Team

Toby Parkes (PhD)

  • Toby has a BSc. in Biology and a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Bath. During his PhD, Toby worked on developing an understanding of how plants communicate with microbes where he used this knowledge to develop a new technique for producing disease resistant plants. Toby also spent time as a researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew working on the Millennium Seed Bank Project to develop cryopreservation and tissue culture techniques for storing and regenerating plant embryos. Since completing his PhD Toby has been on a mission to translate his academic knowledge into applications that are biodiversity positive and carbon negative which has culminated in the launch of Rhizocore Technologies in 2021.

Jack Hooper

  • Jack, an engineer and entrepreneur, combines his extensive experience in technology product development with a passion for impactful science. He has a diverse academic background with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds, an MSc from Imperial College London, and an MA from the Royal College of Art. He has built a crane for the weaving industry, robots for insulation, and founded Doppel, a pioneer in mental health technology. His innovative spirit is reflected by being a published researcher, named inventor on multiple patents and has been recognised as a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellow. Driven by a passion for transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications, as Chief Operating Officer at Rhizocore, Jack is dedicated to expanding our global operations and impact.

Ewa Guzniczak (PhD)

  • biotechnologist and a bioprocess engineer with ten years of experience in cellular processing and cell biology research, working at the interface of academia and industry. Ewa holds an MSc with distinction and PhD diplomas in Bioprocessing. She is well-versed in developing, establishing, optimising and validating manufacturing and analytical frameworks including scale-up and closure of bioreactor processes. She has a vast experience designing, executing, tech-transferring and overseeing projects (intended for GMP manufacturing) as well as building and leading high-performing multifunctional teams. She joined our team to contribute her passion for “growing things” and her expertise in bioprocessing to Rhizocore Technologie’s mission.

Petra Guy (PhD)

  • Petra's career includes significant contributions to understanding the role of mycorrhizal fungi in woodland ecosystem function, demonstrating a robust commitment to ecological research and sustainability. Petra's background uniquely positions her to lead our efforts in plant data analysis where she will continue to expand on our work quantifying plant responses to our mycorrhizal inoculum products through large scale field and nursery experiments. 

Andy Hall-Ponselè

  • Andy has been developing and improving operations at agritech startups for over a decade. He was part of the founding team at Biotangents, where he built operations to more than 20 FTEs, raising £4m+ of investment in the process. From there he moved to Green Bioactives, initially as Head of Operations and then Chief Scientific Officer, where he scaled operations and managed cross-functional technical teams to deliver a complex plant cell culture R&D programme. He joined Rhizocore as Office Manager in January 2026 to build our operational resilience as we scale internationally. Andy is motivated by the principles of continuous improvement, particularly where it applies to organisational management. Outside of work, Andy has a love for the natural environment and a commitment to sustainability. He holds a DPhil in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford and a BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology from the University of Edinburgh.

Paul Anderson

  • Paul, leading Rhizocore's Business Development Management, significantly drives our global expansion. With a rich academic background, including a BSc in Physical Geography and an MSc in Marketing and MBA from Strathclyde University, his track record in startups is exceptional. He co-founded a key geodemographic consultancy in Australia and was instrumental in launching one of the UK's first email marketing software companies. His expertise not only drives our business strategies but also embodies our commitment to sustainability. Beyond the boardroom, Paul's love for the outdoors, particularly paragliding and surfing, mirrors his dedication to environmental stewardship. These pursuits reflect his personal alignment with Rhizocore's mission to actively combat climate change. This blend of professional excellence and environmental passion makes Paul a key asset to our team, exemplifying our dedication to sustainable innovation.

Phil Schuler (PhD)

  • Phil has a BSc in Pharmacology, MRes in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, and as a PhD student researched the biology and natural products chemistry of rare British fungi. He has extensive experience in fungal culture isolation and maintenance, morphological analysis, fermentation, chemical extraction, analysis and purification. He has worked with a broad range of fungi, bacteria and plants, from Ectomycorrhizal Ascomycete species in pot-trials and in-vitro mycorrhization experiments, to the isolation, culture collection and fermentation of saprotrophic basidiomycetes, entomopathogenic fungi, the analysis of wild mushrooms and more. As Head of Research & Development, Phil uses his experience to help design and conduct experiments related to testing, improving and scaling up production processes, in vitro and polytunnel mycorrhization experiments, and utilises his background to develop novel bioremediation strategies.

David Satori

  • David holds a master’s degree in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He is a former Species Conservation Researcher at RBG Kew where he contributed to IUCN Red List assessments of tropical plant species.

