Forum Experts: 2011
The science of survival is this year's topic under investigation. The experts below will help us answer questions from their field of expertise.
James Wood- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
James is the Co-ordinator of the Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre and has worked in and around seedbanking for 17 years. He took on his current post in December 2005 after working at RBG, Kew's Seed Conservation Department for 7 years. Prior to that he held a horticultural support post for the Kew seedbank for 6 years. His first experience of seed science was as a student when he spent his industrial placement year working in research at the Kew seedbank.
Running and overseeing seedbank germination tests for about 11 years, James has a broad background and interest in the difficulties of wild species germination. He also has an interest in the effective recording and analysis of this data.
For questions about the seed germination experiment on the deserted island, post a question on the forum to James.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens seed germination information.
Matthew Larcombe- University of Tasmania, Department of Plant Science
Matthew (pictured here with hat on and collecting samples) is currently a PhD student at UTAS doing research into genetic contamination between wild and plantation eucalypts. Previously he has worked for the Tasmanian government to implement conservation plans for endangered orchids and euphrasias. He tells us that he's not an expert in seed germination, but it's safe to say he can help us with questions about plant growth and their life cycles.
For questions about the seed germination experiment on the deserted island, post a question on the forum to Matthew.
Harry Andrews- Barefoot Power
Harry is a co-founder of Barefoot Power and is the regional manager for Africa. He has a background of 6 years in renewable energy policy, project management and environmental assessment. Harry has worked extensively in Papua New Guinea, East Africa and Fiji. Harry has a Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies) and postgraduate qualifications in Environmental Impact Assessment. He is also currently completing his Masters in Development Studies.
Barefoot Power is a social enterprise that focuses on providing affordable lighting and phone charging products specifically for low income populations that do not have access to electricity. To achieve this, they design, manufacture, and distribute micro-solar products that meet the needs of communities in disadvantaged regions of the world. Their mission is to help low income families break their dependence on inefficient, expensive and harmful light sources by giving them cleaner and cheaper options.
For questions about energy, partiucularly solar energy (ovens), post a question to Harry.
Dr Jessica Andrewartha - University of Tasmania, School of Engineering
Jess is a researcher with the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems and an engineering lecturer at UTAS. Jess has spent the last few years working on improving the efficiency of hydropower schemes by removing slime growth from pipelines and canals. She also works on projects related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as teaching fluid dynamics to engineering students.
Jess might be able to help with questions about solar ovens, evaporation or absorption. It's worth asking!
