Meet the Loowatt Team
Our team believes that no individual, community or environment should face the burden of poor sanitation.
We have passionate and dynamic individuals working in the UK and in Madagascar.
We have passionate and dynamic individuals working in the UK and in Madagascar.
Virginia Gardiner
CEO
Virginia is the original inventor of Loowatt toilet system. Prior to starting Loowatt in 2010, she spent 7 years working with award-winning product and design companies including Dwell Magazine, and wrote for publications including Metropolis and The New York Times. Virginia holds a joint Masters in Innovation Design Engineering from the Royal College of Arts and Imperial College London and a BA from Stanford University in Comparative Literature. Iain Purves
Mechanical Engineer
Iain has led innovation in waste treatment, handling and logistics for Loowatt since joining the team in 2010, including developing Loowatt’s UK and Madagascar digestion systems. Iain has seven years of experience in product design and prototyping, including the creation of innovative industrial scale waste pre-processing machinery, and the development and delivery of anaerobic digestion systems in the UK and Madagascar. MEng Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London. Megan Woodworth
Systems Engineer
Megan is a project engineer overseeing the growth and expansion of the Loowatt network and operations within the UK and new developments. Previous to joining Loowatt in September 2017, she worked as a process engineer for Maersk Oil for 4 years in the US, Denmark, and Qatar. Megan has wide-ranging experience designing, improving performance, and optimising efficiency of energy systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, with a minor in renewable energy, from Colorado School of Mines. Marcus Comaschi
Design Engineer
Marcus takes a hands on role within the product development team. Designing, prototyping and testing key mechanical and electrical components for Loowatt technology. Previously working as a simulation engineer at Ford Motors, Marcus also holds a BEng Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University and due to complete his masters in Innovation Design Engineering at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. |
Mary Roach
COO
Mary leads the development of Loowatt’s work in global underserved markets. Since 2010 Mary has been supporting and investing in emerging market start-ups through roles at Ceniarth, the GSMA, and M-KOPA. She previously worked with GE Power Generation and Engineers Without Borders Canada. Mary holds an MBA from Oxford University and a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from McGill University. Zack M. Duffin
Communications Manager
Zack has been working with Loowatt since 2016 and manages Loowatt’s communications. His focus lies on graphic design, digital marketing, video production and photography. Zack has worked as a freelance designer, working closely with businesses and creative groups to produce bespoke artworks, logos and other branding elements. He holds a First Class Honours degree in Art & Design from the University of Leeds |
Hayat Amin
Financial Controller
Hayat manages financial processes, modeling and strategy at Loowatt. He has been working in practice for 5 years, leading teams of analysts and accountants to support the finance function of high growth technology companies. Hayat has experience in financial modelling, commercial decision making, fundraising (Series A & B), and company acquisitions. Hayat held positions at Arcadia and Barclays after completing a Bachelors in Corporate Finance and a Diploma in Business & Financial strategies. Fernanda Costa
Lifecycle Engineer
Fernanda leads the development and design of Loowatt’s polymer toilet refills, processing and product usability and lifecycle. Fernanda has 12 years in design and commercial development of novel packaging systems and products for large consumer clients including TetraPak, McDonalds and Pret A Manger. Her post-graduate degree focussed on closed-loop treatment of packaging consumables in biological systems. Fernanda holds an MA in Industrial Design from University of the Arts London. James Young
Sales & Events
James has been working with Loowatt since 2016 and leads Loowatt’s outdoor events operations and sales. James has been working in waterless sanitation since 2008, introducing new technologies such as the Kazubaloo to the UK market. His past clients and contracts have included The Wildlife Trust, the RSBP, and Lightsource, the largest Solar Farm installer in the UK. He holds an MSc in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the University of East London. Harry Welfare
Design Engineer
Harry specialises in product development and manufacture, including expanding the use of additive manufacturing to optimise Loowatt’s design process. Previously Harry was a design engineer at a tier one automotive supplier, developing both future concept and mass production products for the likes of Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo. He holds a BSc in Product Design Engineering from Brunel University London, specialising in the optimisation of 3D printing technologies. |
