Air Quality Support

Our team

About us

A small, focused team with deep expertise in air quality modelling, meteorological data, and geographic information systems.

Ella Castillo

Ella Castillo

Principal Consultant

I am an atmospheric scientist with 20 years' experience in air quality, mesoscale and local-scale meteorological modelling, dispersion modelling, emissions estimation, climate analysis and reporting.

I specialise in the application of numerical models to conduct air quality modelling and air impact assessments for a range of industries including mining and extractive industries, transport, energy and agricultural businesses both within Australia and internationally. These include regulatory models used in Australia and overseas such as TAPM, CALMET/CALPUFF, AUSPLUME, AERMOD, ISC3, and CAL3QHCR. I also specialise in the detailed configuration of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which includes the optimisation of Physics options, generation of custom input geographic datasets, data assimilation, as well as processing results.

I am also a specialist in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I created an algorithm which utilised advances in data generation capabilities of other environmental fields, inherently strengthening the connection between air quality and other areas of study. These methods significantly improved input information for models in a robust and efficient manner, and enabled translation of technical model data into information that can be utilised in other disciplines including environmental impact assessments.

My knowledge of databases extends beyond the spatial component of GIS. I also have significant experience in the development, management and maintenance of technical and administrative databases using MySQL, MS SQL, MariaDB, and Microsoft Access. I have worked with databases for numerical weather forecasts, comprehensive project management systems and detailed emissions inventories for government and industry clients.

I specialise in mathematical interpolation, data processing and analysis using scientific and object-oriented programming and scripting languages to improve data linkages across different formats and disciplines. I am well-versed in using an array of standard and specialist analytical tools.

Kyle Gilchrist

Kyle Gilchrist

Senior Consultant

I am a technical consultant with 20 years' experience in computers, electronics and sensitive instrumentation. I have a Bachelor of Science (Physics) degree from the University of Victoria, New Zealand.

My previous role was as a technical service field engineer, where I conducted equipment installation and maintenance for laboratories all over Queensland and Western Australia. These included gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, colorimetry, microwave, infrared and other specialist testing equipment. This also included onsite hardware and software support for Information and Technology (IT) infrastructure which included desktop computers for a staff of 20+, servers, and peripheral equipment.

My subsequent role included more focus on the hardware and software IT aspect, where I was engaged to procure, process, and install desktop computers and servers for a new olfactory laboratory and air quality consultancy. I was responsible for consolidating all instruments, as well as codifying calibration standards and procedures. At this role, I also started to get involved with assisting in setting up numerical models. In my role as a Linux administrator, I am well-versed with the specialised requirements of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model and the Mesoscale Model InterFace (MMIF) processing tool. Other models I have worked with include TAPM, CALPUFF, and AERMOD. I was in charge of implementation of single- and multi-processor configuration of cloud-based modelling systems, specifically using Amazon Web Services (AWS).

I have utilised my skills, expertise and experience to venture out and establish a niche IT and air quality consulting service where I keep up to date with the latest computational advances, ensuring that the in-house modelling systems are as advanced as practically possible. I also assist clients with their specific hardware and software infrastructure and focus on tailor-made solutions for maximum cost-benefit optimisation. Further to this, I provide technical support to the air quality services of AQS, where I use my extensive knowledge in established scripting and programming methods, statistical tools and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to streamline the air quality assessment process.