Founding Directors

Julie is a wildlife ecologist and has spent 20 years working with seabirds and marine mammals. She has a particular interest in the Southern Ocean and has spent four summers and a winter on Macquarie Island as well as two summers in Antarctica. Julie currently holds a research position at the University of Tasmania and is passionate about species conservation and inspiring the next generation to help protect these fragile ecosystems.

Kris is a wildlife biologist who has worked with a range of Australian wildlife over two decades and has spent several summers on Macquarie Island as a researcher and Wildlife Ranger for the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. He currently manages the Wildlife Health and Marine Section of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and is committed to Southern Ocean marine mammal and seabird conservation.

Andrea has been on six trips to the island since 2010 and has spent over three years there as Ranger-In-Charge, a continuation of her long-standing interest in the island since a Bachelor of Antarctic Studies (Honours) many years ago. In between Macquarie Island deployments Andrea works at the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service where she continues to be involved in the management of the island.

Ben is a marine ecologist and science educator. He has researched marine mammals and seabirds on several sub-Antarctic islands, including Macquarie Island. Ben is passionate about our natural world, how science helps us makes sense of it, and inspiring others. He is currently coordinator of marine science engagement programs at the CSIRO Marine National Facility.

Will has 20 years of experience within financial services, and is currently the General Manager of Unlisted Assets at HESTA managing c. $17.5 billion in private asset investments. He is a strong advocate for global environmental, sustainability and governance standards and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Will has a strong passion for the outdoors and love of science with a degree in Science/Commerce.