Key Science Staff

Robert Allison Project Leader, Developing Pilot Plant Facilities, and Solid Wood Initiative Dr Robert Allison (Bob) specialises in processing wood fibre for pulp, paper and packaging. Research programmes led by Bob have focussed on meeting the technical needs of the pulp and paper industry in New Zealand.

Tim Barnard Team Manager – Forests Tim Barnard is a social scientist specialising in policy analysis and environmental planning. He represents New Zealand on the Technical Advisory Committee of the Montreal Process.

Peter Beets Senior Scientist, Project Leader - Carbon and Climate Change Dr Peter Beets is one of New Zealand’s leading specialists in understanding the role of forests in mitigating climate change. In 2007 he was recognised for his contribution to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the IPCC.

Lisa Berndt Team Manager – Forest Industry Informatics Dr Lisa Berndt is scientist with a background in forest entomology. Her interest in science leadership has led to her current position which focuses on team management.

Eckehard G. Brockerhoff Principal Scientist (Forest Entomology), Project Leader (Border Biosecurity) Dr Eckehard (Ecki) Brockerhoff is a forest entomologist with a distinguished international reputation in forest ecology and health. He specialises in biosecurity research relating to global trade in forest products.

Lindsay Bulman Science Leader – Forest Protection Lindsay Bulman is a nationally renowned science leader who specialises in the effects of foliage diseases and techniques available to mitigate losses. He has carried out research for 35 years and has a long and broad track record of helping to manage diseases affecting radiata pine in New Zealand.  Lindsay’s current research encompasses disease and growth loss interactions and reducing impact of Phytophthora diseases.

Oliver Chikumbo Scientist, Research Leader – Complex Systems, Value Chain Optimisation Dr Oliver Chikumbo is a scientist with specialist skills in modelling complex systems. He has pioneered the development of landscape modelling for finding the balance between the economic, environmental and social outcomes.

Peter Clinton Science Leader Forest Environment and Economics Dr Peter Clinton is a forest ecologist who specialises in maintaining the productive capacity of commercial forests. He is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in sustainable forest management. His expertise expands to production ecology, tree nutrition, biogeochemistry, soil organic matter and stable isotope methods. Peter has represented New Zealand on addressing climate change at the 2010 IUFRO World Congress in Seoul, and in four other international congresses and workshops.

Dave Cown Senior Scientist Dave is a senior scientist with Forest Management Sciences. He specialises in understanding the factors that influence wood quality, product performance and value.

Bernie Dawson Scientist and Team Manager Dr Bernard Dawson is a lead scientist in wood processing research. He specialises in coatings and surface technologies that improve the performance of wood in service. Bernard’s current research is focused on supercritical fluid dewatering of radiata pine and antimicrobial packaging.

Lloyd Donaldson Senior Scientist, and Project Leader (Commercial Microscopy) Dr Lloyd Donaldson is a leading microscopist specialising in wood science. He has pioneered new techniques for studying wood cell walls using confocal imaging techniques.

Heidi Dungey Acting Science Leader, Genetics; Research Leader, Tree Breeding Dr Heidi Dungey specialises in tree breeding and genetic resource characterisation for commercial forestry species including radiata pine, Douglas-fir, cypresses, eucalypts and redwoods. Her research encompasses quantitative and ecological genetics and breeding. As leader of Scion’s genetics research programme, Heidi works closely with New Zealand seed producers and forest growers to ensure breeding strategies are tailored to meet consumer needs.

Elizabeth Dunningham Scientist, Research Leader – Durability & Wood Modification, and Project Leader – Wood Modification Dr Elizabeth Dunningham is a wood scientist specialising in wood modification treatments. Her experience includes research in many aspects of wood and composite performance assessment, including stability and weathering.

Andrew Dunningham Scientist; Research Leader - Informatics and Bioinformatics; Project Leader - Education and Outreach; Chairman - Health and Safety Representatives Andrew Dunningham is a specialist in geographic information systems and remote sensing. His expertise is applied to many aspects of forest management including carbon assessment and forest health monitoring systems.

Grant Emms Research Leader (Wood Processing) Dr Grant Emms is a physicist specialising in acoustics. He helps to develop grading systems for the sawmilling industry that measure the stiffness of structural timber using sound waves. Grant has also taken a lead role in developing acoustic insulation systems for wooden buildings.

