Team

Program Office

Chief Scientist Earth Observation and AquaWatch Australia – Dr Alex Held

Alex is one of Australia’s leading Earth observation experts recognised nationally and internationally in CSIRO Space and Astronomy.

In his tenure at CSIRO, Alex has overseen the establishment of the new radar satellite NovaSAR-1 as one of Australia’s newest national research facility; leads the development of innovative science in remote sensing and drives the development of spatial technology and data analytics to support sustained Earth observation and measurement of our planets eco-systems.

Alex received the COSPAR Harrie Massey Award in 2021 for outstanding contributions to the development of space research in which leadership is of particular importance, being the first and only winner in the Southern Hemisphere. He was the recipient of the Earth Observation Australia Scientist Award in 2022 for “Significant Contribution to the Development of the Australian Earth Observation Community and its Capability” and a finalist for 2023 Australian Space Scientist of the Year.

Head, AquaWatch Australia – Janet Anstee

Janet Anstee is Head, AquaWatch Australia, CSIRO Space and Astronomy.

Janet is a nationally and internationally renowned aquatic remote sensor who specialises in applying validated bio-optical models to advance water quality discrimination and enhance understanding of aquatic habitats. She has helped develop and apply innovative and complex remote sensing methodologies for monitoring coastal habitats and inland water quality using hyperspectral and multispectral sensors. Janet specialises in atmospheric radiative transfer and semi-analytical inversion models which is underpinned by substantial scientific, technical and logistical expertise in aquatic remote sensing calibration and validation.

Janet has demonstrated experience in engaging with First Nations communities through the Eye on Water project and is also the First Nations Engagement Lead for AquaWatch.

A strategic and engagement specialist, Zandria has held progressive roles across the Australian Federal Government since 2010, following her completion of Bachelor of Archaeology (hons), Flinders, and Post Grad studies in Environmental studies, Uni SA.

In 2018, Zandria moved into the space sector, as the International Engagement Lead for the Australian Space Agency, where she led the Agency’s successful engagement with key international space agencies, resulting in multiple signed strategic arrangements to facilitate the growth of the Australian space industry. In 2020, Zandria commenced at the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Security and Space Program to increase the awareness of space weather impacts in the space industry. As National Manager for Space, Zandria worked closely with key government and industry partners and established the Bureau’s dedicated spaceflight capability to support Australia’s launch and space situational awareness activities. 

Zandria leads the development of strategic partnerships and engagement with key organisations nationally and internationally to support the success of AquaWatch.

Lead, Executive Coordination – Rowena Smith

Rowena is the Executive Coordination lead of the AquaWatch program working with partners and stakeholders and implementing operational processes as the program evolves in response emerging needs, priorities and challenges.

Rowena has over 30 years of extensive experience working in leading science and education institutions including working directly with governmental departments and organisations advising on development, implementation, and measurement of strategic directions. Rowena holds qualifications from the University of Canberra in administration and project management (Prince 2).

Lead, Projects – Adam MacLeod

Adam is an experienced Project Manager and System Engineer, with a history of success in establishing, planning and delivering projects. Adam’s passion is in building strong, diverse, creative and empowered teams that can deliver the most challenging and interesting projects in Australia.

Adam’s knowledge and skills cover program and project management, governance and business operations. He is experienced in partnership development and contracting, business law and IP management, stakeholder management and communications and commercialisation. Adam is a member of the Standards Australia working group for Space Systems.   

International Project & Engagement- Flora Kerblat (currently on leave)

Flora leads international engagement for the CSIRO’s Centre for Earth Observation (CCEO). In addition to leading international cooperation & coordination for Flora strengthens partnerships with Space Agencies across the globe (mainly through the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, CEOS), linking EO experts and coordinating strategic activities.

Flora is a committee member on the GEO AquaWatch Steering Committee and will play a key role in linking GEO AquaWatch activities with AquaWatch Australia. Flora’s contributions also help advance EO research and data uptake in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region (EO and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs; Food, water security).

Work Packages

Lead, National Pilots – Dr Nagur Cherukuru

Nagur’s primary focus lies in implementing integrated approaches to effectively monitor and predict water quality changes in intricate estuarine and coastal waters. As a senior research scientist in the Coastal and Oceanic Systems program at CSIRO Environment Nagur specialises in bio-optical measurements, remote sensing modelling, coastal water quality mapping, and land-to-ocean connections.

Nagur has successfully developed remote sensing algorithms that have been applied in tropical and temperate regions to gain insights into coastal water quality dynamics. Through collaborative projects, Nagur’s aim is to develop innovative remote sensing water quality models that integrate satellite and in situ sensing data with physics-informed machine learning techniques.

Lead, Water Quality Modelling – Dr Klaus Joehnk (currently on leave)

Klaus is a lead scientist in the field of water quality modelling and holds the position of Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment. Klaus leads CSIRO’s Modelling Water Ecosystems team, in addition to work package lead for AquaWatch which focuses on modelling and forecasting.

With over 25 years of experience in Europe and Australia, Klaus specialises in hydrodynamic and water quality modelling of lakes and rivers.

Currently, Klaus leads projects integrating advanced Earth Observation data with in-situ monitoring for improved water resource management. Klaus’s initiatives tackle issues like fish kills, blackwater, harmful algal blooms and increased sediment load after bushfires. His goal is to provide actionable information and effective solutions to address these water quality challenges.

Lead, In-situ Sensor Network – Dr Tim Malthus

Tim is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment. Tim has over 30 years experience in remote sensing of water quality with a focus on optics, calibration and validation, field spectroscopy and sensor development.

Tim’s most recent research has focused on tools for the detection of harmful algal blooms in both inland and coastal waters. This has ranged from the development of low cost optical sensors, apps  for use by citizen scientists and observations using satellites in space. Tim is a co-creator of CSIRO’s patented HydraSpectra near surface sensor for the measurement of water quality parameters.

As part of AquaWatch, he leads the In-Situ Sensor Networks Work Package working with optical and electronic engineers and scientists overseeing the challenge of development and deployment of sensor networks at wide spatial scales.

Lead, Remote Sensing – Dr Joshua Pease

Joshua Pease is a Research Scientist within CSIRO manufacturing with over eight years of experience in designing, assembling and testing remote sensing technologies. Since joining CSIRO, his research has focused on developing imaging spectrometer instruments for drone, balloon and satellite platforms to address environmental challenges. He is currently leading development of the hyperspectral imager sub-system for the CyanoSense satellite payload and is the lead of the Earth Observation Systems Work Package under AquaWatch Australia.

Recent research activities include: development of compact optical filters for hyperspectral imaging payloads, optical instrument characterisation and calibration, and the connection of instrument specifications to water-quality science objectives.

Lead, Data Systems – Dr Robert Woodcock

Rob Woodcock is a senior research scientist and consultant in Earth Data and Analytics infrastructures in addition to lead of the AquaWatch data system. Rob has addressed the issues of information flow across organisational boundaries and have developed innovative information systems adopted into national infrastructure and achieved lasting large scale economic impact on multiple organisations.

Rob is currently the Vice Chair for the CEOS Working Group on Information Systems and Services. Rob has worked for over 20 years in the field of visualisation, spatial information systems and analytics and its application to Earth Science with a focus on ensuring research innovation leads to business innovation.