SWEP Management Team
Ted Mikhail
MSc, BSc Agric., Dip Land Recl. & Improv., Dip Agric Ext. MAIAST MRACI DG
Founder and Chairman
Mr. Ted Mikhail is the founder and chairman of SWEP. Mr. Mikhail began his career as an Agronomist in Egypt in 1959, working first in Animal Husbandry and then in Soil Improvement. While in Egypt, he obtained his first degree in Agriculture at the Cairo University (1959), followed by his Post-graduate Diploma in Soil Science from the University of Alexandria (1966) – sponsored by the Ford Foundation, to study under several of the most eminent soil scientists in the World. Mr. Mikhail’s vision of the soil as a Living System, “The Mikhail System”, has been borne out both by research and field experience and is now recognised Worldwide for its effectiveness and reliability.
Hope Gifkins
Advanced CERT. in Information Technology.
SWEP Administration Manager
Hope is the SWEP Administrator. Hope has been with SWEP since 2022. She has an advanced CERT. in Information Technology. Her first ever job was as a farm hand on a dairy farm in NZ and she was first interested in SWEP because of this. “I find it interesting to see how different elements in Soil, Plants, Fertiliser etc affect the growth and health of animals and crops in the agricultural industry,” she said.
Email: services@swep.com.au
Dr Devarajan Shanmuganathan
PhD in Soil & Environmental Chemistry from Australia, B.Sc in Agriculture and M.Sc in Environment and Agriculture
SWEP Laboratory Manager
“Dr. Deva is an accomplished and experienced professional in the field of agriculture and environmental chemistry. Coming from a farming family background and with over 12 years of expertise as a Lab Manager and Agronomist in the agricultural industry, Deva brings a wealth of practical and technical knowledge to the table. Deva has conducted extensive research on monitoring nutrients for soil fertility and crop protection. Deva possesses an in-depth understanding of agronomy, soil science, plant nutrition, and more. Throughout their career, Deva has excelled in monitoring soil and crop nutrient status, testing for pollutants, and providing insightful recommendations to farmers. Deva has developed many successful chelated macro and micronutrient liquid fertilizers for broadacre and horticulture crops. His proficiency as a laboratory manager, communication skills, and commitment to workplace health and safety make Deva an invaluable asset in the field.”
Email: lab@swep.com.au
Janaya Mikhail
SWEP Accounts Manager
Janaya has been involved with SWEP for most of her life! She is currently responsible for all things financial, including bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and purchasing. She also looks after all agent and credit applications. Janaya can be reached via email.
Email: accounts@swep.com.au
Dhruvi Kathiriya
M.Sc Agricultural Science, (Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry), B.Sc Hons. (Agricultural Science)
SWEP Agronomist
My master’s research work was based on complete soil testing at 210 villages for their soil physical and chemical properties. I started my career as an agriculture apprentice in a government organization, and from there, I have worked in various agricultural organizations as a field assistant and field supervisor. My day to day responsibilities mainly included consulting with farmers and providing recommendations for fertilizers, different varieties of seeds, soil management, disease/pest control management, and weed management. I used to conduct field demonstrations and regular farm visits to discuss the farmers’ issues to give better solutions and promote that farmers grow high-value crops that have a high demand in the local market.
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/dhruvi-kathiriya
Email : services@swep.com.au
Sally Wong
MSc , Biotechnology (Clinical Microbiology)
SWEP Microbiologist
Sally has been a microbiologist at SWEP since 2016. She holds a masters degree of Biotechnology (Clinical Microbiology) from RMIT as well as a Bachelor of Biological Engineering. Sally is responsible for all processes within the microbiology lab, including sample preparation, analysis and reporting of results for a range of microbiological analyses. Sally’s key role is performing the analyses required in order to provide microbial balance recommendations based on the Mikhail System. These included Lactic Acid Bacteria, General Fungi and Cellulolytic, Yeasts, Actinomycetes, and Photosynthetic Bacteria. Sally is also responsible for the testing of many other microorganisms such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria,and Phytophthera
Email: microlab@swep.com.au
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