7 steps to a better future
Associate Professor Janet Stephenson outlines ideas to help kick-start New Zealand to a more sustainable way of life.
A cut above
Hairdressing delivered a lot to women over the 20th century – more than simply the hairstyles and the opportunity to look good. It also provided them with new employment and business opportunities.
A global disrupter
The perils of populism have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, argues Professor Robert Patman, however there are opportunities for positive diplomatic consequences in the long term.
A little look at the big picture
X-ray technology dates back more than 100 years and has generally been used to give the big picture, looking at bones and organs.
A love of healing and people
Aarthi Rajesh's Journey to a Genetics Honours Degree created, and prepared her for, great opportunities
A mission for marine conservation
Genetics PhD student Gert-Jan Jeunen has gone from rearing alpacas in Belgium to developing a science-fiction-like way to help conserve New Zealand's oceans.
A scientific calling
Award-winning anatomy teacher, Dr Rebecca Bird would like more people to choose science as a career path.
A skill set for all time
Kathy Sircombe explains how a genetics MSc at Otago is setting her up for a great career.
A sustainable opportunity
Some good may come from the global pandemic if New Zealand creates a more sustainable post-COVID-19 economy, according to Associate Professor Ivan Diaz-Rainey.
A world history of Bluff
Dr Michael Stevens (History) describes his research on the history of the Southland town of Bluff as both smaller and bigger than national-level history.
AI and responsibility
Otago researchers are investigating the implications of the artificial intelligence revolution on law, life and work.
Aaron Hapuku
“I really wanted to combine my passion for hauora Māori and public health with sound academic qualifications that can make that passion a career."
Aaron Jordan
A day spent surveying Otago Harbour from a boat was enough to convince Aaron that this was the career for him.
Aaron Stevens
It has been an exciting journey and I am glad to have a great team to work with every day.''
Aaron Turner
One day soon Aaron Turner plans to be hanging out of a helicopter as a member of a rescue team saving lives.
Abby Suszko
I used the Foreshore and Seabed Debate as a case study to unearth the equality and rights arguments that New Zealanders employ…
Abel Ang
Abel Ang had heard New Zealanders were friendly but was unprepared for just how willing to help other researchers at the University of Otago, Christchurch, turned out to be.
Acres and pains
The University of Otago's Injury Prevention Research Unit (IPRU) has recently completed the most comprehensive study of occupational health in agriculture in New Zealand.
Activity levels
A project examining the impact of lockdown restrictions on Kiwis' physical activity has already produced some interesting findings.
Adam Faatoese
If doctors understand bioethics they're likely to be able to help their patients better.
Adam Norrie
Adam Norrie might be a specialist in the finer points of quantum mechanics, but on any given day he could be writing reports on subjects ranging from Antarctica to aerospace.
Aditya Sharma
Physiology satisfies Aditya Sharma's thirst for knowledge about how the human body works.
Adon Moskal
"While it definitely helps to be a performer, you don't necessarily have to be able to perform to be a good producer... I am living proof of that!"
Age-old issues
The multidisciplinary CHALICE study is investigating how New Zealand's increasing elderly population can age healthily.
Akio Kato
"My university gave me four country options for study; Hawaii, Canada, Australia and New Zealand."
Alana Bird
“The programme was a perfect combination of theory and practical – it allowed me to put my new knowledge and understanding into practice."
Alapasita Teu
If Alapasita Teu has her way, there will be a lot of New Zealanders much like her in the future – Pacific Islanders who are fit, healthy and engaged in regular physical activity.
Alaric McCarthy
Alaric McCarthy's postgraduate research is set to be something of a hot and cold experience - it will take him from Dunedin to the Cook Islands and Antarctica.
Albany Lucas DipGrad(PSYC)
Albany Lucas studying towards a DipGrad in Psychology
Albert Green
"I have been exposed to new ideas and new knowledge that have challenged life-long, and now outdated, prejudices."
Aleisha Moore
“I have the privilege of helping equip the next generation of students and researchers with the experience, knowledge, and intellectual independence that can accelerate their own careers in STEM.”
