Personal Details

Name :                          Kim Francis NAVIN

 Date of Birth :             12 September 1954

 Place of Birth :            Adelaide, South Australia.

 Nationality :                 Australian

 Postal Address :          PO. Box 139

                                      Berridale, NSW

                                      Australia, 2628

 Telephone/Fax No. :    61 (0)2 6456 3096

 Email Address :           kim@vagabondodyssey.com.au

 WWW page:                www.vagabondodyssey.com.au

 Marital Status :           Married, 2 children 

Kim Navin was born in 1954 in Adelaide, South Australia . He attended Primary school in Cooma, NSW and High School in Sydney. He completed his degree in Zoology in 1978 at the University of NSW while working as a research assistant in biochemistry at the same university. From 1984 until 1996 he was employed at the Australian Institute of Marine Science ( AIMS) as an Experimental Scientist working in the areas of Coral Ecology and Coral Taxonomy. It was during this period that he developed expertise in the development of biological information systems. 

While running a workshop in Kenya in 1989 he became aware of the difficulties encountered by developing countries in obtaining even basic scientific data and expertise. He resolved to make at least a minor contribution toward solving this problem and his commitment to the dissemination of scientific data arose from there. The result was CoralBase, a project to make coral taxonomic and systematic data available via CD. 

Kim left AIMS in 1996 and, after traveling for 12 months with his family, established Vagabond Odyssey to pursue this goal. Since 1996 he has been occupied with the development of the BioBase suite of software in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama and the establishment of the BioBase website. In 1999-2000 he also taught IT part time at the Illawarra Institute of Technology.

Kim lives with his wife and teenage son and daughter in Berridale, a small country town in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. His international consultancy is run primarily via the internet.

Personal Qualifications

1972

Higher School Certificate, Marist Brothers High School, Parramatta, N.S.W.

1978

Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of New South Wales.

1999

Certificate III in information technology, Illawarra Institute of Technology

1999

Statement of attainment in VITAL, Illawarra Institute of Technology

Other Training

1999

Senior First Aid Certificate

1995

Multi-user systems management (UNIX), Townsville College of Further Education

1995

Introduction to Arc/Info GIS system, ESRI.

1994

 Visual Basic/Crystal Reports Training workshop.

1992

M.Sc. level unit in Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Management, James Cook University of North Queensland.

1991

 Time Management, Australian Institute of  Management.

1991

Introductory “C” programming, Dept. of Computer Science ,James Cook University of North Queensland.

1988

M.Sc. level units in Aquaculture, Biometry, Ecological Principles and Methods in Tropical Systems,  James Cook University of North Queensland, 1 Year (Part Time)

1986

Post Graduate Bachelor of Education (1 unit), James Cook University of North Queensland, 1 Semester (Part Time)

1983

Post Graduate Bachelor of Education (7 units), James Cook University of North Queensland, 1 Year (Full Time)

1979-80

Master of Science (Qual.) (not completed) on "Taxonomy of the Genus Sargassum (Order Fucales, Division Phaeophyta) in N.S.W.", University of NSW.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT

August 1999 to date

Coordinator of the international BioBase initiative. BioBase is an international project designed to provide an independent web platform to host biological, taxonomic and systematics databases. (www.biobase.org). Development and management of the BioBase web platform.

April 1996 to date

Self Employed: Development of specialist data information systems and software utilities for research. 

Current projects include:

• BioBase: development of a biological database and GIS system on tropical fish for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama; 

• SiteBase: an archeological site card data entry system that meets NSW National Parks and Wildlife requirements for recording artifacts; 

• FishPaste V2: a tropical fish larvae identification system for the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Other database and web projects: 

• Snow Sports School database and Resort booking system for Mt. Selwyn Snowfields

• Development of the CoomaTown web site for the Cooma Chamber of Commerce.

Research and Work Experience

Feb. - Dec. 2000

Part time teaching of Information Technology (to AQF cert. III level, 21-23 hours/week) at the Cooma campus of the Illawarra Institute of Technology.

Feb. - Dec. 1999

Part time teaching of Information Technology (9-12 hours/week) at the Cooma campus of the Illawarra Institute of Technology. Certificate III subjects taught include Graphical User Interfaces, Spreadsheets I+II Database I+II, Internet, Basic Programming, Web programming, Computing Foundations and Software Support.

April 1996

Took voluntary redundancy from Australian Institute of Marine Science to establish an independent consultancy under the business name ‘Vagabond Odyssey’.

1991 - 1995

Manager of the Australian Institute of  Marine Science Research Volunteer Program. This involved liaising with Australian and overseas volunteers (>300/year) and placing them within the research programmes of the Institute. I also wrote and was responsible for the implementation of the Institute policy on volunteers.

