The Team

Confluent-Team-Jackie-Dabrowski

Jackie Dabrowski

Director

PhD., Pr.Sci.Nat. Aquatic & Ecological Science

Jackie Dabrowski returned to South Africa after living and working in the United Kingdom and New Zealand to complete her tertiary studies in aquatic science. Having completed her Ph.D. at the University of Pretoria, she embarked on a career in research at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). 

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As a senior researcher in the Water Ecosystem and Human Health group, Jackie led research projects, developed junior staff, published scientific and popular literature, and secured research funding. Jackie’s work covered a diverse array of topics within the field of aquatic ecology including food webs, water quality, limnology, drought and fish health. With development and personal growth in mind, Jackie started Confluent Environmental (Pty) Ltd in 2016. This venture provides consulting and research services with a primary focus on aquatic ecology, but allows the flexibility for Jackie to pursue other fields of biological science, for example using dung beetles to improve the rehabilitation of coal mines. These days Jackie is frequently found knee-deep in a river attempting to unravel the complexities of aquatic ecosystems – her favourite place.

Confluent-Team-James-Dabrowski

James Dabrowski

Director

Ph.D., Pr.Sci.Nat. Aquatic Science

James Dabrowski holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town and was previously employed as a Specialist Scientist by the Department of Water and Sanitation and as a Principal Researcher by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he was employed for 10 years. 

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His research has focussed on aquatic ecology, aquatic ecotoxicology, water quality and ecological risk assessment. In particular James has spent a considerable proportion of his career in assessing the impacts of pesticides in the aquatic environment and is currently leading research projects aimed at improving the environmental management and regulation of pesticides in South Africa. Throughout his research career he has built up considerable experience in the field of GIS and catchment scale modelling. James is an NRF rated researcher, has published almost 30 papers in local and international scientific journals and is associate editor for the Bulletin of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. He is currently an Associate of the Freshwater Research Centre (FRC) and a Research Associate at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Confluent-Team-Kim-Daniels

Kim Daniels

Terrestrial Ecologist

M.Sc., Cand.Sci.Nat. Ecological Science

Kim Daniels grew up in Cape Town where she developed a fascination with plants and animals. She went on to complete her BSc. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology (University of the Western Cape) in 2018 and her Honours in the same field in 2020.

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Due to her overwhelming interest in Fynbos, she completed her honours thesis on vegetation change at a nature reserve in Cape Town. She pursued her MSc. Conservation Biology at the University of Cape Town in 2022/23, where her research interests pivoted to avifauna. Kim selected to write her thesis on mistletoe as thermal refuges for birds in the arid Savanna.

Kim’s work and volunteering experience is broad. She has been involved in projects investigating invertebrate diversity, plant diversity, insect ecology, disease ecology, invasive species, plant systematics, herpetology, horticulture, and climate change. Kim has also worked in a variety of environments across the country such as mesic savanna, arid savanna, fynbos, succulent karoo, and Nama Karoo.

Kim is most likely to be found sneaking up on butterflies in her free time, camera in hand.

Confluent-Team-Franco-de-Ridder

Franco de Ridder

Junior Aquatic Specialist

B.Sc. Environmental & Biological Science, B.Sc. Hons Aquatic Ecosystem Health, M.Sc. Environmental Science

Franco de Ridder holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science from North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom, where he also completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Biological Science, followed by an Honours degree specialising in aquatic ecosystem health.

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He has worked as a laboratory assistant at the South African National Diatom Collection and as a teacher at Lady Gray Arts Academy, and he currently works as a junior Aquatic Specialist at Confluent Environmental. Franco’s academic contributions include a publication in Diatom Research and several conference presentations, with a focus on diatom assemblages in South African nearshore marine environments. He is also a certified CMAS 1-Star diver and holds a TESOL/TEFL qualification. Franco has a strong interest in outdoor activities such as surfing, rock climbing, and diving.