Our People
Our team are highly specialized experts within their respective fields.
At AOE we have fun working together and are particularly excited to share our passion for solving novel offshore engineering problems.
Matteo Bartolini B.Eng, M.Eng
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Matteo is a recent graduate with a Master’s in energy engineering from Sapeinza University. His interest lies in power generation from both renewable and non-renewable sources, as well as thermofluid dynamics and electrical transmission. Matteo’s Thesis included ThermoFluid dynamic analysis. He joined Aurora Offshore Engineering early in 2024 and is eagerly applying his engineering skills to solving real life problems in the renewable energy sector.
Kelly Boden-Hawes B.Eng, M.Eng, PhD
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Kelly is a physical oceanographer with an interest in marine systems hydrodynamics. She recently completed her PhD at UWA and also has a Master of Professional Engineering, specialising in environmental engineering. Kelly has a strong background in numerical modelling, fluid dynamics, data analysis, and research. She is passionate about using her skills and expertise to solve challenges in the renewables sector and, ultimately, work towards a more sustainable future.
Claire Bisgood
Finance Manager
Claire is a Finance Manager with over ten years of experience working with various service industry entities. She enjoys working with smaller businesses which requires a broad working knowledge of the business and where she can take ownership of the business accounting function. Claire has a background in tax accounting and exploration geology and has found working for a growing scientific focused business such as Aurora, exciting and challenging.
Daniel Carneiro DSc, MSc, BEng, MIEAust, M.ASME
Operations Manager / Principal Engineer – Seabed Geotechnics
Liang Cheng Prof, FTSE
Principal Engineer – Hydrodynamics
Prior to relocating to China in 2022, Liang was a Winthrop professor of fluid dynamics at The University of Western Australia (UWA), with more than 20 years’ experience in research and specialist consulting work. Liang’s research areas cover fundamental fluid mechanics, flow/structure interactions, sediment transport, physical and numerical modelling of flow/structure/foundation interaction problems. vortex-induced vibrations (motions) of offshore structures, hydrodynamic forces on offshore structures, local scour around subsea structures, sediment transport, pipeline scour/self-burial, pipeline stability and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of flow/structure interactions. Liang has published more than 200 technical papers in these research areas. Liang has also been working closely with the oil and gas industry, providing specialist consulting services for various offshore oil and gas projects. He is the leader of a research team that has developed new design methods for stability design of pipelines on erodible seabeds.
Jay completed his Master of Civil and Coastal Engineering at the University of Plymouth, obtaining First Class Honours. He gained experience working for an engineering consultancy predominantly focusing on civil, geotechnical and coastal projects. Jay’s interest in renewable energy developed through the coastal aspect of his course, with his dissertation focusing on a feasibility study of offshore renewable energy resources for small islands. Jay moved to Australia for an adventure, joining the team in November 2022.
Beth’s background is in primary teaching but has been working in Human Resources for the last five years. She previously worked in a boutique consultancy specialising in providing holistic human resources for small to medium businesses in Australia. Beth worked with AOE in 2021 as a consultant and is really happy to have joined the team in 2022.
Scott Draper DPhil, BEng (Hons), BCom
Principal Engineer- Scour
Scott is an Associate Professor at The University of Western Australia (UWA), with 11 years of experience in research and specialist consulting work. Scott’s research areas cover fundamental fluid mechanics, flow/structure interaction, marine renewable energy, scour and sediment transport. He works actively on both physical and numerical modelling of flow/structure/foundation interaction problems. Scott has published more than 150 technical papers and his research has been adopted in the hydrocarbon and marine renewable energy industries. Prior to joining Aurora as a consultant he worked for approximately 4 years with Fugro in Perth as a specialist consultant in scour. He has lead-authored a new design guideline for the stability design of subsea pipelines and has been a member of several Joint Industry Projects.
Patrick Eastwood BEng, MOcean
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Patrick completed his Bachelor of Environmental Engineering at Murdoch University in 2020 and his Master’s in Oceanography at UWA in 2025. In November 2024, he joined Aurora Offshore Engineering as an intern, eager to enhance his engineering and problem-solving skills within the renewable energy sector, and now continues his work with Aurora as a Graduate subsea engineer. Outside of his professional pursuits, Patrick enjoys spending his spare time outdoors, particularly hiking and spending time at the beach.