Alex Barker
Studying Physics at Otago and taking part in the lively Dunedin music scene lead Alex to a job at Marshal Day acoustics, who do anything to do with acoustics!
Alexander Wong
Alex's advice for new students is “Make use of all the opportunities on offer. Make sure you attend all your lectures and prepare for tests and exams but also ensure that you schedule breaks and spend time with friends”.
Alexandra Tidy
Distance learning is enabling Alexandra Tidy to achieve her professional goals while still staying on top of work and family commitments.
Ali Mohammadi
One of the things Ali Mohammadi enjoys most about his PhD study are weekly meetings with his whole research group.
Ali Rashidinejad
Ali is originally from Iran and moved to New Zealand to do a PhD in Food Science at Otago at the beginning of 2012.
Alice Barker
Alice is a Food Science Graduate, currently employed as a Sensory Analyst at the Australian Wine Research Institute.
Alice Crawford
Alice works at Lion's new cheese manufacturing plant in Tasmania, having completed a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) here at Otago.
Alice Richardson
If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in hospital during a bacterial outbreak, rest assured that Alice Richardson will be working against the clock to help solve the problem.
Alison Kearsley
"Gaining the Certificate in Catechetical Studies was a huge benefit for me when looking for jobs; it gave me an instant edge over other applicants."
Allanah Kidd
Allanah Kidd chose to study at Otago because of the quality teaching and research as well as the life skills and independence students gain living here. She had planned a double degree in Commerce and Science, but found the Applied Science degree in Environmental Management delivered exactly what she wanted.
Alliance progresses green hydrogen technologies
University of Otago researchers are playing a key role in a German-New Zealand alliance to support the development and use of green hydrogen, produced entirely from clean, renewable energy sources.
Amanda Navaratne
“The projects I've worked on during my internships have enabled me to collaborate with some extraordinarily intelligent, inspiring individuals"
Ambro Lynch
The combination of a Management major and Entrepreneurship minor that comprised Ambro Lynch's BCom (Hons) was formed through his interest in business strategy and innovation.
Amelia Gill
Amelia's PhD was an investigation of the relationship between snoring, learning and behavioural development, in pre-school children.
Ameline Yow
Ameline Yow studied Economics at Otago. This might not look like a science degree, but Economics is now available as a Science major at Otago. This is her story...
Amie Taua
“My thesis topic, is a pilot study that looks to develop the foundation for a Bicultural Audience Reception theory in a New Zealand context". Audience Reception theory, Amie explains, suggests that the way a reader/viewer interprets a piece of creative work is influenced by the structure of their cultural background and subsequent life experiences.
Amir Bastani
I chose the Faculty of Law at the University of Otago for my PhD, as it is one of the few places I know of with an ideal research center...
Amirah Osama
Amirah Osama's interest in zoology was sparked after taking part in a Hands-On at Otago course as a senior in high school.
Amy Proudfoot
"I enjoyed the mix of papers and while not all the compulsory papers would have been my preferred options, I found them really beneficial".
An abuse of trusts?
Apparent widespread abuse of trusts of all kinds – be they family, trading or charitable trusts – has prompted the Faculty of Law's Professor Nicola Peart and Jessica Palmer to undertake in-depth research into their legal basis.
An inside story
2013 Distinguished Research Medal recipient Professor Robert Poulin is investigating the potential effects
of climate change on parasites and the far-reaching implications these might have.
And finally...
The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted us into unfamiliar territory. However, research and history show we have the inherent resilience to cope.
Andrew Barnett
“It's very rewarding to experience that light-bulb moment when a student gets what you're teaching them.”
Andrew Haines
It was a science fiction novel Andrew Haines read at high school that first sparked his interest in nanotechnology.
Andrew Lamb
"The training is very hands-on from the get go, which is hugely beneficial for us graduate dentists."
Andrew Wang
Andrew Wang's dream is taking him to Templeton Green College in Oxford where he promises to “work to the best of his ability to uphold the reputation of BBiomedSc Honours at Oxford!”
Angela Wanhalla
"It's about reviving and reconstructing communities and looking at personal experiences"
Anita Middlemiss
From the decline of grand skinks in Otago, Zoology Master's graduate Anita Middlemiss has shifted her sights to lizards in the Whanganui National Park.