Alan Fernyhough Senior Scientist (Polymers), and Team Leader (Biopolymer & Green Chemical Technologies) Dr Alan Fernyhough has 30 years of experience in the synthesis, characterisation, formulation and processing of polymers. Originally from the UK, he worked for 18 years in the polymer industry (BP; Kobe Steel) developing high performance products. Alan's research focuses on bioplastics, biobased additives, thermoset bioresins, biopolymer foams, and fibre composites.

Beccy Ganley Scientist, Research Leader – Pathology, Forest Protection Dr Rebecca Ganley (Beccy) is a forest pathologist with experience in foliar diseases of commercial tree species. She has published eight refereed papers on the subject. Rebecca’s research includes identifying ways to manage diseases and increase tree resilience using biological agents such as fungal endophytes and viruses; forest pathology, specifically foliar disease research; and DNA-based methods to identify fungal species and populations.

Daniel Gapes Research Leader – Environmental Technologies Dr Daniel Gapes is an environmental engineer with an impressive record of developing innovative technologies. He is currently leading Scion’s environmental technology research, aimed at developing new ways of managing and deriving value from organic waste.

Douglas Gaunt Scientist, Wood and Biofibre Technologies Doug Gaunt specialises in all aspects of timber engineering and leads research into new timber products and systems. He played a key role in developing and commercialising timber grading systems widely used in New Zealand sawmills.

Warren Grigsby Senior Scientist, Research Leader – Chemical Synthesis & Design Dr Warren Grigsby is a chemist with specialised experience in polymers and adhesives. His research focuses on developing wood-based materials and composites that incorporate high-performance bonding agents. Warren is leading the development of bio-based adhesive and polymer systems that can be used as substitutes for chemicals derived from petroleum.

Peter Hall Senior Scientist, and Project Leader (Renewable Energy) Peter brings practical experience to his research as he comes from a forest management background, with skills in forest establishment and harvesting. He now specialises in resource assessment and use of forest residues for energy production. In recent years, he has succeeded in demonstrating the significant potential of forestry as a source of renewable energy for New Zealand.

Cathy Hargreaves Research Leader, Propagation Cathy Hargreaves has expertise in advanced tissue culture methods for forestry species. She has played a major role in developing technologies for mass propagation of improved tree germplasm in New Zealand.

Stefan J. Hill Scientist, NMR Spectroscopist, Research Leader – Advanced Chemical Characterisation Dr Stefan Hill specialises in NMR spectroscopy for analysing the chemical structure of materials. In 2009 he received the Keith Williamson Award for excellence in microscopy research.

Barbara Hock Senior Scientist Barbara Hock specialises in environmental spatial analysis and modelling. Her current research involves visualisations for sustainable forest management.

Ian Hood Forest Pathologist Ian Hood is a forest pathologist specialising in the management of forest and tree diseases present in New Zealand. His knowledge of fungal indentification and taxonomy is also valuable in research relating to wood decay.

Michael Jack Science Leader – Clean Technologies Dr Michael Jack is a theoretical physicist with a broad interest in the application of mathematical methods to physical systems. His research experience includes the areas of: quantum optics, ultracold atomic gases (quantum degenerate gases). His current interests are focused on systems analysis and themodynamics of bioenergy systems and biophysics. Dr Jack is currently seeking applicants for a PhD scholarship in the non equilibrium statistical mechanics of molecular motors.

Robert Lei Team Leader – Clean Technologies Robert Lei is a Chemical and Process Engineer with considerable environmental technology experience in NZ and the UK. His background covers a wide range of positions and responsibilities from operational engineering to process design and project management. He has played a lead role in recent technology developments such as TERAX™ and is focussed on driving clean technology opportunities that have the potential to make significant contributions to New Zealand’s prosperity.

Simon Lewis Research Leader – Software Engineering Manager – ATLAS Technology Simon is a technologist with 30 years’ experience in product design and development in Internet Services and the Telecommunications and Financial Services industries. He leads Scion’s Software Engineering programme, as well as managing its commercial software arm, ATLAS Technology.

Gareth Lloyd-Jones Team Leader (Biotransformation) Project Leader (Lignin) Dr Gareth Lloyd-Jones is a biochemist specialising in industrial biotechnology. His research focuses on microbial organisms and enzymes associated with the degradation of organic matter.