Andrea Graiani BSc
Graduate Marine Scientist
Terry Griffiths PhD, BSc, BE (Hons), MIEAust, CPEng
Director / Principal Engineer – Cable Response
Terry is a mechanical engineer with over 25 years’ experience in pipeline, subsea facilities and cables engineering including in Australia, Asia and the North Sea. He has been involved in the full life cycle from conceptual, FEED and detailed design to operational integrity studies, including design, costing, construction support and consultancy engineering. He has also been involved in a number of research and development projects extending the boundaries of existing industry knowledge, including the STABLEpipe JIP which has developed new design methods for stability design of pipelines on erodible seabeds. In 2022, Terry completed his PhD at UWA focusing on research into the behaviour of cables on rocky seabeds. Terry now also has an Adjunct Assoc. Prof. role at UWA supporting the university with both teaching and researching.
Jack Jorgensen B.Eng (1st Class Hon), MIEAust, PhD
Subsea Engineer
Jack is a professional mechanical engineer with broad technology development experience across 10 years in research, innovation, design and simulation for the energy industry, coupled with project delivery capability in design, construction & contract management, operation & maintenance and performance assessment. An initial career focus on simulation, data analysis, generation asset performance assessment and design has evolved to incorporate project, people and stakeholder management, business and relationship development activities, and company representation. He is comfortable performing and managing technical tasks, and can confidently plan, manage and execute engineering projects with sound procurement and commercial grounding. He is passionate about working on the development and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions, and enjoys working in innovative team cultures to solve challenging engineering and technology problems, from first principles through to real-world solutions. He completed a Doctorate of Philosophy on the reliability of bolted connections for the offshore wind industry in 2025.
Piers Larcombe PhD MSc BSc
Principal Marine Geoscientist / Sedimentologist
William is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at the University of Western Australia, where he is particularly passionate about hydrodynamics and sustainability. He joined our team as an intern in 2024 during his third year of study. With a strong enthusiasm for applying his skills to tackle real-world engineering challenges, William is dedicated to making a positive impact through innovative solutions.
Nicholas completed his Master of Professional Engineering at UWA in 2021. He is a mechanical engineer with experience in design, research, risk mitigation, numerical modelling and simulation. Nic has experience in hydrodynamics and interface management with a focus to inform structural design and reduce project risk. He has a passion for the ocean and enjoys solving problems to find the most economical and sustainable solution.
Suze Morcombe
Office Manager
Suze has a background in teaching and management, working across primary and high school settings in Australia and the UK. Suze brings a wealth of experience from her time as a manager in both primary and high school settings and has developed strong administrative skills through work for the NHS, Scottish Prison Service, and Compassion UK- Child Sponsorship. She joined the team as Office Manager in March 2025.
Isla Oliver BSc (1st Class Hon) MSc
Graduate Marine Scientist
Isla completed her Master of Biological Science degree at the University of Western Australia in 2022. Throughout her degree, Isla worked with the Australian Institute of Marine Science for her thesis, investigating spatial patterns in the trophic ecology of mesopredatory fish in coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. She joined Aurora Offshore Engineering in January 2023 and is excited to apply her knowledge of marine science and ecology to the renewable energy sector.
Hector Paturau BSc MPE
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Hector has completed his Master of Professional Engineering majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Western Australia. Hector completed his master’s thesis researching the influence of canted winglets used on hydrofoils through numerical simulations. He has continuously worked during his time at university in order to reinforce his professional and technical skills. He has experience in the mining, aerospace and defence industry. Hector has developed a passion for coastal and offshore engineering. He commenced his career at Aurora Offshore Engineering as a graduate engineer in 2021.
Jasper Paterson BSc MPE
Graduate Software Engineer
Jasper is a recent graduate software engineer who has joined our team full time after a successful internship during his final year of studies. He graduated from University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Science, specialising in Software Engineering and his Masters of Professional Engineering. During his academic career, Jasper demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and a keen interest in applying software solutions to real world challenges, particularly in the renewable energy sector. With a fresh perspective and eagerness to tackle complex problems, Jasper is already making significant contributions to the Aurora team.
Durjoy Paul BSc, MPE
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Durjoy is a recent graduate with a Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical) degree from the University of Western Australia and a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture. He has a strong interest in subsea pipeline design, offshore structural stability, finite element analysis and engineering design. His thesis focused on adsorption of propane on activated carbon, which enhanced his skills in experimental analysis and numerical modelling. In 2025, he joined Aurora Offshore Engineering and is eager to apply his engineering expertise to solving real-world offshore challenges.
Anna Peryer
Subsea Engineering Intern
Anna is a second year Energy Engineering student at Curtin University. She joined Aurora Offshore Engineering in November 2023 and is looking forward to applying her developing engineering skills to assist in solving real life problems in the renewable energy sector.
Sina Pinter M.Sc, B.Sc
Graduate Marine Scientist
Sina completed her undergraduate and Master’s studies in Oceanography and Integrated Climate System Sciences at the University of Hamburg in 2022. She has since undertaken PhD studies at the University of Western Australia, focusing on Ocean Dynamics, specifically the characterisation of marine heatwaves off Western Australia. Sina joined Aurora Offshore Engineering at the start of 2025, demonstrating enthusiasm and curiosity in all aspects of her work, and aiming to contribute to a better understanding of the climate systems and their impacts on ecosystems.