    At Rhizocore Technologies, David applies his expertise in mycology to develop innovative solutions for creating healthy and resilient forests. His work involves researching and promoting the use of mycorrhizal fungi to enhance plant growth and sustainability. David's passion for biodiversity and conservation drives his commitment to preserving our natural world and advancing sustainable practices in forestry.

Franziska Scott

  • Fran has a BSc (HONS) in Horticulture. During her studies she put emphasis on business management, soil biology and forestry. She has spent the last few years working for a large private sector forest management company, equipping her with a range of diverse skills. Fran joined in May 2023 as the European Business Development Manager. Her role is to build brand recognition and customer growth within the European region. She will coordinate with company executives and Sales & Marketing Team members to review our revenue strategies enabling us to maximise our customer reach and growth throughout our European region.

Rebecca Monaghan

  • Rebecca earned her BSc (Hons) in Forensic Biology from the University of Strathclyde. Following her graduation, She commenced her career at a firm dedicated to the development of a PCR-based diagnostic platform for identifying target DNA linked to invasive fungal diseases. Subsequently, Rebecca dedicated several years to working for a leading biosafety testing provider within the biotech industry, gaining valuable experience in both virology and microbiology departments. In March 2024, Rebecca became part of the Rhizocore team as the Laboratory Manager at our Edinburgh site. Her role involves overseeing the daily operations of our R&D laboratory team and contributing significantly to our product development initiatives.

Robert Turner

Evan Burns

  • Evan Burns, Production Operations Specialist, holds a BSc (Hons) in Ecology & Geology from the University of Ottawa. He has worked at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries, and RoslinCT, where his team derived 10 novel iPSC lines. Passionate about environmental stewardship, Evan aims to optimize Rhizocore's production processes through workflow improvements and innovative technology. A keen wild swimmer, he enjoys capturing the intricate textures and colours of lichens during his hikes. Fascinated by ecosystem interactions, Evan is excited to leverage ecological processes to promote rewilding and sustainability in forestry

Emma Craib

  • Emma holds a BSc in Human Biology and an MSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Strathclyde. Her professional journey includes over two years as a Biotechnologist, where she mastered cell and tissue culture, emphasizing strong sterile techniques. Joining Rhizocore, Emma combines her passion for fungi and environmental stewardship with her scientific skills. As a keen forager, she deeply understands the importance of fungal diversity in ecosystems, aligning seamlessly with Rhizocore's mission of forest ecosystem conservation and rewilding. In her role, she is instrumental in monitoring and caring for the growing collection of fungal cultures, from field sample collection to laboratory cultivation. Emma's commitment to Rhizocore goes beyond professional alignment; it is a personal mission to contribute to maintaining and enhancing our woodlands for future generations

Aoife Mckenna

  • Aoife holds a BSc in Applied Microbiology from Edinburgh Napier University and an MSc in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Strathclyde, which she completed in 2022. During her postgraduate studies, Aoife developed an interest in the mycelial structures of fungi while conducting research for a project on mycelium-forming bacteria. Aoife’s expertise extends to the screening of microorganisms from diverse natural sources, such as soil, to isolate and evaluate antimicrobials. Her interest in the interaction between microbes and their environment has been a driving force behind her scientific pursuits. Her knowledge and curiosity in the subject led her to join Rhizocore in 2023 as a junior laboratory technician, where she is committed to supporting the team’s research on ectomycorrhizal fungi in woodland environments through assisting in maintenance of production and research streams.

Yvonne Findlay

  • Yvonne is a Laboratory Technician at Rhizocore, she graduated from the University of Glasgow with an Honours degree in Zoology and sharpened her mycology skills through the GU Mycology Society, exploring and identifying fungi across Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

    Yvonne has also volunteered with the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a Fungi and Lichen Surveyor, supporting ecological surveys and species identification. At Rhizocore, she helps keep our lab cultures in top shape and supports both lab and field research that underpins our science-led approach to ecosystem restoration.

    Outside the lab, you’ll usually find her gardening or cooking.

Patrick Hoar

  • Patrick has over 18 years of finance experience with companies like Penguin Publishing, Barclays Bank, and Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising. Since 2014, he has focused on start-ups and scale-ups, notably playing a key role in Hindawi's $300m sale to Wiley in 2020. After completing the CFO Programme at London Business School in 2022, Patrick has worked as a fractional CFO for various start-ups.

    Patrick holds an MSc in Mathematics from Imperial College London and is a CIMA-qualified accountant. He is excited about Rhizocore's mission and commercial potential, stating, “Rhizocore is at the start of an exciting journey. Working at the forefront of scientific research and in harmony with nature, Rhizocore not only has a compelling mission, but it also has huge commercial potential. ”

    Outside of work, Patrick enjoys cooking, cycling, and indoor climbing.

