Meet the Team

Our team is comprised of experts in marine ecology and environmental design.


  • Thea is a marine ecologist with experience working on ecological engineering, coastal ecology, restoration, and biodiversity research in Hong Kong. Thea spearheaded the publishing of the first ecological engineering study in Hong Kong, the World Harbour Project, and conducted the first large-scale trials of afterNATURE’s ecological engineering in Hong Kong. Thea holds a Bachelor of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Queensland, Australia; and earned her PhD at the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health, City University of Hong Kong, China.


  • Kenneth is a highly experienced marine ecologist with sound knowledge of local marine ecosystems, marine biodiversity and fisheries in Hong Kong, and has successfully led and completed a number of contract research projects on marine biodiversity and fisheries as well as marine ecological restoration for the Hong Kong SAR Government over the past 20 years. Kenneth is the Dean of School of Energy and Environment, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health, and Chair Professor at Department of Chemistry in City University of Hong Kong. Kenneth holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; an MPhil from the City University of Hong Kong, China; and a BSc from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.


  • Chiu is a marine ecologist with several years of research experience in Hong Kong, focusing on coastal ecology, ecological restoration and biodiversity. He is a postdoctoral researcher at the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, managing multiple eco-shoreline projects at different locations, including the Integrated Waste Management Facilities, Siu Ho Wan and the Southern District. Besides, Chiu has vast experience organizing educational events about coastal ecology and conservation for the public and schools. Chiu holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from The University of Hong Kong, China; an MSc. in Conservation Biology and a BSc. in Zoology and Marine Science from the University of Queensland, Australia.

  • Juan is a founder and director at afterNATURE. He is a marine ecologist with extensive experience in marine biodiversity assessment and ecological engineering. He has contributed to 18 ecological engineering projects across Hong Kong and greater China, overseeing their daily operation. His work includes the Pilot Trials of the ecological shorelines at the Taishan Receptor Site, Site Trials on seawalls in Sai Kung, Lung Kwu Tan, and Ma Liu Shui, as well as the wider application of Ecological Shorelines in Hong Kong. His expertise includes the design and testing of concrete based ecologically engineered design elements, the development of nature based solutions such as mangrove plantations and oyster shell reefs, and the management of ecological monitoring programs. He has an established record with publications in biodiversity and ecological engineering. Juan holds a PhD in Biological Sciences fromThe University of Hong Kong, China; a Professional Degree in Marine Biology from the Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile; and a BSc. in Marine Science from the Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile.


  • Michael has been designing and leading architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design projects in Asia, North America, and Europe for over 25 years. He works to design and fabricate new innovative forms and specific responses to intertidal and terrestrial conditions. Recent projects include living shorelines in West Kowloon, Hong Kong, San Francisco California, and at Governor’s Island, New York, USA. Michael is an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong where he teaches in the master of architecture and landscape architecture programs. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, USA; and a Master of Architecture degree from the Yale School of Architecture, USA.