January 1990

Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD: Commenced work with Dr. J.E.N. Veron. Work involved providing support for ongoing research in the areas of coral taxonomy and coral biogeography.

Development and implementation of an efficient database to handle species in site data to allow easy access to data analysis packages such as PATN. Extensive data analysis of world coral distribution patterns using GIS methodology (using the IDRISI GIS software suite). 

Initiated a number of projects including development of a computer based coral identification system and a distributable coral database ‘CoralBase’. Developed and implemented software for a laserdisk slide archiving system (‘ALIAS’). Extensive software development for analysis of underwater video transects.

Development of  digital books’ Corals of Japan’ and ‘Biogeographic Database of Hermatypic Corals’. Development of prototype ‘FishPaste’, an on screen fish larval identification tool and  ‘TAXON’ a prototype marine species reference utility (6,500 species, 16000 images) for the AIMS bioactivity project.

August 1985

Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD: Appointed to the position of Experimental Scientist with Dr. T.J. Done in the Coral Reef Ecology Group.

Ongoing project involving analysis of sequential stereo pairs of photographic colour transparencies to study ecological interactions and rates of growth of scleractinian corals.  Techniques used included underwater stereo photography, use of computer linked sonic digitizer to map coral communities and development of extensive software to facilitate data handling and identification of coral colonies.

Monitoring the regeneration of reef populations after attack by Crown-of-Thorns starfish.  The methods used include extensive use of underwater survey and census methods such as line and belt transects and quadrats:  Use of towed 'manta-board' survey techniques including the use of 'manta board' mounted video camera and development of hardware and software to analyse video transect footage: Stereo Photography (as above). Sea time of approximately 6 weeks per year.

Analysis and interpretation of field data using 'Lotus-123' spreadsheet, 'PATN' pattern analysis package and various statistical methods.

Compilation and co-editing of an AIDAB funded report on the marine resources survey of Vanuatu after being involved in the expedition for 3 weeks in April 1988 doing intensive surveys of corals, seagrasses and other benthos in the Malakula Is. area.

July 1984

Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD: Employed in a permanent position in the Nearshore Project as Experimental Officer with Dr D. Kinsey

Member of a group involved in the collection of productivity data for nearshore areas and reefal lagoon areas using small boat mounted oxygen, temperature and pH equipment and remote oxygen, temperature data logging equipment and involved the development of software (in MS-DOS BASIC) for manipulation and calibration of data from WESLOG and COSMAC data loggers on a Hitachi PC.  Conversion of programmes for use on IBM-PC and transfer to and conversion of all programmes and data files for use on a DEC-VAX mainframe computer.

The position was responsible for the supervision of construction and field testing of seven COSMAC data loggers and the calibration and maintenance of same;  Field deployment of data loggers in fixed arrays or drifting attached to drogues;  Use of radar to track and plot drifting loggers and the deployment and retrieval of S4 and AANDERAA type current meters in relation to fixed arrays of data loggers.

Other duties included continued assistance in the deployment and maintenance of productivity domes and loggers and data handling for Dr J. Hansen and collection of sediment cores and using SCUBA or benthic grab operated from the research vessel (for Dr M. Sandstrom).  Sea trips of up to two weeks duration were involved with approximately 50 days spent at sea in the course of this work.

March 1984

Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD: Employed as Experimental Officer attached to Nearshore Project with Dr. D. Kinsey. Temporary (12 month) appointment analysing sediment samples for total carbon and hydrogen.  I was responsible for construction and development of benthic productivity domes and the supervision and testing of the associated electronic data loggers and ancillary equipment.

Worked with Dr M. Sandstrom analysing sediment samples for total carbon and hydrogen (using C.H.N. analyser); development of a solvent extraction, T.L.C., G.C., technique for phospholipid analysis; assessment of flow injection analyser for direct analysis of phosphate in the field; determination of salinity and chlorinity and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation used in these procedures.

With Dr J. Hansen I was responsible for construction and development of benthic productivity domes and the supervision and testing of the associated electronic data loggers and ancillary equipment.

  The position involved ~ 15 days at sea collecting sea water samples for nutrient analysis, collection of data on reef productivity and the deployment and recovery of data loggers and ancillary equipment using S.C.U.B.A.

January 1982

Barrier Reef Diving Services, Airlie Beach. QLD: Worked as Divemaster/Instructor for a period of four months at the resort on Hayman Island QLD.  Part of this job involved conducting introductory ‘Marine Biology’ courses for guests at the resort.

1981-1982

Bowen, QLD: Developed and ran part time introductory Marine Biology courses for SCUBA divers.

August 1980

Resigned from position at University of N.S.W. to travel.

December 1978

University of N.S.W. , Biochemistry Department: Commenced working with Dr. K.D. Barrow on the isolation and characterisation of secondary metabolites in the 'ink' of members of the molluscan Genus Aplysia and the relationships of these compounds (mainly terpenoid derivatives) to the algae they were ingesting and the compounds they contained.