Joana Silva (PhD)

  • Joana Silva brings a strong background in molecular biology and genetics to her role at Rhizocore, with research experience spanning developmental biology, RNA biology, microbiology, and plant development. She holds a BSc and MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics and a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology.

    With industry experience as a process development scientist, Joana specialises in process technology transfer and quality control assay development. Her work optimises processes and drives continuous improvement of Rhizocore’s products.

    Passionate about sustainability and conservation, Joana embraces a minimalist approach to life, prioritising simplicity and reducing waste to benefit both people and the environment. At Rhizocore, she aligns innovation with sustainability, maximising the natural potential of fungi to create a healthier, more resilient planet.

Milena Carlot

  • Milena graduated from Napier University with a degree in International Business Management and has worked in diverse industries, from high-end food companies like Pacari to automotive leaders like BorgWarner.

    Her journey at Rhizocore is driven by her passion for sustainability and commitment to making a positive environmental impact. Milena is deeply aligned with Rhizocore’s mission of leveraging fungi and innovation to benefit ecosystems.

Freya Oliphant

  • Freya earned both her BSc(hons) in Molecular Genetics and MScR in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair from the University of Edinburgh. Her research so far has included understanding DNA repair localisation in E. coli, looking at the interaction between the gut cells and E. coli during chemotherapy induced gastrointestinal mucositis and studying antifungal resistance in C. albicans. Through these projects Freya has developed a keen interest in microbiology. This love of microbiology combined with her passion for the outdoors and preservation of wildlife led Freya to Rhizocore. In her current role as a Laboratory Technician she will be supporting Rhizocore's research and production. When not in the lab Freya will be found enjoying Scotland’s many hills by hiking, camping, running, horse riding and spotting native plants, animals and fungi when out on her adventures.

Zara Henry

  • Zara holds a BSc in Cell Biology from the University of Edinburgh, where her interest in fungi began during research on mycorrhizal relationships in Australian subtropical rainforests.

    She deepened her practical experience at Byron Gourmet Mushrooms, propagating mycelium in the lab and harvesting organic gourmet mushrooms. While in Australia, she also set up a rainforest nursery and managed forest restoration—confirming her passion for ecological regeneration.

    Most recently, she interned at Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd, researching native edible mycorrhizal fungi for a carbon-negative food production project. This experience prepared her well for her current role at Rhizocore as a Junior Laboratory and Field Technician, where she supports both lab culture maintenance and field collections.

    A keen fungi forager, camper, and rock climber, Zara brings strong scientific skills and a deep commitment to restoring ecosystems through fungi-based solutions.

Tom Howland

  • Tom holds a BSc in Environmental Science and an MRes in Biodiversity, Evolution & Conservation from University College London. With extensive experience gained from research placements at the Zoological Society of London and the Natural History Museum, Tom's journey has been marked by diverse projects spanning trophic rewilding, DNA barcoding, and the biological drivers of freshwater pollution. His understanding of system dynamics and his passion for restoring lost and degraded ecological processes align seamlessly with Rhizocore's mission to rejuvenate ecosystems from the bottom up. Tom is our laboratory technician in Australia and specializes in ascertaining species identifications using genetic analysis. He is committed to harnessing ectomycorrhizal fungi for the benefit of our planet's ever-metastasizing ecosystems.

Alison Stewart

  • Alison has a Bsc in Ecological and Environmental Science from the University of Edinburgh. During her degree, she developed an interest in understanding reforestation and how different organisms can impact woodland establishment. She has experience analysing remote sensing data to track the movement of invasive species and has carried out studies analysing soil samples to assess nutrient changes in commercial and natural woodland environments. She has joined Rhizocore to support their development of a mycorrhizal fungi product, where she will use her environmental background to support their research and lab work.

Cyprian Swidurski

  • Cyprian studied and obtained BSc in Biological Sciences (Cell & Molecular) at Heriott-Watt University, for his dissertation project he studied the how the European landraces of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) where affected under salt induced stress which focused heavily on plant biology and granted him essential practical laboratory skills. This project led him to take a interest in more ecological aspect of cellular biology from plants to fungi and how their interaction is one of the key stones in the forest environment. As a Junior Laboratory Technician his role is to support the work that goes on within the laboratories, mainly focusing on media and substrate preparations, maintaining fungal cultures, and supporting the ongoing experiments which include the tree seedlings. This kind of work closely matches his passion of laboratory work and combines it with hobbies that include gardening and mushroom picking as well as forest walking. He has joined the Rhizocore to support its research as well as to help improve the woodland productivity and improve the restoration of woodlands.


If you‘re passionate about enhancing woodland recovery and carbon sequestration in newly planted woodlands, we want to hear from you!

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