australia. Dennis has over ten years experience with accounting and other data systems and assists with the day-to-day office administration and the further refinement of our databases, systems and procedures.
Abha Desai (Accounts Assistant): Abha completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Business Law at Curtin earlier this year and has previous experience in small business accounts having worked as bookkeeper for Eyecandy Optometry and Optical Dispensing while studying.
Rachael Hillman (Administrative Assistant): Rachael joined us full time in January 2011 and is the friendly voice you'll hear on the phone when you call. Rachael also undertakes a range of administrative tasks to help keep our office running smoothly.