Anji Sami
For musician Anji Sami, the great appeal of coming to Dunedin was that it was far away and she didn't know anything about it.
Anna Campbell
Anna Campbell is the recipient of the 2021 YES Alumni Awards, Contributor of the Year category, having made a clear contribution to business with value to New Zealand.
Anna Guenther
“My research on crowdfunding showed that there are a lot of niche markets where this could be useful, and crowdfunding could become a valuable tool for start-ups too"
Anna Skelton
Anna Skelton completed her Studies in Physical Education and went on to be a video analyst for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic netball team.
Anna Woods
"Studying Chinese has truly provided me with a wealth of opportunities and will ensure my working life will be filled with varied and fascinating challenges."
Anna van Pomeren
Anna van Pomeren always wanted to be a scientist, working towards medical breakthroughs.
Anne Burston
I chose to pursue postgraduate study to improve my qualifications for future work overseas.
Anne-Marie Jackson
Dr Anne-Marie Jackson's research into Māori health and well-being focuses on supporting the hopes and aspirations of Māori communities.
Annika Seddon
Annika says she regards her supervisors as 'the dream team' because of their depth of knowledge and research achievements.
Antibody answers
A University of Otago, Christchurch team is developing a specialised test to help answer crucial questions needed to effectively plan for and treat COVID-19.
Antidepressant dilemma
To prescribe or not to prescribe. That is the question faced daily by GPs treating those with depression.
Antoinette Righarts
I embarked on PhD studies on infertility in Otago and Southland, jointly supervised by the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) and Women's and Children's Health (WCH)
Ants Williams
Psychologists sit around in offices talking to people all day - right? Wrong - if your name is Ants Williams.
April Brown
In year two of a marine ecology degree, April (who grew up landlocked in Salt Lake City, Utah) sees Otago as the perfect place to study.
Ariana Cann
For Ariana Cann, Radiation Therapy was the perfect combination of technology, science, anatomy and patient care.
Art of science
Professors Jeff and Lisa Smith (College of Education) discovered that reactions to art and to images of space are similar.
Ashleigh Adair
"There are things I learned during my time at Otago that I now rely on all the time, such as the ability to analyse audience insights, write strategic communications plans and present to rooms full of people."
Asian migrations
The burgeoning global influence of Asia has prompted major research initiatives at the University of Otago, including the Asian Migrations Research Theme. It brings together researchers from throughout the University who are interested in the movement of people and ideas within Asia and into the Pacific, including New Zealand.
Aspirational achievement
Bi-lingual, bi-cultural education is a key to improving educational outcomes for Māori secondary school students, according to a specialist in Māori education.
Associate Professor in Māori Teacher Education, Paul Whitinui (College of Education),
Aspire to a smokefree NZ
ASPIRE2025 – an interdisciplinary group of tobacco control researchers – conducts research that informs and supports the government's goal of creating a tobacco-free New Zealand by 2025.
Associate Professor Grant Dick
There are many ways to solve a complex mathematical problem. You can do it the old-fashioned way, using pen and paper.
Associate Professor Jean Hay-Smith
Nothing silences a group faster than “well, my master's research investigated painful sex after childbirth, and my PhD looked at pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence”, which is her stock answer to the question “what is your research about?”
Associate Professor Joyce Koh
At a glance
From early February to late June 2020 some 28 academics from across Otago's campuses made a substantial contribution to the COVID-19 debate, here in New Zealand and around the world.
At the front
Soldier, surgeon, academic - Associate Professor Lieutenant Colonel Dr Darryl Tong is combining all three roles for his PhD on face-and-jaw surgery in the context of warfare.
Auckland Islands
The sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands are attracting Otago scientists searching for evidence of past climate events that might help forecast the future – and those monitoring the magnificent southern right whales who return to the islands' waters each year to breed.
Awards
The University of Otago is committed to recognising and supporting the work of early-career staff. In 2015, five Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research were presented, as well as the annual Carl Smith Medal and Rowheath Trust Award.
Ayesha Verrall
Ayesha is completing a PhD with the University's Centre for International Health, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine.
