Depth of knowledge, breadth of impact

At Ecocene, our team combines decades of technical expertise with a results-focused approach to tackle even the most complex ecological challenges. With specialisations spanning ecology, spatial science, software development, project management and data analytics, we craft solutions grounded in scientific research and industry-leading practices. Many of our specialists are recognised experts who actively contribute to academic research and drive innovation in the field. From hands-on implementation to data-driven insights, we work with clarity, purpose and precision to deliver meaningful, sustainable outcomes for our clients, nature and communities.

Our Values

We pursue excellence

We're passionate people committed to delivering outstanding results

We tackle the challenge together

We pitch in, support and encourage each other to deliver as a team

We adapt on demand

We’re responsive to change, and ready to pivot to put it at our advantage

We stay grounded

We keep it real, communicating openly, honestly and with trust

We operate with respect

We act with integrity, take accountability and treat people with respect
Ecocene Leaders

Diverse experts united by a passion for nature

Our leadership team combines multidisciplinary expertise and strategic vision, steering Ecocene's development of rigorous, innovative solutions that help organisations, governments and communities achieve measurable ecological outcomes balanced with practical implementation.

Julian Kruger

Chief Executive Officer

Dr Stuart Pearse

General Manager

Kristin Wouters

Manager - Earth Observation

Brett Lucas

Manager - Biodiversity

Stephen Easton

Manager - Natural Capital and Ecosystem Restoration

Janelle Atkinson

Principal Environmental Scientist

Dr Kellie McMaster

Principal Environmental Scientist

Natalie Cadd

Principal Environmental Scientist

David Keirle

Principal Environmentalist Scientist

Dr Lavendar Liu

Principal RS Analyst

Our Specialists

Team members bringing our vision to life.

Holly Phillips

Senior Environmental Scientist – Botany

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Conservation Biology Postgraduate

Honours in Biological Science

Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment and Management

Year started with Ecocene

2019

Favourite nature experience?

Ecocene has given me some of my most cherished memories over the past six years – from thrilling helicopter rides over the Pilbara’s peaks and gorges to exploring its vibrant coastal wildlife.

Jake Manninen

Senior Data Scientist

Qualifications

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Year started with Ecocene

2020

Favourite nature experience?

I’m fascinated by remote sensing, and I’m lucky to work at the intersection of remote sensing and data science. Optical sensors are my favourite naturetech tool; the technology behind them blows my mind, and now they’re flying around on drones. Mix in photogrammetry, and suddenly we can create detailed 3D replications of any landscape – all from a camera!

Timea Kovacs-Ledo

Senior Remote Sensing Analyst

Qualifications

Master of GIS

Year started with Ecocene

2019

Favourite nature experience?

There are plenty to think of but the place that really stole itself into my heart is the Cape Le Grand National Park, especially the little sheltered beaches which are the hidden gems of the park. These places are perfect to relax, recharge batteries and be amazed by nature’s inimitable wonders.

Saman Akbar Zadeh

Senior data scientist

Qualifications

PhD in data science

Year started with Ecocene

2021

Favourite nature experience?

Looking at Earth from a satellite’s perspective and extracting information from its raster images feels like science fiction come to life. It’s as if a prophet gazes down upon the world, not to interfere but to advise—offering knowledge to preserve the planet while letting life unfold. I still remember working with false-color rasters of the Pilbara region—how mesmerizing they were, like a glimpse into another dimension. The beauty was so striking, I wanted to frame it and hang it on my wall.

Dr Markus Mikli

Senior Environmental Scientist, Restoration Ecology

Qualifications

BSc (Biology) PGD (Natural Resources) PhD, M (Business Administration)

Year started with Ecocene

2018

Favourite nature experience?

I’ve always felt a deep connection with nature and believe in the importance of conserving our natural world. I’ve enjoyed a variety of roles in rehabilitation work, from getting my hands dirty with seed collecting and planting tubestock in the field, to managing projects in the office. I’m passionate about helping others improve their restoration efforts and have been actively involved with the Revegetation Industry of Western Australia (RIAWA) to enhance standards and outcomes across the state. It’s incredibly satisfying to see revegetation projects come to life.

Dr Clément Gille

Senior Environmental Scientist

Qualifications

PhD in Plant Physiology and Ecology

Year started with Ecocene

2024

Favourite nature experience?

I am deeply passionate about exploring the intricate interactions between plants and microbes, particularly in ecosystems where their ecological strategies contrast yet complement one another. My enthusiasm lies in studying these dynamics in severely nutrient-impoverished and semi-arid environments, especially within the unique landscapes of Western Australia. I see a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Ecocene’s mission, where I can apply my passion for environmental monitoring and further investigate the ecosystems of Western Australia’s southwest and Pilbara regions.

Ethan Robartson

Environmental Scientist within Natural Capital and Ecosystem Restoration

Qualifications

Bachelor of Advanced Science (Coastal and Marine) with Hons I

Year started with Ecocene

2023

Favourite nature experience?

I love the diversity in the flora and landscapes of the south-west, especially around Walpole and Denmark. I’m forever amazed how so many wetlands, rivers, fungi, and unique tree communities exist in this little pocket of the world. It’s a pleasure to work in the Pilbara region and remind myself of the great variation Western Australia’s environments have to offer.

Katherine Peña

Environmental Scientist

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Environmental Management

Year started with Ecocene

2022

Favourite nature experience?

My favourite nature experience was exploring the Amazon Rainforest, where the incredible diversity of life was overwhelming. I hiked through dense jungle, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of birds, insects, and monkeys. One morning, we set out on a boat, and as the mist lifted, the rainforest came alive. We saw capybaras, a toucan, and a caiman, but the highlight was encountering the rare pink river dolphin. Their graceful, pink bodies swimming through the river left me in awe. The vibrant, thriving ecosystem was humbling, and seeing the pink dolphins in their natural habitat is a memory I’ll always cherish.

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