EPI - Key Persons
Ben is a resourceful full‑stack engineer with experience delivering web and API solutions. Fluent in R/Shiny for interactive dashboards and experienced in modern back‑end development, he designs clean RESTful interfaces and builds interactive data visualisations. At Epi he extends dashboards and data services while broadening into infrastructure - crafting Docker images and refining AWS / Azure CI/CD pipelines so deployments stay fast and dependable.
With years of experience in finance and operations across various industries, Chris keeps Epi running behind the scenes and supports our operations, both nationally and internationally. As part of our leadership team, he keeps us meticulously on track to grow business resilience and standards, guards our B Corp goals and ensures compliance across our responsibilities.
Chris is deeply involved in his local community and is kept busy by his young children and the occasional seal in his garage.
Kiel is a senior data scientist who builds cloud-native analytics pipelines and applies generative AI to real-time intelligence challenges. He has delivered national threat-monitoring platforms, automated global information feeds, and prototyped LLM-powered recommenders that surface critical insights faster. Backed by 45 + peer-reviewed publications and stewardship of multi-million-dollar research programmes, he combines scientific rigour with production engineering across Python, R and SQL.
Job Titles:
- Director ( Science & Data )
An epidemiologist with a strong academic background, Petra's career has taken her all over the globe and all over the spectrum of human, animal and environmental health. Working as a consultant for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations for over a decade and collaborating with a large number of research groups and policy makers she has learned to work within diverse environments and effectively bridge the gap between disciplines. She is passionate about connecting data and analytical models with people and making both research and the most complex of data accessible and easy to explore. Petra's unique skills in empowering teams and their stakeholders to create intelligence and impact are core to the way we work with you.
When not at her desk, in sync with her veterinary roots, Petra can be found either on horseback or running around outside in gumboots followed by at least one dog.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Tech Leader
A highly experienced tech leader Uli has 30+ years' experience in crafting people-first IT solutions. Equipped with a PhD in online learning and knowledge management, and a background in computer science, his keen sense for quality execution is at the core of what we do. Uli is passionate about helping our clients get the most out of open-source data science tooling and has been leading our Posit partnership since its beginning in 2020.
Outside of work Uli loves chasing waves around the Taranaki coastline or immersing himself into his latest woodworking project.
A science student with a fine eye for detail, Lea helps us make sure our work is not just accurate but also looks the part. Working closely with our design and development team she supports our trusted process of translating powerful designs into highly functional dashboards. Her editing skills ensure that we communicate with clarity and free of error.
Lea has an amazing portfolio of knitwork, can swim and bike fast and has a knack for cooking.
Currently Louise and her husband are renovating their house - both inside and out, she enjoys getting out in the fresh air, reading, and summer BBQs with family and friends.
Lydia is an early‑career software engineer focused on building interactive R Shiny dashboards that surface key insights through plots and tables. She combines Shiny with CSS and JavaScript to craft responsive data apps at Epi. Alongside dashboard work, she upgrades Epi and client websites built on the SilverStripe CMS - extending modules and polishing UI components. She blends analytical thinking with clean, maintainable code.
Lydia keeps fit with underwater hockey and swing dancing.
Nick leads Epi's dashboard engineering team, guiding standards and mentoring developers to ship fast, reliable data applications. Beyond his well‑known R and Shiny expertise, he has hands‑on experience with Python workflows, relational databases, Docker and AWS, enabling him to deploy interactive data tools that scale securely in the cloud. He shares best practice through Epi's annual Shiny Masterclass.
Nick also runs a D&D campaign, builds intricate LEGO sets, and pursues strength training at the gym.
Shanna creates the stunning interface and data visualisation designs that we are known for. With a keen eye for detail and a quick mind, she is a gifted graphic and interface designer that can translate the most complex technical requirements into practical design. Working over a wide range of mediums, she has experience in user interface design, user experience, infographics, iconography, typography and illustration. Best of all she is a breeze to work with and goes above and beyond to get things right for our clients.
After walking her dog, Shanna tackles home-renovation projects and loves mastering new crafts.