Delivery Team

Donna Gibson

Program manager, research and innovation, Gardiner Foundation

Donna Gibson is Gardiner Foundation’s Program Manager for Research and Innovation, having joined the team in 2022. She brings more than 20 years of experience across the dairy sector, from farming through to research and extension, including roles with Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia.

Donna holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science specialising in land and water from Charles Sturt University. She is passionate about the dairy industry and the communities it sustains, and brings a broad understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities to her work at Gardiner.

Jolien Paalman

Principal, Beanstalk AgTech

Jolien Paalman is a Principal at Beanstalk AgTech, bringing a strong foundation in strategy, finance, and international business to her work at the intersection of agriculture and innovation. She leads Beanstalk’s landing pads, including PropaGATE, Western Australia’s wastewater landing pad connecting global agtech innovators with WA agribusinesses.

Jolien holds a Master’s degree in International Economics, and an International Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Economics.

Ming Fung Chua

Project Leader, Beanstalk AgTech

Ming Fung Chua is a Senior Associate at Beanstalk AgTech. She brings a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective, spanning soil health, animal science, and agtech commercialisation, that equips her to bridge the gap between emerging innovators and the practical realities of dairy businesses.

Ming holds a Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience, Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science and Conservation Biology) and a Master’s in Agricultural Science (Soil Science and Plant Nutrition) from The University of Western Australia.

Natalia Rebollo Sampedro

Associate, Beanstalk AgTech

Natalia is an Associate at Beanstalk AgTech, with a background spanning biotechnology, agribusiness, and agricultural innovation. She brings experience across agricultural R&D, product development, and agtech strategy, helping practical innovations move from concept to market.

Natalia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Salamanca, Spain, and a Master of Agricultural Sciences (Agribusiness) from The University of Melbourne.