Qualifications, Certificates and Memberships
BEnvSc (Hons), PhD
Certified Professional Soil Scientist with Contaminated Site Assessment and Management certification (CPSS-CSAM)
Member of Soil Science Australia (SSA)
Member of Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association (ACLCA)
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DR SILVANA SANTOMARTINO
Founding Director: Principal Geochemist
Silvana graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Environmental Science prior to undertaking her PhD in the Treatment of Acidic and Metalliferous Drainage. A Certified Professional Soil Scientist with Contaminated Site Assessment and Management certification (CPSS-CSAM) and a Registered Soil Practitioner – Acid Sulfate Soil (RSP-ASS), Silvana spent several years in field and project management roles before establishing PSK in 2013. With over 20 years of research and consulting experience in environmental geochemistry, Silvana has developed expertise in designing sampling programs, data collection methodologies, health and safety protocol, field and laboratory analytical methods, and implementing practical site solutions in accordance with relevant legislation. She has also authored and co-authored a number of academic research papers published in peer reviewed journals.
Silvana has project managed a large range of investigation projects including Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS), Contaminated Land (including Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)), Land Resources Assessments, baseline soils quality and groundwater quality and has overseen the implementation of management plans at large scale development sites, providing technical expertise to engineering and on-site construction teams. She has been invited to act on Technical Advisory Groups for major projects and has also provided Contaminated Land Auditor Support Services in relation to ASS.
Silvana has an active interest in building a strong and collaborative soil science community through her work on various committees and through her former role as the President of Soil Science Australia.
In her spare time, she loves hiking, strength training and spending time with her family in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Notable Achievements / Acknowledgements
Member of the Queensland Soil Management Guidelines Industry Reference Group for Version 5 and Version 5.1 (2021-2024)
Member of the ASS Expert Task force for the National Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) Accreditation program (2021 – 2023)
Winner – Women in Business Awards Australia “Business Achiever Award”2022
Finalist – Women in Business Awards Australia “Business Woman of the Year” 2022
Recipient of the LJH Teakle Award by the Federal Branch of Soil Science Austalia
Appointed Adjunct Industry Fellow at Griffith University in 2021.
Winner – Australasian Land and Groundwater Association (ALGA) 2020 Annual Industry Excellence Award for “Outstanding Contribution by an Individual”.
President of Soil Science Australia (Qld Branch) (2017-2018)
Former Secretary of Soil Science Australia (Qld Branch) (2011-2013)
Guest lecturer in Acid Mine Drainage and Acid Sulfate Soils at Griffith University, Queensland, 2011
Recipient of La Trobe University Award – The Pauline Toner Award, 2004
Completed a PhD titled “A Laboratory Study of Limestone Dissolution and Fe Precipitation within Passive Treatment Systems”