Christabel established Portable Spectral Services back in 2011 with the aim of furthering the use of handheld XRF within the mining industry. From small beginnings, Chris has grown the company from a simple portable XRF hire company to one that encompasses all kinds of spectral technology and service offerings.
Chris works in many capacities within the company. In addition to her role as managing director, she has had extensive training from the Bruker application scientists to create matrix matched custom calibrations that guarantee clients are achieving the best results from their Bruker portable XRF’s. As a top-notch scientist and problem solver, Chris can often be seen teaching and supporting staff members with technical applications and trouble shooting.
The large variety of applications that go with the spectral technology is what keeps the job interesting, with each day being different. She says, “one day it is a lithium calibration the next it is seaweed.” She loves working with people from such a variety of industries that utilise this technology.
Chris has worked in laboratories for the last twenty-five years, including managing the assay laboratory in the gold refinery in Kalgoorlie.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science and a Master of Science in Infectious Diseases.
Nigel has been working as a geochemist within the mining industry for 25 years. Nigel offers PSS extensive international experience in diversified environments, strong global expertise in geochemistry and informed independent technical advice.
With the ability to manage all aspects of exploration geochemistry, and extensive experience in QAQC in exploration and mining, Nigel has the ability to advise, mediate and negotiate.
Nigel Specialises in;
Exploration GeoChemistry
Portable XRF Applications
Lithogeochemistry Vectoring
Geometalurgical Processing
Ferrous and non-ferrous mineral exploration
Sampling and Quality control
He is a highly trained and motivated geochemist working initially with WMC Resources (11 years), Anglo American (5 years) before branching out over 15 years ago seeking more prospects within the mining industry, founding Geochemical Services in 2005.
He works regularly with PSS as a Consulting Geochemist, and alongside his work at Geochemical Services.
Nigel holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia.
Acacia is a valued, long-standing team member who joined Portable Spectral Services in 2017. Initially beginning in the role of Administration and Accounts, Acacia’s role at PSS has continued to expand, and after a few stepping stones, she was promoted to General Manager in 2021.
In her role as General Manager, Acacia oversees all activities within the office. This means she is engaged daily with every department and ensures staff are completing their tasks to a high-quality standard.
As she holds valuable experience that spans over a decade, Acacia continues to oversee accounts payable/receivable, rentals, marketing and administration and management for small business and is our go-to for Bruker handheld pXRF sales.
As General Manager, Acacia is a senior staff member, a passionate team leader, and guides the continued growth and future opportunities of PSS.
Shelley comes to Portable Spectral Services with 15 years’ experience in finance department and office management roles. As a prior business owner Shelley has worked in a BAS agency, servicing small business across Perth in a variety of industries such as real estate, manufacturing, professional services, mining industry consultants/services, business consultants/services, and retail.
As the Senior Administrator at PSS, Shelley is responsible for ensuring the organisation of the company. With Shelley’s ongoing direction, staff are supported in their roles and team and kept accountable for project outcomes. Additional responsibilities also include Payroll, occupational health and safety and ISO Accreditation.
Shelley is a qualified BAS agent and is currently completing Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting).
Jack joined the Spectral team in 2021 as a Spectral Geologist. In this role he works with the spectral team to help provide comprehensive elemental and mineralogical maps using micro-XRF’s (M4 TORNADO and M4 TORNADO PLUS).
Jack graduated from Curtin University at the end of 2017 having completed an undergraduate degree in Applied Geology and Geophysics. Following this he pursued a career as a Geologist, which initially led him into underground gold mining. Here he gained experience mapping and interpreting mafic and ultramafic amphibolite’s amongst some lesser volcaniclastics. Prior to working at PSS Jack was in a diverse geological role using various analytical techniques including XRD, petrology and laser surface interferometry.
James joined Portable Spectral Services in 2022 as a graduate Spectral Geologist. He works closely with the Bruker micro-XRF’s (M4 TORNADO and M4 TORNADO PLUS), dealing with client samples at the front end, as well as processing at the back end. James works within the Spectral Team and provides elemental data and AMICS mineralogical maps to clients.
James graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2021 with a BSc majoring in Geology. He gained mining experience working at an open-pit iron ore mine before making the move to PSS. Prior to PSS, James was introduced to a variety of Spectral techniques for both academic and practical mining uses, such as SWIR/NIR and pXRF. James is motivated to deliver informative results to, and to find Spectral solutions for clients that suit their mode of inquiry.
Zeb joined the Portable Spectral Services team at the beginning of 2022 as the Senior Instrument Technician for the Service Department.
In his role, he collaborates with Instrument Technician, Natalie to manage and maintain PSS’ hire fleet, in addition to delivering client related instrument services.
Zeb began his career as a repair technician in the consumer electronics industry before moving into the mineral exploration sector, managing the pXRF rental fleet at an exploration consultancy, and gaining valuable experience working with a wide range of spectroscopic instruments.