Fabrizio Pistani PhD MEng (1st Class Hon)
Engineering Director/ Principal Engineer – Floating Systems
Fabrizio is a Mechanical Engineer with a Ph.D. in Naval Hydrodynamics and 20+ years of experience in hydrodynamics, engineering and design of mooring systems, offshore operations, lifts and installations, analysis of flexible risers, offshore support and planning of operations and installation of mooring systems with some of the main international consultancy engineering companies. He has an extensive background of Research in naval hydrodynamics, design and execution of model experiments and data analysis, having worked as Research Scientist for Italian Institute of Marine Engineering, INM-INSEAN and the University of Western Australia. Author of 30+ scientific papers and presentation to conferences.
Cesare Primultini BSc, MSc
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Cesare is a recent Masters Graduate in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich with a focus on renewable energies, machine learning and optimization. He recently relocated to Australia to join the Aurora Offshore Engineering team and is eager to apply his engineering skills toward contributing to the renewable energy sector.
Tyler Ratcliff B.Mar.E (1st Class Hon)
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Tyler graduated First Class Honours in Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Naval Architecture) in 2024 from the Australian Maritime College where he won the Captain Thomas Swanson Silver Medal for the most outstanding graduate in the Centre of Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics as well as making the UTAS 2024 Roll of Excellence. Tyler joined the Aurora team in 2025 and is looking forward to applying his engineering skills to providing real world solutions in the renewable energy sector.
Marie-Lise Schläppy BSc Hons, MSc, PhD
Principal Marine Ecologist
Yunfei Teng PhD
Subsea Engineer – Hydrodynamics
Yunfei is a Coastal and Offshore engineer with over 5 years’ experience in research and analysis of pipeline and cables engineering including in Australia and Asia. He has been involved in leading-edge research into the hydrodynamic forces on small diameter pipelines and cables above rough beds, and has developed significant expertise in data analysis and interpretation. He has recently completed his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Liang Cheng.
Teresa Thorwarth BEng, MSc
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Teresa is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, where she combines ocean engineering and environmental fluid mechanics to explore the wave attenuation potential of seaweed as a nature-based solution in engineering. Prior to moving to Perth, she completed a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at the University of Rostock, Germany, with a focus on coastal and water-related challenges. Driven by a strong passion for the marine renewable energy sector, Teresa joined Aurora in May 2025, applying her engineering expertise to real-world challenges.
Bryan Thurstan BE
Principal Subsea Engineer
Feifei Tong PhD, Civil Engineer
Subsea Engineer
Feifei Tong is a casual Subsea Engineer at Aurora Offshore Engineering. He is interested in the flow of fluids and their impact on structures and the environment. Feifei has been developing tools and utilises supercomputing in addressing industrial needs. Feifei enjoys sharing and learning through collaborating, writing and teaching at work. While not at work, Feifei likes to read with his two curious children. Their current favourite book is ‘100 Things to Know about Science’.
Susheel Utagi
Software Engineer Intern
Susheel is in the final year of his Honours degree in Artificial Intelligence at UWA, where his research focuses on quantum-hybrid machine learning. He is particularly interested in how the intersection of quantum computing and deep learning can be leveraged to solve complex real-world problems. More specifically, he is keen to explore whether these emerging technologies can open entirely new vantage points for attacking present-day problems. Susheel sees significant potential for quantum-inspired approaches to impact AI and its real-world implementation.
Joel Watson B. Mar E (Hons)
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Joel graduated from the Australian Maritime College in 2025 with a Bachelor of Maritime Engineering (Ocean Engineering) with Honours in 2024. His interests lie in renewable and sustainable energies, particularly in marine environments. Joel is eager to apply his engineering skills to solving real-world engineering challenges and developing innovative solutions for the renewable energy sector. Outside of professional pursuits, Joel enjoys exploring the outdoors, whether hiking, diving or mountain biking.
Kemeng Xi BSc, MSc, PhD
Graduate Subsea Engineer
Kemeng completed a PhD in Ocean Engineering at the University of Western Australia in May 2025, focusing on roll damping of hulls in both isolated and side-by-side configurations, such as those encountered during bunkering operations. With a strong background in port, maritime, and ship hydrodynamics, he is passionate about advancing decarbonization in the ocean industry—through innovations in next-generation port design, offshore wind, and broader renewable energy initiatives. He is currently working on fluid–structure interaction challenges in subsea engineering, particularly involving subsea pipelines, which are critical to the development of offshore wind farms.