Matt Knott
Director

Principal Scientist

Matt Knott is a principal aquatic ecologist with over 18 years of experience, specialising in environmental impact assessments for tropical freshwater and marine systems.

His expertise in fieldwork techniques and environmental analysis are crucial for designing scientifically rigorous sampling programs to allow for the determination of significant outcomes for various environmental studies.

Fully certified, including in AusRivAS and electrofishing, Matt brings his expertise to a wide range of projects at C&R, from aquatic impact assessments for mining to fish relocations and surface water quality investigations.

His adaptability and project management skills make him a vital part of C&R’s problem-solving team.

Siân Kennare
Director

Principal Scientist

Siân Kennare is a principal hydrogeologist specialising in groundwater hydrology and mining environmental management. Over her 12 years at C&R, she has completed multiple, detailed groundwater investigations into contamination events that pose a potential environmental risk.

She brings a strong understanding of hydrogeochemical issues and a dynamic approach to project management, often working on a variety of challenging and diverse projects.

In conjunction with numerous hydrogeochemical investigations, this strong background in current government and Australian standards underpins Siân’s ability to undertake and manage complex hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical studies across both large and small groundwater systems.

At C&R, her strengths in strategic planning, teamwork and client relations ensure seamless project execution and strong stakeholder engagement.

Ben Cuff
Director

Principal Scientist

Ben is a botanist and pedologist with over 20 years of experience in environmental sampling, working with water, soil, sediment and vegetation.

He has hands-on field experience in diverse settings, from tropical southeast Asia to arid regions within Australia.

Ben combines this fieldwork with exceptional computer skills, particularly in statistics and GIS.

At C&R Consulting, he plays a crucial role by anticipating the needs of the team, expertly compiling, analysing and presenting data, and performing initial assessments.

Dr Jasmine Jaffrés

Principal Scientist

Dr Jasmine Jaffrés is a hydroclimatologist with over 17 years of experience in environmental sciences, specialising in data analysis and modelling of extreme weather events, climatology and ocean processes.

Her work also spans groundwater quality, remote sensing, artificial neural networks and application programming. She has contributed to numerous scientific publications and technical reports.

Jasmine is proficient in a range of software, including MATLAB, ArcGIS and R. She has taught hydrology and mathematics at James Cook University, where she is an adjunct senior research fellow.

She also speaks several languages, including Alemannic (Swiss) German, German, French, Italian and Mandarin.

Dr Maree Corkeron

Principal Scientist

Dr Maree Corkeron is an earth and environmental scientist with expertise in ancient sedimentary environments, processes and sedimentary rocks. She has over 30 years’ experience in sedimentary systems applying stratigraphy, geochemistry, hydrogeology and geomorphology to a range of industry and research problems.

Maree has lectured for many years in earth science, sedimentology, environmental science, field geology, basin analysis, marine geology and hydrology at Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University.

Maree is skilled in petrography, spatial analysis including GIS, statistics, field mapping, academic/formal writing, and developing online scientific resources. She holds an adjunct position as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia.

Dean Buchanan

Senior Scientist

Dean Buchanan has a strong background in biochemistry and biotechnology from his studies in Canada, developing a deep understanding of chemical and ecological processes.

In 2015, he completed a Master’s thesis on the environmental impacts of freshwater dredging at Central Queensland University.

Since moving to Queensland, Dean has worked on investigating and managing soils, groundwater, surface water, aquatic ecology and more, with a focus on contaminated land rehabilitation.

He also specialises in remote sensing, sampling and data analysis, particularly in groundwater impacts.

Jason Schaffer

Senior Scientist

Jason Schaffer is an aquatic ecologist with over 15 years of experience in environmental management, focusing on aquatic and terrestrial fauna and invasive species in northern Australia’s wetlands and rivers.

He has worked on various research, mining and port projects, conducting biodiversity surveys, water quality monitoring and laboratory experiments.

Jason is skilled in fauna identification, acoustic telemetry, electrofishing, and using remote video and water sampling equipment.