Zeb uses his vast experience with analytical instrumentation and electronics diagnostics to repair both PSS’ fleet and client instruments, as well as to assist clients to troubleshoot technical issues. He greatly enjoys breathing new life into broken technology.
Natalie joined PSS in 2021, coming on board as Instrument Technician. Natalie approaches this role with dynamic enthusiasm. Working alongside Instrument Supervisor, Zeb, the service department engages daily with problem solving, time management, collaboration and maintaining the delivery of high-quality services.
Natalie is well equipped for the demands of this role. Previously she has worked for SGS as an Assistant Geotechnician, analysing soils. She has also completed work experience at ALS in the XRF department. Natalie has previous instrumentation experience, which she applies as a foundational knowledge base in her role at PSS.
Natalie also brings administration, customer service, hospitality, horticulture and industrial manufacturing experience.
Natalie has a diploma in Laboratory Technology from North Metropolitan TAFE.
As Marketing and Media Officer, Emma promotes and continues to grow the company through a variety of marketing methods. Collaborating with Marketing and Media Officer Jess, Emma designs, creates, captures, innovates and produces high quality marketing material for Portable Spectral Services.
Emma has been with the company since 2017 and has held both administration and technical roles. As a result of these skills, Emma often assists other staff members on projects.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Communication and Media Studies and the History of Art from the University of Western Australia (UWA). She completed her Honour’s year in the History of Art at UWA in 2021.
Emily works in the role of Accounts Administrator managing the rental fleet, accounts receivable and everything in between. Emily joined Portable Spectral Services (PSS) in 2020, originally as an Admin Assistant at front of house. The knowledge of this role, combined with her experience of Accounts Administrator, Emily is a powerhouse in the PSS team. Her can-do attitude and bubbly personality ensure her continued contribution to PSS every day.
In addition to her work at PSS, Emily assists Jewel with PSS’ sister company Healthy Homes & Gardens, which focuses on the domestic sector.
Working as Administration Assistant, Jewel is the friendly face many see when visiting our West Perth office. Jewel comes to PSS with a wealth of experience in mining administration having worked in her previous role as Accounts, Reception and Warehouse Manager for five years. In this previous role she worked in a team, managing co-worker’s daily tasks, expediting orders, stock management and communicating with clients and external suppliers daily. Jewel even drove a forklift! Additionally, she reconciled accounts, invoices, and payments.
In her role at PSS, Jewel leans on this depth of experience as she enthusiastically engages with PSS clients, providing high quality customer service in person, over the phone and via email. Jewel is proactive in her approach, providing admin support to other staff members. She continues to grow her knowledge in spectral technologies to aid in providing PSS clients with the best experience when utilising our services.
In addition to her work at PSS, Jewel assists with PSS’ sister company Healthy Homes & Gardens, which focuses on the domestic sector.
Portable Spectral Services welcomed Ella to the team in 2021. As the all-rounder assistant she contributes to all departments, with most of her time spent with the service and spectral teams. Ella’s role enables her to work with all staff members, and this is reflected in her continued productive and adaptive attitude and great attention to detail.
In her role, Ella regularly conducts sample analysis using portable XRF, and NIR/SWIR for internal and client use and is versed in data handling. She also cares for much of the client sample administration regarding micro-XRF analysis, where she labels, stores and prepares samples for bulk and general analysis on the micro-XRF.
Working as a sample technician, Andrea’s main duties include sample preparation, data processing support for the spectral team for both client and internal projects, creating and assisting on client reports, and QAQC of the micro-XRF instrument.
Andrea has worked in a variety of roles prior to joining the team and has gained skills that transfer well to her current role at PSS. Most notably she was a biology lab tutor where she prepared the laboratory, answered student questions, and marked assessments. Similarly, she worked as a lab technician where her role varied from preparing specimens to providing editorial support for colleague’s papers being prepared for publishing. Andrea’s work outside of a laboratory environment has also prepared her well for time and task management, working at a retail warehouse where she prepared, packed and shipped ordered and also at local cafes where she worked on the floor and in wider management.
Originally from the US, Andrea holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, a Master of Biological Science from the University of Western Australia and a Diploma in Lab Tech from North Metro Tafe.
Zac joined PSS mid 2022 after recently relocating from Melbourne to complete his Master of Environmental Science (Sensing and Spatial Science Specialisation) at the University of Western Australia (UWA).
As a highly analytical and creative professional, Zac enjoys grappling with complicated issues. Drawing on both his creative and analytic foundations, he is able to engineer effective solutions by utilising lateral thinking. Also known for his strong communication skills, he is able to convey technical concepts in easy to understand terms.
As one of the newest members of the team, Zac is excited to share his solid academic foundation and comprehensive experience in overall aspects of Remote Sensing Data Analysis, Database Administration and Technical Support.
In addition to his current studies, Zac also holds an Honours Degree in Fine Art and a Graduate Diploma of Philosophy both completed at The University of Melbourne.
Portable Spectral Services’ Schedule of Hire, Support Services & Fees is now available!
