Dr Kirsten Ball

Smiling person with long blond hair wearing a green checkered shirt, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

Director of Research, Development and Extension

Kirsten is a plant and soil scientist with a deep knowledge of dryland farming systems and a strong belief in making science work for farmers. Raised in WA, she brings global research experience — starting in Australia, stretching to Europe and the U.S.A — she came back home to work for Carbon Sync to deliver practical, place-based solutions that support land managers.

At Carbon Sync, Kirsten leads our research, education, and on-ground project design. She works directly with landholders to co-develop Land Management Strategies and build smart stratification and sampling design frameworks that reflect how farms actually function. She’s as comfortable in the paddock as she is in the data.

She has a PhD in plant and soil science and over 15 years’ experience designing and delivering research projects and training for farmers, agronomists, Traditional Owners, and industry partners.

She’s sharp on data, grounded in detail, and passionate about turning evidence into action — especially when it helps regenerate land, livelihoods, and local knowledge.

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