Staff
Board of Directors
Advisor
Volunteer

Dr. Carin Basirun

Secretary (Administration)

Carin holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, with research focused on cardiac mechanotransduction and over five years of experience in tissue engineering. She has extensive experience in research and development, particularly in advanced research methodologies and complex biological assays.

Carin assumed her role as Secretary after volunteering at the New Harvest Conference in New York City in 2022. Driven by her desire to connect with like-minded individuals and immerse herself in the cellular agriculture community, Carin used her savings and travelled alone to New York to volunteer for the conference, where she didn’t know anyone. There, she met CAA's founder, Bianca Le, by chance, leading to an invitation to become Secretary upon her return to Australia.

As Secretary, Carin effectively manages CAA’s board, aligning organisational goals, facilitating strategic discussions, and driving initiatives that support the growth of Australia’s cellular agriculture community. Passionate about using her knowledge and skills, Carin is committed to driving innovation and advancing the field to create sustainable solutions for the future.

Ashley Mackinnon

Director of Policy and Advocacy
Ashley brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, advocacy and industry representation across agriculture and transport.

Dr. Sam Perkins

Strategic Adviser
Dr Sam Perkins is a strategic adviser to CAA, bringing a diverse background across engineering, strategy and the humanitarian sector.

Joanne Tunna

Chief Executive Officer
Jo is the Chief Executive Officer of CAA and brings over 15 years of experience across government, non-profit and private sectors.

Ashley Mackinnon

Director of Policy and Advocacy
Ashley brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, advocacy and industry representation across agriculture and transport.

Hamish Toohey

Operations Coordinator
Hamish brings a people-first approach from his background in social enterprise, nonprofits and international development.

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Paul Oosting

Director
Paul is well-versed in climate and environmental impact, having spent the last 15+ years working in impact for justice, nature, and climate solutions.

Dr. Bianca Le

Founder (Former Director)
In August 2020, cell biologist Bianca, took a massive leap of faith and founded CAA mid Melbourne lockdown.

Chloe Dempsey

Acting Chair
Chloe brings a range of experience in strategy, policy, and green technology to her role as Acting Chair.

Chloe Dempsey

Acting Chair
Chloe brings a range of experience in strategy, policy, and green technology to her role as Acting Chair.

Dr. Bianca Le

Founder (Former Director)
In August 2020, cell biologist Bianca, took a massive leap of faith and founded CAA mid Melbourne lockdown.

Dr. James Ryall

Advisor
James Ryall is a distinguished biotech consultant with over twenty years of expertise in cell biology, biomanufacturing, and regenerative medicine.

Glen Neal

Advisor
Glen has more than 20 years of experience in food regulation and biosecurity, which has developed his expertise in crisis and risk management.

Dr. Anna Barlow

Advisor
Anna is a seasoned expert in the food and agritech sectors, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our advisory committee.

Dr. Anna Barlow

Advisor
Anna is a seasoned expert in the food and agritech sectors, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our advisory committee.

Dr. James Ryall

Advisor
James Ryall is a distinguished biotech consultant with over twenty years of expertise in cell biology, biomanufacturing, and regenerative medicine.

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