The position was responsible for day to day running at the research laboratory and installation and general upkeep of laboratory equipment.  Techniques used included U.V. and visible. spectrophotometry, H.P.L.C., G.C., whole animal dissection, light- and scanning electron-microscopy, underwater photography, macro- and micro-photography and colour and black and white darkroom techniques.  The position involved the installation and maintenance of temperature controlled recirculating aquarium system and extensive littoral and sublittoral collection (using S.C.U.B.A.) of marine specimens both plant and animal and the preservation and identification of these specimens.  This position also involved 14 weeks per year preparation of student practical classes in Biochemistry.

February 1975

Commenced working as Technical Officer with Dr K.E. Moon, Biochemistry Dept., University of N.S.W.  The position involved 14 weeks per year (half of each student semester) in charge of preparation of student practical classes, trialing new experiments and overseeing of two laboratory assistants.  The remaining time was spent assisting in purification of proteins for sequencing (particularly - glucuronidase) using those techniques listed above and also techniques such as selective Ammonium Sulphate precipitation, dialysis and ultra-filtration.

March 1974

Employed as Laboratory Assistant with Prof. E.O.P. Thompson, Biochemistry Dept., University of N.S.W. to assist with routine protein purification and sequencing.  Techniques used include column chromatography (ion-exchange and gel-filtration), two-dimensional high voltage paper electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis, molecular weight determination, Lowry's protein determination, routine Dansyl-Edman reactions, U.V. and visible. spectrophotometry, high speed- and ultra centrifugation.

Promotions

June 1984

Experimental Scientist, Grade 1.

February 1987

Experimental Scientist, Grade 2

June 1992

Senior Experimental Scientist

Consultancies

March 1996 

SPECIES2000 establishment workshop, International Centre for Living Aquatic Resource Management (ICLARM), Manila, Philippines.

November 1994

Workshop on Marine/Coastal Biodiversity in the Tropical Island Region 1: Species systematics and information management priorities. East West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.

January 1994

ICLARM/WCMC REEFBASE establishment workshop, World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, England.

October 1989

UNESCO principle consultant to Kenya to conduct the third UNESCO/COMARAF workshop on coral reefs held in Malindi, Kenya in October 1989.

May 1988

UNESCO consultant to Mauritius and La Reunion to organise workshop on coral reefs attended by coastal African and Indian Ocean (COMARAF) countries 

April 1988

Cruise Leader for Phase 3 of Marine Resources Survey of Vanuatu (3 weeks).

Conferences and Workshops

October 2000

9^th International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali, Indonesia

June 1996

8^th International Coral Reef Symposium, Panama City, Panama

February 1992

ICLARM International Conference, AIMS, Australia

November 1991

Reef Research Conference, AIMS, Australia

December 1990

DECODA database workshop, AIMS, conducted by Dr Peter Minchen, ANU.

August 1990

Willi Hennig Society International Symposium on systematics and Biogeography of the austral biota, ANU Canberra.

April 1989

Artemia Workshop, AIMS, conducted by Dr. Patrick Sorgaloos, University of Ghent, Belgium.  Organised by Austasia Aquaculture

September 1988

Lecture series on the PATN package for analysis of ecological data.  Conducted by Dr. W.T. Williams, JCUNQ, Australia.

August 1988

Morphometrics Workshop, AIMS, conducted by Dr. Richard Strauss, University of Arizona, USA.

August 1988

6^th  International Coral Reef Symposium, JCUNQ, Townsville, Australia.

February 1988

Coral Taxonomy Workshop, AIMS, conducted by Dr. John E.N. Veron, AIMS, Australia.

May 1987

Australian Society for Phycology and Aquatic Botany Conference, Townsville, QLD.

May 1987

Australian Marine Sciences Association Conference, Townsville, QLD.

October 1986 

Fringing reef workshop, Magnetic Island, QLD, conducted by G.B.R.M.P.A.

Publications  & Conference Proceedings

Done, T.J. and K.F. Navin 1986.  Zonation and disturbance on coral communities on fringing reefs.  Proceedings G.B.R.M.P.A. Workshop No. 9 Magnetic Island, QLD.

Navin, K.F. and T.J. Done, 1987.  Six year dynamics of a coral community on a Sargassum dominated reef.  Proceedings of A.M.S.A. Conference, Townsville, QLD.

Done, T.J., Navin, K.F. and K. Osborne, 1988.  Recovery of corals post-Acanthaster: progress and prospects.  Proceedings of 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Townsville, QLD.

Ayling, A.M., Andrews, G., Navin, K.F., and J.A.H. Benzie, 1989.  Quantitative surveys of marine resources of Malakula Island.  In Done, T.J. and K.F. Navin (Eds.).  The marine resources survey of Vanuatu, March - April 1988 - Final report pp. 149-168.

