Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Lead Environmental Scientist with over 15 years of experience in designing mathematical models and applying systems analysis to improve the management of complex environmental systems. Holds a PhD in Hydrology from the University of Western Australia, with expertise in hydrodynamic and water quality modelling, agricultural systems modelling, and soil carbon modelling. Led large-scale mangrove restoration initiatives across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, advancing carbon offsetting and climate resilience goals. Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams spanning ecology, geospatial science, AI, and engineering, delivering integrated, science-based solutions at regional scales. Published in high-impact journals such as Environmental Modelling & Software and invited co-author of the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement on land-based impacts on Great Barrier Reef water quality. Recipient of the 2019 Best Young Researcher Award from the International Society for Ecological Modelling. Delivered 70+ presentations to scientific, governmental, and public audiences, and developed communication tools to bridge disciplinary gaps and support cross-sector collaboration.
• Overseed end-to-end project planning and execution for ecosystem restoration and monitoring programs across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, collaborating with government agencies (DMT, ADAFSA, EAD), industry partners (Sanad, Saudi Aramco), and other key stakeholders. • Led multidisciplinary teams in data collection, analysis, and AI-enhanced environmental monitoring, providing scientific leadership and analytical guidance for mangrove conservation and seagrass reallocation. • Developed and secured funding through work proposals targeting governmental and private sectors. • Authored scientific publications and stakeholder reports to support policy development, environmental strategy, and adaptive management. • Designed communication tools and tailored materials to effectively convey complex modelling and AI-driven scientific insights to non-technical and cross-sector audiences.
• Led agricultural water quality modelling for the Mackay–Whitsundays region, underpinning the Reef Report Cards used by UNESCO to track Australia’s progress on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) endangered status. • Managed modelling workflows, including scenario design, model calibration, large-scale simulations (over 4M), and results delivery to the Office of the GBR. • Engaged widely with stakeholders, including NRM groups, industry, and universities, to design simulations, communicate findings, and co-develop science outputs that informed government strategy. • Influenced GBR policy and global reporting, co-authoring the 2022 Scientific Consensus Statement and contributing expert input to UNESCO’s Reef status review. • Led capacity-building initiatives, mentoring staff and students, enhancing team tech skills, and secured funding (AUD$300K) to support science communication and First Nations engagement.
• Led research on sustainable agriculture, including modelling sugarcane systems to reduce nutrient runoff in GBR catchments. • Developed decision-support tools, producing peer-reviewed publications and raising farmer awareness. • Provided mentorship and capacity building, supervising multiple data science students and creating a mentoring framework adopted across CSIRO to support professional development and leading national initiatives such as an Early Career Researcher event with Australia’s Chief Scientist.
School of Chemical Engineering • Co-supervised undergraduate research projects on modelling seagrass decline and Halimeda patterning. • Analysed field/modelled data on seagrass/mangroves to support science-based conservation strategies. • Authored reports and peer-reviewed publications on coastal ecosystem dynamics and modelling.