A recognised expert on freshwater turtles in northern Australia, he is a member of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and has contributed to numerous technical reports and publications.

Matthew Sharkey

Senior Scientist

Matthew is a senior hydrogeologist at C&R, bringing a strong background in groundwater and surface water monitoring, data analysis and environmental management within the mining industry.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Mathematics) from James Cook University and is experienced in the development of conceptual site models and compliance-based reporting. With strong technical capabilities in Python, R Studio and Excel, he consolidates and interprets large environmental datasets to support evidence-based decision making.

His hands-on field leadership and analytical skills contribute to the delivery of high-quality outcomes for clients.

Rachel Rintoul

Scientist

Rachel Rintoul graduated from Murdoch University with First Class Honours in Marine Science and Conservation Wildlife Biology, focusing on the effects of climate change on the western pygmy perch.

She has over five years of experience in compliance and applied sciences across the fisheries, mining, agriculture and aquaculture industries.

Rachel is skilled in various field sampling techniques for surface water, groundwater and sediment, as well as aquatic ecological survey methods.

Jasmine Kamp

Scientist

Jasmine Kamp is an environmental scientist with four years of consulting experience. She holds a Bachelor of Marine Science and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from James Cook University.

Jasmine has a strong understanding of environmental assessments, focusing on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

Her work includes fauna surveys, water quality sampling, vegetation mapping and sediment analysis.

She is also knowledgeable about environmental legislation, approvals and GIS mapping.

Will Goodwin

Scientist

Will Goodwin joined C&R as a scientific technician in 2023.

He holds a Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science from James Cook University, with a focus on biodiversity, sustainability, ecology and coastal marine conservation.

Will has travelled extensively in remote areas of far north Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, before and during his employment with C&R, continuously honing his skills in sampling techniques, initial assessments, monitoring and compliance.

Daniel Vecchio-Ruggeri

Scientist

Daniel Vecchio-Ruggeri graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Geology.

Daniel has over five years of experience in mineral exploration. He has worked extensively in the field, gaining hands-on expertise in drill core logging, drill program management, soil sampling, QGIS and geological mapping.

Daniel is trained in both groundwater and surface water quality sampling and analysis, bringing a strong geological foundation to his environmental work.

Tallis Keam

Scientist

Tallis is an environmental scientist with a background in marine and environmental science, specialising in aquatic ecology and water resource management at JCU (Bachelor of Marine Science).

Tallis has previously worked as a water officer with the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, where he developed practical field skills, stakeholder engagement experience and data analysis capabilities.

Francis Bligh
Traditional Owner

Field Technician

Francis has been employed by C&R since August 2020, when he joined our field survey team to assist with groundwater and REMP monitoring.

Francis has proven to be an invaluable resource to C&R through his work as a field technician and assisting senior scientists, whilst also providing cultural awareness and insight into Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) traditions of the land on which C&R operate. Francis is a methodical and reliable member of the C&R field team.

Dr Chris Cuff

Associate Scientist

One of the founding directors of C&R Consulting, Dr Chris Cuff is one of Australia’s top experts on the interactions between clay and water, especially in tropical environments.

With over 50 years of experience, he’s internationally recognised for his deep understanding of soils and their environmental impacts.

Chris has led numerous projects around the world for industry, government and academia.

His career highlights include roles as a Senior Lecturer in geochemistry and mineralogy, Director of the Advanced Analytical Laboratory, and Dean of Science at James Cook University.

Dr Cecily Rasmussen

Associate Scientist

One of the founding directors of C&R Consulting, Dr Cecily Rasmussen is an environmental geomorphologist with a deep focus on water quality and how water, sediment and pollutants move over time and space.

She has worked extensively in delicate environments, including world heritage sites like the Wet Tropics coastline, the Torres Strait islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Recently, Cecily has concentrated on the complexities of water flow through ancient river channels and the effects of climate change, groundwater overuse and aquifer recharge on groundwater-dependent ecosystems.