Kirsten Heimann, BSc(Hons), PhD (Chair)
Kirsten is the manager of the MBCRC Connect, Educate and Train (CET) program. A recognised leader in Environmental, Industrial and Medical Biotechnology, Kirsten’s strives to develop renewable products and sustainable industries. As the Principal Research Scientist at the Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, Kirsten was the Research Director of the China-Australia joint laboratory for Native Bioresource Industry Innovation (CANBI2) and the Course Coordinator of the Master of Biotechnology at Flinders University. Kirsten held several roles in education and training including Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University to 2014.
Leanna Read, BAgSc(Hons), PhD, FAICD, FTSE
Leanna has broad-ranging research, company executive, board and investment experience in technology-based enterprises, particularly biotechnology, including founding a successful company, TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd. She currently chairs biotech companies, TekCyte Ltd and Carina Biotech Pty Ltd, and is a board member of Biosensis Pty Ltd, and the Federal Government Biomedical Translation Fund Committee. Leanna is a foundational member of Southern Angels and a board member of Uniseed Venture Capital. Previous roles include SA Chief Scientist, Chair and CEO of the CRC for Cell Therapy Manufacturing, and Member of the Commercialisation Australia Board.
Pawan Chugh, PhD, CA, CPA, MBA, LLM
Pawan has extensive experience developing and mentoring business incubation programs for start-ups/ small businesses and preparing corporate plans. Pawan is a Chartered Accountant with Masters in both Law and Business, a PhD in Economic Develop-ment of Aboriginal communities and is currently undertaking a 2nd PhD in Social Impact and Social Finance. He has a strong background in and commitment to community engagement and providing strategic advice on economic development opportunities for Indigenous people. Pawan’s background will be invaluable to start-up companies in the MBCRC for the development of sound business models, financial projections, strategic and corporate planning.
Verity Kingsmill, Director NVI
Verity heads up Flinders University’s New Venture Institute (NVI), a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship, creating the next generation of innovators to realise their potential. The New Venture Institute is right in the heart of the Tonsley Innovation Precinct and has a well-earned reputation as an engaging thought leader and connector. Verity has an awarded track record in creating innovative practice, driving collaboration and renewing teams, and has worked with Industry and industry partnerships over the past 20 years.
Carla Dias Wadewitz, BBA(Hons), MBA
Carla is the Director of Flinders MBA, an MBA that embeds innovation, Industries 4.0 and 5.0, and sustainability. Over 20 years, Carla worked with numerous companies and start-ups across Europe, Australia, US and Asia, supporting their development in diverse areas such as health/nanotech, manufacturing & industry 4.0, fintech, energy, retail and tourism. Carla has taught Entrepreneurship at some of Europe’s top business schools and is passionate about using technology to improve people’s lives. Leveraging her passion for innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems, Carla delivers national and international industry entrepreneurial programs to founders, start-ups and SMEs, contributing significantly to the ongoing development of the Australian entrepreneurial ecosystems.