Iranian Dr Amirreza Zarekarizi, who completed his PhD in the Department of Botany in 2022 and now works at Techion, a Dunedin-based global technology business.
Driven by a passion for agricultural research and sustainable practices, Dr Amirreza Zarekarizi arrived from Iran in 2018 to complete his Doctorate in the Department of Botany.
Amir’s decision to pursue PhD study came after working for eight years at the Iranian Institute of Medicinal Plants, and his research interests aligned with those taking place at Otago’s Botany Department.
At the completion of his Doctorate, and with the support of a Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant, Amir gained six months work experience at Techion in 2023, a Dunedin-based global technology company that develops diagnostic tools for improving animal, human and environmental health.
It was an experience that extended to the offer of full-time employment at the company and a decision to stay in New Zealand and continue contributing to the science industry.
Guy Frederick, Sciences Communication Adviser, caught up with Amir to learn about his journey from Iran to setting up a new life with his family in Dunedin.
Why did you choose to study at Otago from Iran?
Prior to coming to Dunedin, I spent over eight years as a biotechnologist researcher at the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Iran, specialising in bioactive compound production using plant cell cultures. My decision to come here for study was fuelled by a deep passion for producing bioactive compounds through plant and algae culture. New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, especially its rich array of endemic brown seaweeds, captivated me, as these kelps have incredible potential for bioactive production. The research undertaken at Otago’s Department of Botany was a natural fit for my ambitions.
What was your thesis research?
Supported by a scholarship, my PhD research focused on producing bioactive compounds from algae. Both of my supervisors, Associate Professor Linn Hoffmann and Associate Professor David Burritt, have extensive backgrounds in seaweed and microalgae cultivation, and bioactive compound production, and provided me with a rich learning environment that helped push the boundaries of my research.
This research allowed me to explore the potential of algae as sustainable sources of valuable compounds, and also emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into scientific research practices. It enhanced my understanding of the delicate balance between human activities and nature and has inspired me to develop solutions that promote both ecological and agricultural sustainability.
How did the Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant programme help?
At the end of my PhD, the Callaghan Innovation Career Grant supported a six-month work experience programme at Techion that eased my transition into post study life and was invaluable. It allowed me to step directly into a highly specialised role in New Zealand industry and translate my academic research skills into real-world applications in agriculture.
I contributed to projects involving toxin algae bloom, plant seed germination, green mussel spat, and gained practical experience and insight into New Zealand's agricultural landscape.
Overall, the programme served as a crucial stepping stone that aligned my academic background with industry applications, establishing my career path and supporting my connection to New Zealand's innovation landscape.
What do you do at Techion?
My role as a Research and Development Technician centres on enhancing equipment and methodologies and addressing current challenges in the agricultural and marine sectors. More specifically I optimize imaging and analysis techniques and explore innovative applications for our technology, particularly in areas such as animal health assessment, algae monitoring, and parasite detection.
I’m also involved with software development that’s opened a new way for me to enhance the functionality of our technology, particularly in automating data analysis and improving system efficiency. This combination of agriculture, marine science, and software development has significantly expanded my skill set, positioning me for future growth in both research and development, and software applications.
What are your career ambitions?
New Zealand's unique biodiversity, particularly its endemic species of kelp and marine algae, has further ignited my interest in sustainable botanical practices. My experiences have allowed me to combine my botanical research expertise with innovative technologies and make meaningful contributions to both environmental and agricultural sustainability.
The opportunities I have been given at Otago and Techion, such as the support of my supervisors, and the collaborative, innovative environment have inspired me to stay here. I feel deeply connected to the local community and am excited to contribute my expertise in ways that could benefit both my field and the broader New Zealand scientific landscape.
Are you planning to stay in New Zealand?
Having now gained residency in New Zealand, my wife Neda and I plan to stay here.
Our story goes back to our time in Iran, where we first met as masters’ students while studying biotechnology in agriculture. Since our field required long hours in the lab, we spent a lot of time together working on experiments, and that's when our relationship blossomed. We fell in love and married in 2011.
Soon after we arrived in Dunedin in 2018, Neda was fortunate to secure a scholarship to complete her PhD in Otago’s Department Food Science Department. She’s now also employed in the food research and development industry.
The Callaghan Innovation Programme
Stacey McGregor is Techion’s Director of Science, Research and Development. An Otago alumna who completed her BSc in Microbiology in 2008, Stacey says the Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant Programme is invaluable as it allows companies to identify talented graduates like Amir, and offer them the opportunity to gain experience that focuses on end-to-end delivery of products. Techion continues to engage with different departments across the University to help identify and connect with the talented individuals to participate in these assistance programmes.