Kim McGrouther Scientist, Research Leader – Industrial Ecology Kim is a chemist with broad experience in industrial processing. Since joining Scion in 1991 her research has focused on oxidative pulp bleaching and waste water treatment for the pulp and paper industry. She has specialised skills in using advanced tools for chemical analysis, which represent core capability in the development of clean technologies.

John Moore Science Leader John specialises in quantitative silviculture and is a recognised expert on the risk of wind damage to forests and how this is affected by management activities. John’s current research is focussed on quantifying the effects of forest management on wood quality and the resulting impacts on solid timber performance, tree biomechanics and allometry, including the development of tree biomass functions. John is currently science leader in Forest Management and associate editor of the New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science.

Karl Murton Research Leader – Pulp, Paper & Pilot Plant Facilities Dr Karl Murton is a chemical engineer specialising in mechanical pulping technologies. He is researching the production of useful extractives from wood as part of the biorefinery process.

Murali Muthu Industrial Biotechnologist

Roger Newman Principal Scientist. Acting Research leader, Advanced Chemical Characterisation. Dr Roger Newman specialises in physical chemistry of biomass and bio-based materials including wood, pulp, paper, and non-wood plant fibres. His current research is on using cellulosic fibres in composite materials and in biorefinery processing.

Richard Parker Project Leader – Rural Fire Senior Scientist and Forest Harvesting Dr Richard Parker is a human factors researcher who specialises in developing work practices to enhance productivity and safety in dangerous occupations (e.g. forest harvesting and rural fire fighting). His research includes teleoperation and robotics, aimed at removing workers from high risk situations.

Kate Parker Scientist, Team Manager – Biopolymers and Chemicals Dr Kate Parker is a chemist who is developing new packaging materials using biomaterials. Kate’s particular field of interest is biopolymer foams as alternatives to expanded polystyrene.

Stephen Pawson Research Leader - Entomology Dr Stephen Pawson (Steve) is a forest entomologist with a strong interest in protecting natural biodiversity. He has specialises in the interaction between plantation management, landscape ecology and invertebrate biodiversity. Steve also supports industry efforts to develop quarantine methods that maintain market access for export wood products.

Tim Payn Senior Scientist - Forests, Environment and Climate Change; and Theme Leader – Forest Productivity Dr Tim Payn comes from a background in soil science and has specialised interest in forest nutrition management. He is heavily involved in global efforts to support sustainable forest management. Tim currently chairs the 12 Country Montreal Process Technical Advisory Committee which steers policy aimed at defining and measuring sustainable practice.

Grant Pearce Senior Fire Scientist Grant Pearce is one of New Zealand's leading specialists in wildfire behaviour. His research has enabled the development of fire behaviour models for New Zealand fuel types, which are routinely used by fire management agencies.

Steve Riley Scientist, and Project Leader (Wood Drying) Steve Riley leads the wood drying programme at Scion. This research, conducted in partnership with the wood processing industry, has significant impact on the value and performance of sawn timber from radiata pine.

Carol Ann Rolando Scientist, Research Leader Pest Management Dr Carol Rolando specialises in developing practical methods for managing forest weeds, pests and diseases. Her work in weeds research has earned Carol recognition from the forest industry as they constantly strive to reduce herbicide use. Her current role is to lead research into chemical control methods for managing needle diseases in New Zealand.

David Sandquist Scientist, Research Leader – Fibre Sciences Dr David Sandquist is a chemical engineer who specialises in wood science. His research is focused on understanding the anatomy of wood fibres produced from New Zealand’s commercial forests. David’s current role is leading the Fibre Sciences programme aimed at utilising wood fibres in the development of new materials and products.

Jeff Seadon Research Leader – Built Environment Jeff is a senior researcher with broad experience in developing systems and policy to support sustainable development. Since joining Scion in 2009 he has specialised in life cycle management of primary sector industries. His current role is to lead research aimed at optimising the use of wood in the built environment.

Lou Sherman Research Leader - Packaging Lou Sherman is the research leader in packaging development using biopolymer materials. Lou has wide experience in managing the development of multinational packaging products from concept through to market launch, and measuring their environmental impact and compliance with relevant international legislation and regulations.

