Sonja has a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), a Master of Environmental Management and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Beginning her career as an industrial chemist, she developed an interest in ‘all things quality’ and has continued to pursue this passion. She has worked across several industries including inks and coatings, petroleum and industrial chemicals, fats and oils, inspection of bulk liquids and dry cargo and more recently with laboratories conducting chemical, biological, mechanical and construction materials testing. Having completed formal auditor training with SAI Global, NATA and ANAB (USA), Sonja has experience auditing to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 and holds Exemplar Global Lead Auditor Certification in Quality Management Systems. She has also completed auditor training to ISO 14001. After implementing and maintaining quality systems in laboratories for 17 years, Sonja joined the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) in 2009 working as a Senior Scientific Officer conducting accreditation activities in the field of Construction Materials Testing (CMT). During 2013 she worked as the Quality Systems Manager for Cardno Geotech prior to establishing SIMPLY QUALITY Pty Ltd in January 2014. Sonja has been working with Microanalysis for many years as external consultant and recently joined the team as our Quality Manager in 2022 and continue to support our commitment to exceptional scientific integrity and the quality of our results.
Photo: Jenna Elson
Jess joined Microanalysis in 2020 immediately following her graduation from TAFE in a Cert IV Laboratory Techniques as a casual Laboratory Assistant. Over that year she proved to be a dedicated, astute, and hardworking assistant and was promoted to Laboratory Technician. Jess is our resident fish whisperer and is keenly attending to and nurturing the Microanalysis fish in our courtyard.
Jarvis is an intelligent and diligent Graduate Analyst who has quickly established himself as an invaluable member of the Microanalysis team, which he joined in 2020 as a laboratory technician. He holds a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques and completed his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Chemistry at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in late 2023. Jarvis is currently expanding his skill set in X-ray Diffraction (XRD) interpretation under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Rowles. He will soon begin training on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and is also providing overflow assistance with GC-MS testing. We are very proud of the contributions Jarvis continues to make to the Microanalysis team.
Robert is a geologist with experience across both field and exploration geology, petrology and sedimentology. He holds a bachelors (with honours) and masters degree in Geoscience from the University of Durham (UK) and a PhD in Applied Geology (carbonate petrology) from Curtin University. A former senior lecturer of geology Robert has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers in the field of carbonate petrology and has taught across a wide range of geological disciplines. Robert has also worked as a project geologist for a base metals explorer, co-ordinating explorative drilling programs, leading field teams, conducting field analysis and reporting results within a commercial setting. With a global portfolio of field work locations Robert is well versed in fundamental geology and petrology. Since joining Microanalysis has returned to focusing on his specialty of petrographic analysis including industrial materials (e.g. aggregates and concrete), sedimentary rocks and ore deposits. Roberts holds accreditation as a Fellow of the Geological Society of London and Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
With a solid foundation in laboratory science, Ben boasts a remarkable nine-year tenure in a mineral sands processing lab. Armed with a diploma, he has accumulated extensive expertise in X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis and quality systems, coupled with proficiency in physical and wet chemistry testing techniques pertinent to the industry. Recently elevated to the position of Laboratory Coordinator, Ben has assumed a senior role where he excels in mentoring and orchestrating the work schedules of the Laboratory Assistant Team.
Ben’s hands-on experience and in-depth industry knowledge make him a valuable asset, ensuring the seamless operation of the laboratory and adherence to rigorous quality standards. His commitment to continuous improvement and effective team coordination positions him as a key player in the success of the lab’s operations.
