Institute Professional Staff
The professional staff within the Institute take pride in the skills and expertise they bring to achieve the seamless operation of the research and research training programs of the Institute. The professional staff team provide accurate advice on financial, governance and policy matters.
Dr Jessica Armstrong-Kearns is the Senior Administration Officer (Projects), Office of the Director and is responsible for project coordination, monitoring and administrative support across a broad portfolio of external research projects.
Dr Craig Barton is the Technical Manager, Field Based Research Facilities and has responsibility for the smooth operation of the Institute’s field-based climate change facilities. These facilities include CO2 /climate controlled whole tree chambers (WTC) and associated eucalypt plantation (Hawkesbury Forest Experiment, HFE), a Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment in native woodland, Rain-out Shelters and an Eddy Covariance Flux site.
Vera Brinkel is the Project Coordinator for the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan Research Program Implementation Strategy within the Institute.
Corinne Jackson is the Senior Administration Officer for the Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation. She is responsible for providing administrative support to the Centre Director on matters relating to the operational running of the Centre.
Dr Jasmine Grinyer is the Senior Research Administration Coordinator and provides human resource and recruitment support for new academic and professional roles, casual employees and visiting fellows within the Institute.
Dr David Harland is the Institute Manager and is responsible for providing support to the Director and Director of Research by managing the Institute’s financial, physical and human resources.
Mrs Patricia Hellier is a Senior Administration Officer, Office of the Director and is responsible for administrative issues within the Institute, particularly with relation to the administration of the Institute’s research and research training.
Drew Holzworth is a software developer with an interest in open source software, particularly in the simulation/modelling field. He is working with the team led by Distinguished Professor Belinda Medlyn.
Dr Nisha Rakhesh is the Head, International Strategy & Partnerships (Food & Environment) within the Institute.
