Our Team



Owen Atkin

Director

In addition to CEAT Director, Owen is an ANU Entrepreneurial Professor and leads the Atkin Group in the Research School of Biology, studying plant respiration and environmental factors.

Benjamin Bek

Chief Operating Officer (interim)

Benjamin brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience from managing both university and private sector businesses. He is CEAT interim COO until June 2024.

Mandy Nguyen

Mandy Nguyen

Chief Operating Officer (on leave)

Mandy began her role as CEAT's Chief Operations Officer in 2020, after years at ANU in various finance roles, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the executive team and operational management of CEAT.

Martin Amidy

Senior Fellow in Agri-Technology and Research Translation Initiative Lead

Martin's work with CEAT fosters collaboration and facilitates relationships between CEAT, ANU researchers and industry stakeholders.

Rachael Rodney Harris

Innovation Training & Education Lead

Rachael is an ag researcher and educator whose work delivers industry training and education activities.

Denise Higgins

Senior Manager Strategic planning

Denise provides evidential advice to CEAT’s Executive and Governance Committee to inform business decision-making.

Anne-Sophie Dielen

Industry Engagement Senior Manager

Anne-Sophie combines strong engagement and advocacy skills, regulatory and policy expertise, with a background in plant science.

Meredith Thomas

Executive Officer

Meredith has experience in business, education and research management, contract management and partnership building.

Phillipa Wilkes

Senior Administration Officer

Pip provides executive support to the Director and CEAT team, Hub community and stakeholders.

Liam Wong

Data Analyst

Liam has background in the IT industry and holds double Masters degrees in IT and Data Analytics. He supports CEAT’s evaluation and reporting through meaningful management of data.

Alex Maier

Marketing and Communications Manager

Alex leads Marketing and Communications for CEAT following extensive experience in the Australian public service. She works Mon, Wed-Fri.

Bec Hopkins

Senior MarComms Officer

Bec has worked across many roles at the University and provides MarComms support to CEAT. She works Mon -Thurs.

Alex Hart

Administration Officer

Alex provides general administrative support to the CEAT team and Hub members. She works Mon -Wed.