The Research Centre for Oceanography has established a strong reputation for the successful supervision of PhD students, many of whom have gone on to positions with international research groups in marine and freshwater chemistry. This success, combined with the unique experience of working in the New Zealand environment, makes it an attractive opportunity for prospective students. Overseas students should note that the PhD degree in New Zealand does not usually contain formal course work.
The NIWA/University of Otago Research Centre for Oceanography offers opportunities for students interested in all aspects of aquatic and environmental marine study, including:
- BSc or BSc (Honours) degrees with appropriate marine and freshwater chemistry elective courses.
- MSc in Marine and Freshwater Chemistry, Marine Science, Geology or Environmental Science
- PhD (research only), all overseas PhD students pay only the domestic course fees; provision is also made for free schooling and medical care for dependents.
In many cases, you may be able to arrange credit towards your degree at your own university for courses taken at the University of Otago.
Current PhD Students
Denise Chen
PhD
Topic Optical fibre pH microsensor for studying ocean acidification's impact on the marine environment
Room Science 2 - 5c9, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago
Tel 03 479 7930
Emailche08700@student.otago.ac.nz
Wayne Dillon
PhD
Topic Development of analytical sensors for a changing marine environment
Room Science 2 - 5c1, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago
Tel 03 479 7930
Emaildilwa238@student.otago.ac.nz
Matthew Druce
PhD
Topic Using Zn, Cd, and Fe micronutrient trace metal concentrations and their isotope systems to reconstruct nutrient availability and their utilisation by phytoplankton from the modern ocean and into the sedimentary archive.
Room Centre for Trace Element Analysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago
Emaildruma168@student.otago.ac.nz
Fenella Deans
PhD
Topic The influence of ocean acidification and warming on greenhouse gases and microbial community structure and processing in New Zealand's coastal waters
Location NIWA Wellington
Emaildeafe496@student.otago.ac.nz
Alexia Saint-Macary
PhD
Topic DMS and DMSP dynamics at the ocean surface
Location NIWA Wellington
Emailalexia.saint-macary@niwa.co.nz
Jesse Vance
PhD
Topic Evaluating the drivers of ocean-atmosphere CO2 gradients and ocean acidification in NZ coastal and shelf waters
Room Science 2 - 5c1, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago
Mob +64 27 600 0374
Emailvanje221@student.otago.ac.nz
Rebecca Zitoun
PhD
Topic Quantification of copper speciation parameters in differing marine environments
Room Portalab
Tel 03 479 5742
Emailzitre956@student.otago.ac.nz