Chambers, M.R., Nguyen, F. and K.F. Navin, 1989.  Seagrass communities  In: Done, T.J. and K.F. Navin (Eds.).  Vanuatu marine resources: Report of a biological Survey.  Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp. 92-104.

Chambers, M.R., Nguyen, F. and K.F. Navin, 1989.  Seagrass communities of Vanuatu: Their composition, distribution and resource value.  In Done T.J. and K.F. Navin (Eds.).  The marine resources survey of Vanuatu, March - April 1988 : Final report pp. 115-132.

Done, T.J. and K.F. Navin (Eds.). 1989 Vanuatu marine resources: Report of a biological Survey.  Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, 272pp.

Done, T.J. and K.F. Navin, 1989.  Composition and condition of shallow water benthic communities on coral reefs in Vanuatu, March 1988.  In Done T.J. and K.F. Navin (Eds.).  Vanuatu marine resources: Report of a biological Survey.  Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, pp. 115-132.

Done, T.J. and Navin, K.F. (in prep.).  Comparison of community dynamics of three sites on Pandora Reef, North Queensland using photogrammetry.

Navin, K.F. 1990.  Coral Ecosystems Workshop, Malindi, Kenya..  COMARAF  Technical Report, No. 2 (Part 1), UNESCO.

Brown, D. and K.F. Navin., 1992. An interactive knowledge base for the identification of Scleractinian Corals. Proceedings of 7th International Coral Reef Symposium, Guam.

Navin, K.F. and J.E.N. Veron, 1995. CoralBase: A Taxonomic and Biogeographic Information system for Scleractinian Corals. in Maragos , et al. Marine/Coastal Biodiversity in the Tropical Island Region 1: Species systematics and information management priorities. East West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Navin, K.F., 1996. CoralBase: a taxonomic and biogeographic information system for scleractinian corals. In H.A. Lessios (Ed.) Proceedings of 8th International Coral Reef Symposium, Panama.

Navin, K.F., 1996. Getting the message out: using appropriate digital methods for presenting data. In H.A. Lessios (Ed.) Proceedings of 8th International Coral Reef Symposium, Panama.

Navin, K.F., 1996. SPECIES2000: A worldwide taxonomic database initiative on the World Wide Web. In H.A. Lessios (Ed.), Proceedings of 8th International Coral Reef Symposium, Panama.

Navin, K.F. and D.R. Robertson, 2000. Shorefishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific: An information system for identification and biological analysis (Poster).. In Hopley, D., Hopley, P.M., Tamelander, J. and T. Done, (Eds.), Abstracts of 9th International Coral Reef Symposium, Bali.  

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

As well as the publication list above I have received acknowledgments for my contribution to a number of major publications including the books 'Corals of Japan' and  'Corals in Space and Time' by J.E.N. Veron, and 'Corals of the World' by  J.E.N. Veron and M. Stafford-Smith.

Special RECOGNITION

In recognition of my contribution to the field of coral research I have had a species of 'bottlebrush' coral named after me. The coral 'Acropora navini',  occurring in northern Papua New Guinea is a newly described species in the 2000 publication 'Corals of the World' by J.E.N. Veron and M. Stafford-Smith.

Special Skills

During the 12 years I worked at AIMS I developed considerable expertise in desktop computing systems (both hardware and software); computer programming in BASIC, C, Fortran, DCL, Visual Basic, Asymetrix Toolbook (Openscript) and HTML: programming in database languages -SQL, DML, Access basic: database design and implementation using Dbase3, Decoda, Superbase4, ORACLE, and Microsoft Access; image processing, image capture and storage techniques including still and video cameras, frame grabbing systems, laser disk, image format conversion and CD production. 

I have experience installing and maintaining MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows 3.11, Windows 95,Windows NT (Workstation and server) and Windows 2000 (Professional and Server) operating systems, have limited experience on Unix Operating systems (Sun-Solaris 2.4) and extensive experience of Vax-VMS systems.

Since leaving AIMS in 1996 I have continued  to increase my experience with VB5/6 and database application development as well as Active Server Page programming and image processing. I

have also gained almost 1200 hours of face to face teaching experience in the IT field.

INTERESTS

As well as taxonomy, systematics and information systems I enjoy an eclectic range of other interests. I love sailing,  wooden boats and vintage cars. I enjoy reading, gardening and bushwalking. I have interests in archeology, prehistory, first millennium history and the history of the middle ages, particularly as it relates to Ireland and Scotland. I also have a deep interest in architecture (old and new) and the history thereof. I love poetry, classical and Celtic music and art and dabble in pottery and painting when the time allows. I also collect pottery and sculpture.