SPACE Team, LIC
Our thriving science and technology sector boasts the highest proportion of scientists and technicians in New Zealand, supported by strong tertiary organisations, a swathe of Crown Research Institutes and a rapidly growing innovation infrastructure. Whether in the lab or the field, our scientists help the Waikato contribute more than its fair share to the growth of science and entrepreneurial business.
Here, we share their stories, celebrate their discoveries and acknowledge their research and hard work. Let’s give them some kudos!
The Waikato Data Portal team has broken down silos to better leverage and improve access to data generated by our region’s councils. There are 12 councils in the Waikato, all collecting information to support their…
Marine ecologist, Dr Drew Lohrer is helping us protect and manage valuable coastal resources. Dr Lohrer’s research often focuses on nursery environments or early links in food chains where even small changes can have far-reaching…
In day-to-day lab management and as a champion for her profession, Raewyn Keene goes the extra mile. Described by colleagues as an unsung hero, Raewyn is a vital cog in the St Paul’s Collegiate science…
Combining practical engineering skills with research excellence, Dr Amir Tarighaleslami is helping industrial plants use heat more efficiently and reduce emissions. Our processing industries use around 214 quadrillion joules of heat per year, with around…
Dr Matthew Luckie’s work is supporting global efforts to make the internet safer and more transparent. As the internet grows organically and at pace, it is becoming the ‘wild frontier’ of the digital age. Dr…
Farm Medix’s latest screening technology helps maintain milk quality, counter disease and reduce antibiotic use in cows, sheep and goats. High somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk prevent it from being sold, can incur penalties…
Dr. Douglas White’s research and award-winning communication initiatives are increasing both our understanding of rheumatic diseases and outcomes for patients. While working at Waikato Hospital, Dr. White has enhanced knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment…
A dynamic, visionary science educator, Rachael Goddard is committed to fostering sustainability. Rachael Goddard has been a passionate environmental scientist and educator for over 17 years. As Sustainability & Environment Manager for the University of…
The ultimate quiet achiever, John Williamson has been a mainstay of our dairy research industry. John worked in laboratories for the Dairy Board and Dexcel, joining Dairy NZ as a Lead Research Technician when it…
For many decades, Lynnette Rogers has been driving change and agency in grass roots science education. Lynnette is currently educator for the Kukutaaruhe Education Trust, which supports science, Maatauranga Maaori, environmental and community learning through…
The ebb and flow of the ocean holds a particular fascination for Dr Julia Mullarney. Dr Mullarney creatively combines lab experiments, numerical modelling and field research to understand the dynamics shaping our coastal environments. She…
Ricci Wesselink is making a difference to student learning by flipping the education model. A passionate health science educator, Ricci Wesserlink teaches anatomy and physiology at Wintec’s Centre for Health and Social Practice. Her research…
Little things making a big difference to air, soil and water quality are Dr Jonathan Caldwell’s realm of expertise. An environmental chemist by training, Dr Caldwell is an integral and senior member of the Waikato…
Renowned dermatologist, Amanda Oakley has dedicated her career to life-saving, early detection of melanoma. Melanoma accounts for 80% of skin cancer deaths. Over 4,000 people are diagnosed with a form of melanoma every year in…
By successfully accounting for movement in ‘time of flight’ range imaging, Dr Lee Streeter has revolutionised this technology and expanded its potential application. ‘Time of flight’ imaging allows for physical measurements to be captured by…
Through clinical research, quality improvement initiatives and education, the Midland Trauma Research Centre (MTRC) aims to reduce the incidence and impact of traumatic injury. The MTRC team has published numerous important papers on cycling, workplace…
Better health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies is a passion for Dr Ruth Martis. Dr Martis has been involved in research on breastfeeding, teenage pregnancy, fetal heart-rate monitoring and movement in labour and…
Karen Thompson’s technical career demonstrates an appetite for challenge. Aside from a two-year spell overseas, Karen Thompson has worked at NIWA since 2001, and is now manager of its Ecotoxicology and Chemistry Group. She has…
CRV Ambreed’s LowN team is tackling the issue of nitrogen loss from urine patches at its source. Every day around 1,000 tonnes of nitrogen (N) hits New Zealand farmland in urine from lactating cows. On…
