The WISH Pacific Team

University of Sydney

Joel is a Professor of Global Health in the Sydney School of Public Health, a social scientist and lead investigator on the DFAT-funded SAPPHIRE (Sydney Asia-Pacific Partnerships for Health Innovation and Resilient Ecosystems) program. His research focuses on health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries and he has worked extensively in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.

[Full biography]

joel.negin@sydney.edu.au

University of Sydney

Aaron is an ecologist and infectious diseases researcher with expertise in wetland management, international development, reefs and sustainable fisheries. He has worked with international and regional agencies, governments and NGOs in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and other Indo-Pacific countries. [Full biography]

aaron.jenkins@sydney.edu.au

The University of Sydney

Jacquie is a lecturer in the School of Civil Engineering with expertise in water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) and microbiology. She has led applied WaSH research programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific and leads the field work and laboratory components of the WISH Fiji project. [Full biography] 

jacqueline.thomas@sydney.edu.au

Fiji National University

Donald is Director of the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research and Associate Dean of Research at FNU. He is a public health physician and has expertise in environmental epidemiology. Donald leads the local educational and workforce capacity building initiatives of WISH Fiji. He also has a strong interest in policy development for combating water-related diseases. [Full biography]

donald.wilson@fnu.ac.fj

 Catchment Coordinator

Ponipate ensures the smooth implementation of the WISH Project across designated areas. With over 10 years of experience and a professional background in Public Health, Health Promotion, and Community Engagement, he brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Serving as a key representative of Fiji National University (FNU), the Coordinator works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, iTaukei Trust Board, Water Authority of Fiji, and other Government and Non-Government stakeholders. 

 Project Administrative Officer 

Marica has extensive experience in demonstrating expertise in overseeing daily office operations and providing relevant and timely support on administrative matters. She is responsible for administrative and support service activities are attended to effectively and efficiently within the required timelines. Marica also provides general office support to ensure the increasing efficiency and accuracy in workflow processes on a daily basis.

marica.navulase@fnu.ac.fj

Senior Finance and Procurement Officer 

With extensive experience in financial analysis and reporting, Reemal brings in-depth knowledge in preparing accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports to support evidence-based decision-making and meet Executive Management and donor requirements.  She also ensures robust financial oversight and compliance with institutional policies while managing procurement functions, including tender processes, supplier performance monitoring, contract administration and resources are effectively allocated and transparently managed.

reemal.lata@fnu.ac.fj 

Collaboration and Communications Coordinator  

With over 10 years’ experience in Marketing Communications, Irene plays a vital role in fostering teamwork and keeping information flowing smoothly. She works closely with the WISH project partners at the Fiji National University, University of Sydney, Wildlife Conservation Society, Government and Non-Government Stakeholders, associated donor agencies, the CMNHS Associate Dean Research and the WISH Pacific Project Manager. 

irene.miller@fnu.ac.fj

WISH Pacific Project Manager 

Timoci (Jim) is a conservation scientist and the WISH-Pacific Project Manager. He has worked across different fields of work that include WASH, Climate Change Adaptation, Biodiversity and Conservation, and Disaster Risk Resilience in Fiji and the Pacific. He is now applying his over 10 years’ experience in Public Health Research. He leads the WISH-Pacific field work, international and local stakeholder engagement in Fiji. He also leads the community consultation process enabling design and implementation of appropriate WISH Pacific interventions. 

timoci.naivalulevu@fnu.ac.fj 

 Laboratory Manager and Analyst 

Public health laboratories play a vital role in protecting public health by analyzing samples to identify and track infectious diseases, environmental toxins, and other health threats. Jignesh works closely with the WISH Project Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Project laboratory. Jignesh is responsible for ensuring that all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.

jignesh.sharma@fnu.ac.fj 

 Public Health Surveillance Officer

As a Public Health Surveillance Officer with the WISH-Pacific Project, Unise is dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility for rural communities, particularly for persons living with disabilities (PLWD). In her role, she tracks notifiable diseases and develops plans for enhanced surveillance of typhoid, leptospirosis, and dengue, which aim to increase screening rates. Unise is particularly focused on identifying and addressing barriers to treatment-seeking, such as travel costs and social stigma, to ensure that everyone, especially those with disabilities, can access essential health services. Her background in community-based initiatives and data management supports her commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. 

unise.vakaloloma@fnu.ac.fj