Carbon Sync Appoints Dr Kirsten Ball as First Director of Research, Development and Extension
Media Release
For Immediate Release
21 October 2024, Perth, Western Australia – Carbon Sync, a full-service soil carbon farming project developer based in Western Australia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Kirsten Ball as its first Director of Research, Development and Extension. Dr Ball, a distinguished soil biogeochemist with expertise in dryland agricultural systems, will lead Carbon Sync’s efforts to advance soil carbon research and support farmers in realising the full potential of soil carbon farming on their lands.
Louise Edmonds, Founder and CEO of Carbon Sync, expressed her excitement about the new appointment: "We are thrilled to welcome Dr Kirsten Ball to our leadership team as the Director of Research, Development and Extension. Her extensive experience and expertise in soil science and agricultural systems, combined with her strong background in research, education, and stakeholder engagement, make her an invaluable asset to Carbon Sync. We are confident that Kirsten will drive innovation and help us further our mission of promoting sustainable soil carbon farming practices across Western Australia."
Dr Kirsten Ball has a PhD in plant and soil science from Western Sydney University and undertook postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Arizona, Washington State University, and the University of Aberdeen. A Western Australian by birth, she is known for her collaborative approach and ability to work closely with diverse stakeholders to undertake industry-relevant research projects.
Dr Kirsten Ball shared her enthusiasm for her new role: "I am honoured to take on the Director of Research, Development and Extension role at Carbon Sync. Soil carbon farming holds tremendous potential for improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. I am excited to work alongside farmers, industry partners, and the broader community to develop and implement innovative solutions that will help realise the benefits of soil carbon farming on a large scale."
Dr Ball will lead and coordinate Carbon Sync's research initiatives and educational programs in her new role. She will focus on driving innovation in soil carbon research, translating scientific findings into practical solutions for farmers, and overseeing the development and delivery of educational resources that empower the agricultural community. Her responsibilities include fostering collaborations with academic institutions, research organisations, and industry partners and representing Carbon Sync at industry events and in the media.
Dr Ball’s expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical modelling, coupled with her skills in spectroscopic techniques, positions her to lead cutting-edge research projects on soil carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture, and climate change mitigation. She is also a certified trainer and assessor with 15 years of experience in program development and teaching, making her exceptionally qualified to develop and deliver training programs that enhance the skills and knowledge of the agricultural community.
