OUR TEAM AND EXPERTISE
eDNA Frontiers is located at Curtin University. Our innovative initiative seeks to explore and build upon new environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies developed at Curtin University.
eDNA Frontiers has a wide research collaboration experience and continues to rapidly expand with a number of clients and partners in Australia and abroad. eDNA Frontiers uses its expertise in isolating and characterising environmental DNA to address a variety of biological questions. Our services apply to four main sectors:
Oil and Gas, Environmental Impact Assessment, Conservation and Biodiversity, Port Monitoring and Shipping.
SHANE HERBERT
BUSINESS MANAGER
Shane is the primary point of contact for clients seeking new work and project communication, and is the main interface between users and the technical team. His responsibilities include the development of new national and international clients across the expanding range of eDNA applications, and establishing the business infrastructure, financial management and marketing of eDNA frontiers. Shane has over 20 years experience working for genomic and proteomic service providers and commercial companies.
DR KATHRYN DAWKINS
RESEARCH & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Kat is an experienced Research Scientist and Operations Manager for eDNA Frontiers, having responsibilities for the resourcing, quality control, and operating logistics of the service team. Kat and the team analyse eDNA samples to generate species diversity profiles, provide baseline audits, and to identify organisms of biosecurity interest for the resources sector. Kat has over 15 years’ experience working on molecular biology applications including conservation genetics, species delineation, and detection of rare species.
DR SAMUEL THOMPSON
DATA SCIENTIST
Sam is an experienced data scientist and bioinformatician for eDNA Frontiers and the TrEnD laboratory at Curtin University, having responsibilities for the development and application of software tools that streamline the analysis, interpretation, and visualisation of eDNA data. Sam has over a decade of experience in a diverse range of fields including pharmaceutical research, agriculture, oceanography, and molecular ecology, and has research interests in the application of novel eDNA tools for monitoring fish populations in the marine environment and the deep sea.
GEORGIA PEVERLEY
LAB MANAGER
Georgia plays a pivotal role in overseeing daily operations, ensuring the team’s strict adherence to quarantine and biosecurity regulations. They are also in charge of managing the processing of samples within the wet lab. With extensive experience in processing eDNA samples, Georgia is instrumental in training new team members, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure high standards are consistently met.
QIQI LIM
TECHNICIAN
QiQi is responsible for processing samples in the wet lab. She also assists with the production of our sample kits and daily operations.
MATT ORMEROD
TECHNICIAN
Matt is responsible for processing samples in the wet lab and supporting daily laboratory operations. He holds a Master’s in Biological Sciences, where he developed assays for eDNA and ancient DNA detection of reptiles. Matt has experience in both molecular and field techniques, applying these skills to monitor and detect cryptic species in environmental and ancient samples for wildlife conservation and government research projects.
SHEFALI MACWAN
TECHNICIAN
Shefali is responsible for processing samples in the wet lab and assisting with daily operations. She has experience in a wide range of molecular techniques.
DEMI STEPHEN
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Demi is responsible for client interface, shipping logistics, purchasing, general administration and organisation of consumables and sampling kits. Demi has experience working in environmental laboratories and facilities/maintenance coordination. She has a bachelor’s degree in both Biological sciences, and Molecular biology and genetics.
ESTHER DELLA FAVORY
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Esther is an Administrative Officer for eDNA Frontiers. With over 20 years of experience in business administration, finance, and contract negotiations, Esther brings a strong background in sustainability, construction, infrastructure, and accounting sectors. This experience spans both the private and government sectors, equipping her with a diverse skill set and a thorough understanding of various industries. Additionally, Esther also is an Administrative Officer for eDGES and ARC Training Centre for Healing Country.
PROF SIMON JARMAN
SCIENCE ADVISOR
Simon is Professor of Environmental Genomics at Curtin University. He is a geneticist with decades of experience in developing technologies for exploring questions in environmental management and ecology. His areas of expertise are environmental DNA analyses and animal life cycles research with genomic methods. He teaches environmental DNA sampling methods at Curtin University, and has recently co-edited a textbook, Applied Environmental Genomics, that brings together exciting areas of current research using genomics to study the natural world.
PROF MORTEN ALLENTOFT
ADVISING SCIENTIST
Morten is part of the leadership team, providing technical guidance and helping to ensure the operations meet expectations of eDNA applications and molecular standards