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 De Roach (Marine Scientist): Rob is a Ph.D. qualified marine scientist (UWA) and Principal Consultant at Oceanica, with over eleven years consulting and research experience in environmental impact assessment (EIA), biological surveys, water quality management, environmental compliance, auditing and approvals. Rob 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 extensive professional experience includes managing capital dredging, 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. Rob is a Business Manager and Quality Management Officer at Oceanica and facilitated the company’s certification to the ISO 9001 Quality Management standard.
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 Tara Amrita (Marine Ecologist): Dr Tara Amrita (nee Meegan Fowler-Walker) has completed a PhD in marine ecology studying the ecological interactions among marine wildlife 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 on designing programmes for monitoring and evaluation of coastal impacts within South Australia and Western Australia. Tara has a keen interest and specialist skills in experimental design and statistical analysis.
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
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.
Sarah Scott (Marine Ecologist): Sarah Scott has a double major in marine biology and zoology with honours in marine biology from the University of Western Australia. Sarah has much experience in Environmental Impact Assessment and auditing and was previously employed by the Department of Environment and Conservation within the Compliance Monitoring Section auditing compliance with Ministerial Statements. Sarah is an accredited lead auditor with the RABQSA.
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 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 was recently made an honorary research fellow at the University of Western Australia, where he maintains a casual teaching role.

Experienced consultants

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.
Dr Jonathan Anderson (Marine Scientist): Jonathan has a diverse background in environmental sciences focusing mainly on nutrient distributions and reclamation of disturbed areas. Areas of research have included marine sediments, seagrass rehabilitation, carbon sequestration, contaminated lands issues, nutrient cycling and industrial mine tailings storage. Much of his research and work has focused on changes which occur in biological and chemical processes during and after major shifts in surficial processes both in terrestrial and shallow marine environments. In addition to strong project management skills, Jonathan is an ADAS Part II qualified diver, an ADAS onshore dive supervisor and has field managed multiple large scale diving field operations.
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.
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 3 hectares of seagrass into the 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 14 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.
Alannah Sinden (Marine Ecologist): Alannah is a marine ecologist, having graduated with Honours is Marine Science from Murdoch University. Alannah has several years experience in environmental management, executive project assistance and client liaison, and is a qualified auditor of environmental management systems. During her time at Oceanica, Alannah has built her skills and experience in project and data management, environmental approvals, the preparation and implementation of EMPs, environmental audits, environmental impact assessment, CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel extensions) analysis of macroalgae and seagrass assemblages and Quality Assurance/Quality Control aspects of projects. The focus of Alannah’s Honours research project was identifying the ecology and invertebrates and algae of onshore intertidal rocky platforms, based on both extensive field and laboratory work.

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'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. Adelaide has two years experience as a laboratory assistant with the UWA School of Plant Biology, has been working with Oceanica since December 2009, and now has substantial experience in undertaking diverse marine research and environmental monitoring programs throughout Western Australia. Adelaide is one of Oceanica’s Field Lead consultants and an ADAS Part II qualified diver.
Dr Katharine Cox (Oceanographer): Katharine has worked as an environmental consultant in the UK after completing her 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. Katharine has been working at Oceanica since September 2011 and has gained experience in maintenance dredging projects, sediment sampling programs, shoreline monitoring programs and environmental impact assessments.
Antosh Sokol (Marine Scientist): Antosh Sokol has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine Biology and Marine and Coastal Management from the University of Western Australia. Antosh has been working with Oceanica since September 2010, and has previous experience as a field and laboratory assistant on projects run by the UWA Oceans Institute and School of Plant Biology. Antosh is Oceanica’s Asset Manager, an ADAS Part II diver, ADAS Part I Supervisor and a field lead consultant with substantial experience in undertaking marine environmental monitoring and surveys both locally and state-wide.
Louise Synnot (Marine Scientist): Louise graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Marine and Environmental Science. Louise was awarded the best academic achievement in the units Oceanography and Marine Pollution and Coastal and Marine Management. In addition, Louise received a Vice Chancellor Commendation for Academic Excellence, which is awarded to the top 2% of students enrolled in an ordinary bachelor degree.
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.

