The Team
Aaron Baensch
CEO & Managing Director
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Aaron Baensch is an Executive Geoscientist & Technologist with 25+ years international experience, spanning technology development, research, commercialization, global business development, strategy, investment, consulting, mining operations, mineral exploration & space. Aaron’s passion is centered around deep engagement & collaboration with the Mining Equipment, Technology & Services (METS), Research & Space sectors. This draws on his deep domain experience in material characterisation, sensors, IIoT, analytics, AI/ML, space, robotics & automation. This is combined with over a decade of direct exploration & mining operational experience. Aaron has also been directly involved in projects with NASA and the Mars Curiosity Rover, MinEx CRC and the Deep Exploration Technologies CRC, where he also holds patents for novel sampling and analysis technologies. Professionally, Aaron is a proud graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines, Kalgoorlie (WASM) and holds a BSc. in Mineral Exploration & Mining Geology with 1st Class Honours. He is a Registered Professional Geoscientist, as well as a Fellow of the AusIMM, AIG, SEG and AAG.
Prof Nigel A. Spooner (University of Adelaide): BSc.Hons, MSc (Physics, U. Adelaide), DPhil. (Physics, U. Oxford, 1993). Physicist with career spanning industry, academia and Defence, currently Head, Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory (PELL) with research focus on “Novel Fluorescence” (NF) for materials characterisation,and on radiation and radioisotope detection and quantification. NAS has over 170 published articles and 8,000 citations.
Following award of DPhil from the University of Oxford in 1993, NAS relocated to ANU to establish and head the ANU Luminescence Laboratory, introducing the radiation-based mineral dating technique “Optical Dating”. Successes included developing world-leading imaging luminescence technology, and publication cover articles in Nature and Science. In 2002 NAS joined the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group and in 2007 initiated the joint DSTG-University of Adelaide Prescott Environmental Luminescence Laboratory, now both the world’s-leading NF laboratory and a world class radiation effects research facility.
NAS created the NF program in 2013, pioneering the application of multi-domain fluorescence analysis to materials detection, identification and modification. NF has unique capability for identifying mineral and organic species in complex environments.
Professor Nigel Spooner
CSO
Erik, a graduate of the University of Adelaide, completed his BSc (Hons) in 2007 and went on to obtain his PhD under the supervision of Prof Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem and Prof Tanya Monro from 2008-2011. His research focused on hydrogen peroxide sensing with microstructured optical fibres, encompassing applications in fuel, wine, and infant care. Subsequently, Erik has delved into various industrial, medical, and biological sensing projects centered around the interactions of light with the environment, with a keen interest in optical fibre fabrication and sensing, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and optical system design for field and industrial applications. Currently, Erik is engaged in a project with Flawless Photonics to develop an optical sensor for Asbestos detection, supported by The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency and the Australian Government Business Research and Innovation Initiative. His innovative work in this area showcases his expertise in the field of optical sensing technology.
Erik Schartner
Chief Investigator
Piers Lincoln
Co Founder
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Piers has been Institute Manager of the Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) at the University of Adelaide since July 2009. He leads the commercialisation activity of the Institute and works with the scientific teams to help them develop their products, identify industrial partners and funding streams.
Past roles have included Business and Marketing Manager for Acambis PLC a developer of vaccines based in Cambridge UK and the US. Acambis are best known for supplying the US government with a stockpile of 200 million doses of smallpox vaccine.
He started his career as business development manager and Company Secretary of Roslin-Biomed the spin out company from the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh who commercialised the intellectual property from 'Dolly' the cloned sheep.
He has a BSc from Edinburgh University in Immunology and Corporate Finance.
Rob Loughan
Chairman
Robert Michael Loughan is a prominent American entrepreneur and investor, widely recognised for his role as a co-founder for the first SAAS CRM company Octane Software, which was sold for a staggering $3.2 billion dollars in 2001. Loughan has since been involved in various successful ventures, including the establishment of Dexterra Inc. Additionally, he is the co-owner of the acclaimed Thistle Hill Winery in Mudgee, NSW Australia and co-founder of legendary Baldface Lodge in British Columbia. Notably, Rob co-founded the groundbreaking project Flawless Photonics, a pioneering endeavour in the space industry, the first and only company to produce a product in outer space (transparent optical fibers). This advancement marks a significant milestone in supply chain technology. Furthermore, Loughan's app, Ferret, utilizes AI to provide comprehensive information on potential business partners and associates. With his diverse portfolio and innovative contributions to technology and space manufacturing, Loughan continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
Erin Lear Loughan is an esteemed American entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and humanitarian, celebrated for her innovative spirit and entrepreneurial expertise. As the granddaughter of William "Bill" P. Lear, the distinguished inventor of the Learjet, the eight-track car radio, the battery eliminator for B battery technology, and autopilot, Erin has been deeply inspired by a legacy of pioneering achievements. Through her family heritage, she has developed deep and lifelong connections, fostering an environment where Erin cultivated a profound acumen for business and innovation.
Throughout her career, Erin has successfully launched and managed several entrepreneurial ventures. As the founder of Lear Organics, an innovative skincare line, and Bowi Wowi, a CBD oil designed for pets, Erin has demonstrated exceptional skills in branding, marketing, and product development. Her commitment to excellence has continuously propelled her to the forefront of various markets.
Erin is not only focused on marketing; she is a team player who jumps in wherever needed. Her dedication is evident as she actively seeks funds and strategic partnerships, showcasing her commitment to advancing technological innovation and making a positive impact through various ventures and initiatives.
Erin Lear Loughan
Marketing & Research
Helena
Wescombe-down
Project Manger
Helena is a highly accomplished professional with a rich and diverse background in customer service, continuous improvement, project and event management, office management, and business administration. Over the years, she has systematically honed her skills, making significant contributions to the teams and organizations she has served. Currently, Helena serves as the Project Manager for the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, where her leadership and strategic mindset play a crucial role in driving project success and achieving the institution's objectives.
A co-founder of a successful small business, Helena possesses a profound appreciation for all aspects of business development and operational delivery. Her keen awareness of quality customer relations and service efficiency enables her to cultivate strong partnerships and promote a culture of excellence. Thriving in collaborative environments, she approaches challenges with a strategic focus, ensuring the effective alignment of her employer’s goals and her colleagues’ needs. Highly organized and motivated, Helena is dedicated to attaining key performance indicators (KPIs) and professional milestones. Her multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to success render her a valuable asset, capable of driving organizational growth and enhancing overall team performance.
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