Robert G. Shula Senior Scientist, and Team Manager - Forest Management Bob Shula specialises in developing individual-tree growth models to support improved decision-making in production forestry. The research efforts of his team enable fuller understanding of tree growth and wood quality. Knowledge and tools arising from this research enable forest managers to make silvicultural decisions that maximise the value of their forests.

Tripti Singh Scientist and Project Leader (Bioactives) Dr Tripti Singh specialises in wood preservation research. Her expertise includes all factors relating to wood durability, including timber treatments/remedial treatment, fungal enzymes, and wood preservation standards. Tripti is also involved in wood product development and performance evaluation using national and international testing methods.

Adya P. Singh Senior Scientist Dr Adya Singh is a microscopist who specialises in wood and fibre cell wall structure. His research has received national awards and international acclaim.

Dawn Smith Senior Scientist; Research Leader – Polymers and Composites; Project Leader - Packaging Dr Dawn Smith specialises in the synthesis, characterisation, and formulation of polymers. Originally from the US, she worked in the biomedical device industry in R&D and new product development (CIBA Vision, Novartis). Dawn's current research is on bioplastics, unsaturated bio-based polyesters, new polymers derived from forestry residues, biomass-filled polymer systems, and packaging solutions.

Timothy J. Strabala Senior Scientist and Project Leader (Molecular Forestry Programme) Dr Tim Strabala is a scientist specialising in biotechnology. His research focuses on the molecular biology and biochemistry of plant growth and wood development.

Tara Strand Atmospheric Scientist and Dispersion Modeller Dr Tara Strand is a scientist who specialises in modelling the dispersion of particles in the atmosphere. Her skills are valuable in a number of research programmes including fire behaviour and aerial spray application.

Ian Suckling Senior Scientist, Research Leader – Bioenergy and Biofuels, Project Leader – Biofibres Ian is a chemist with specialised experience in pretreatment of wood fibres for industrial processing. He has worked closely with the New Zealand pulp and paper industry to optimise their manufacturing systems. His current research involves the development of technologies in biofuel production from woody biomass.

Glenn Thorlby Molecular Biologist/Biochemist, Research leader (Industrial Biotechnology), Project Leader (Molecular discovery). Dr Glenn Thorlby is a molecular biologist with specialised experience in gene discovery and functional genomics. Hisresearch is focused on molecular biochemistry and genetic engineering. His current role is leading the industrial biotechnology research programme aimed at using biological systems to produce useful chemicals from forest resources.

Armin Wagner Senior Scientist, Research Leader PlantBiotech Dr Armin Wagner is a molecular biologist specialising in plant biotechnology with 19 years research experience. He has worked on the development of functional gene testing platforms for conifers and gained international recognition for his research into lignin biosynthesis and modification in radiata pine. Armin was awarded the Biannual Scion Chairman Award for Scientific Excellence (2009).

Christian Walter Team Manager - Future Forests and Senior Scientist - Genetic Engineering Dr Christian Walter is a molecular biologist with specialised experience in genetic modification. His research focuses on developing genetic engineering technologies for conifers and assessing the impact of genetically modified organisms in the environment.

Jeremy Warnes Business Development Manager

Michael S. Watt Senior Scientist and Research Leader Dr Michael Watt is a forestry scientist who combines extensive knowledge of the industry with specialised modelling skills. He applies these modelling skills to improve understanding of variation in tree growth and wood quality, and to predict the likely effects of climate change on forest productivity.  Michael has received formal recognition from the forest industry for his contribution to weed management research.

Katrin Webb (nee Walbert) Scientist, Team Manager – Forest Protection Dr Katrin Walbert is a forest mycologist who specialises in ectomycorrhizal fungi of plantation forests. Her research into soil microbial interactions with trees offers large potential benefits to the New Zealand forest industry in terms of improving forest health and tree growth. Katrin also works in the Forest Health Reference Lab as a diagnostician.

Graham West Scientist, and Project Leader (Intensive Forest Systems) Graham West is a forest scientist who leads the development and implementation of systems to assist forest management and landuse decisions.

Toni Withers Entomologist Dr Toni Withers is a forest entologist specialising in biological control. Much of her research focuses on the management of insect pests associated with eucalypts in New Zealand.