Graduate consultants

Ben Davis (Marine Scientist): Ben Davis graduated from Murdoch University with a BSc (Hons) in 2011, majoring in Marine Science and Environmental Management. His Honours thesis addressed the influence of marine benthic habitat data on systematic conservation planning. Ben is highly analytical and has project experience in benthic habitat (coral and seagrass) monitoring and analyses; as well as the collation and quality assurance/control of scientific data sets.
David Rivers (Marine Scientist): David is a PhD qualified marine ecologist with an interest in colonization and recovery in seagrass ecosystems. His PhD research demonstrated that gaps in seagrass meadows play an important role in maintaining seagrass diversity by facilitating plant recruitment. David completed a Master of Science in Natural Resources, studying seagrass growth patterns in the Piscataqua River, New Hampshire. David has strong statistical analysis skills and a keen interest in improving statistical methods for detecting environmental impacts. David has over 10 years experience as a SCUBA diver and field leader and is qualified as an Occupational Diver under AS2815.1. He was a team leader for SeagrassNet, a worldwide seagrass monitoring program, and helped develop statistical methods for detecting environmental impacts in seagrass meadows.

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 Tuladhar is an experienced GIS Analyst and Cartographer with a keen interest in applying GIS and Remote Sensing tools to efficiently integrate, process, analyse and present the environmental data. He has completed a Master of Science in GIS from Curtin University and Master of Arts in Geography from Tribhuvan University. Dinesh is engaged in co-designing and utilising Oceanica’s GIS Request System. This system allows him to capture Oceanica’s GIS support requests, allocate them to available team members and track their timely completion. Dinesh is also engaged in managing Oceanica’s data management, GIS support and cartographic systems that support the GIS Request System. These systems have been designed to enable the retention, archiving and analysis of a vast array of marine data for hundreds of current as well as completed projects. Prior to joining Oceanica, Dinesh worked for the National Information Technology/South Asian Institute of Technology and Central Department of Geography, Tribhuvan University in Nepal. Dinesh was responsible for designing and creating GIS databases, acquiring satellite imagery and running GIS training courses.
Ashty Saleem (GIS Analyst: Ashty is a Remote Sensing specialist and GIS Analyst with a keen interest in applying GIS and remote sensing tools to integrate, process, analyse and present environmental data. Ashty is engaged in maintaining Oceanica’s data management systems, providing GIS and cartographic support and updating spatial indexes. These systems have been designed to enable the location, retention and analysis of a vast array of marine data for hundreds of current as well as completed projects. Ashty is versed in the use of several Remote Sensing packages. Ashty’s skill set includes evaluating land use changes and urban growth using multi-dates satellites imagery (Landsat and CORONA). Ashty enjoys the challenge of applying those skills to mapping the marine environment. Ashty has the ability to teach Remote Sensing skills to others and ran a tutorial at Curtin University while doing his degree in GeoSpatial Sciences.
William An (GIS Analyst): William is a GIS Analyst with a keen interest in applying GIS tools to integrate, process, analyse and present environmental data. William is engaged in maintaining Oceanica’s data management systems, providing GIS and cartographic support. These systems have been designed to enable the location, retention, and analysis of a vast array of marine data for hundreds of current as well as completed projects. William’s skill set includes spatial data analysis, verification and the setting up of spatial data management systems. William is excited to join the Oceanica team and meet the challenge of applying his GIS skills to mapping the marine environment. William intends to complete his Masters degree in Geospatial Science in the near future.
Anemutsa Tapera (GIS Analyst): Anemutsa is a GIS Analyst with a keen interest in applying GIS to integrate, process, analyse and present environmental data in the marine and coastal environment. Anemutsa is engaged in maintaining Oceanica’s data management systems, providing GIS and cartographic support and updating spatial indexes. These systems have been designed to enable the location, retention and analysis of a vast array of marine data for hundreds of current as well as completed projects. Anemutsa’s skill set includes testing development and design procedure and producing high quality cartographic products. She is undertaking a key role in the documentation and development of Oceanica’s mapping standards. Anemutsa spent a year mentoring at Curtin University under the Spatial Sciences Department and has enjoyed guiding the new students aspiring to be GIS professionals.
Manoj Tuladhar (GIS Data Entry Assistant): Manoj holds a Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Business Studies and has recently travelled from Nepal to further his studies in Australia.

Manoj Tuldhar has commenced a Master of Science in GIS at Curtin University this year. Manoj has joined Oceanica on a casual basis to assist the GIS team.

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).
Alvin Wang (Finances Officer): 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 (Finances 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 (HR/Administration Officer): 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.
Jimsee Batmandakh (Finances Assistant): Jimsee completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting & Banking at Curtin University in 2011 and has previous experience in accounts and payroll having worked as a trainee accountant in her country of origin Mongolia.