Aysha Rimoni
Aysha Rimoni's academic achievements in Samoa earned her a scholarship to study in New Zealand.
BOMB to the rescue
Meeting a need for alternative methods to purify COVID-19's genetic material, Dr Tim Hore's magnetic nanoparticle protocol is now being used here in New Zealand and internationally.
Bad reactions
Geneticists at Otago's Carney Centre for Pharmacogenomics are looking at how genetic make-up may contribute to adverse reactions to drugs.
Bailey Kennedy
Her father's battle with colorectal cancer inspired Bailey Kennedy to pursue a career in medical research.
Barclay Winter
Barclay studied Physiology at Otago, completing a BSc in 2009, and then a Postgraduate Diploma in 2010 looking at epithelial physiology.
Battery power
Otago research is showing how household energy storage batteries could help meet peak demand without the need for massive infrastructure.
Be prepared
Professor Michael Baker became one of the most public faces of New Zealand's pandemic response. Now he is leading a new research project to help ensure the country is better prepared for the next major public health emergency.
Beauty in numbers
Professor Astrid an Huef (Department of Mathematics and Statistics) says she pursues mathematics for its beauty.
Bee Bathish
“I believe that medical research could save lives. I want to work on a project that could make a difference for patients and contribute positively to society''
Beliefs and behaviours
A new study will offer an insight into the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown on what New Zealanders' believe and how this changes over time.
Belinda Craigie
“Communication is paramount to everything we do. It's important – not to mention fascinating – to learn about the history and development of communication and the power of the media."
Bevan Lill
Bevan is a geography graduate talking about his work for the international property advisory company DTZ New Zealand Limited. He shares his passion for Geography and his work as a consultant.
Bhavneet Chahal
Bhavneet Chahal says her experiences at Otago kickstarted a career helping others learn about IT and realise their potential.
Bianca Koenig
The more I worked in the pharmacy, the more my curiosity for medication grew and I knew that this was the profession for me.
Bill Turnbull
When a visionary, dedicated person creates innovative recreation concepts and dazzles architects with his ingenious, practical designs, it is fitting that Bill Turnbull has the 02 Gym at the new state of the art Unipol facility named after him.
Bioethics of a pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights important bioethical issues and shows just how destructive biological weapons could be.
Blair Grant
“Doing three different subjects means you can't fall into the intellectual biases of any one discipline - you're forced to be a critical thinker when the different subjects sometimes tell you different things, or at least, emphasize different aspects of the same problem."
Body of thought
Advances in medical science are raising legal questions around body material and ownership.
Bonar Carson
I wanted to know how and why everything in the world worked and Physics was the best way to answer those questions.
Braid McRae
I stumbled-upon the Clothing and Textile Sciences programme at a study/careers expo when I was in seventh form at school. I was involved in a lot of sport and through that involvement, developed an interest in the technical aspects of clothing and textile items such as outerwear for skiing and snowboarding or gear for tramping.
Brain Health
Brain Research New Zealand – Rangahau Roro Aotearoa is bringing together expertise to gain a better understanding of the ageing brain and to develop new therapies to enhance lifelong brain health.
Brainwaves
University of Otago researchers are at the forefront of identifying biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease – and new treatment options – that could lead to early diagnosis and better outcomes for the world's ageing population.
Brent King
Brent King graduated at the end of 2004 with a Bachelor of Applied Science(Honours) in Environmental Management. Now he's working as an Environmental Monitoring Officer for the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Bridget Lysaght
“Dunedin really is a student city, it's a great place to live when you're a student.”
Bridget Murphy
Bridget had graduated with an MSc in Psychology 20 years earlier and decided to up-skill for her Ministry job by completing the PGCertPH and chose the endorsement in Health Services Policy.
Bridget Wright
After graduating with a degree in Surveying, Bridget Wright now works as a Registered Land Surveyor in NSW and ACT in Australia.
Brittany Williams
Not getting university entrance didn't stop Brittany Williams getting to university. Unlike most of her peers, she finished school, and even got a scholarship to Christchurch Polytechnic to study business administration.
Bronwyn Polaschek
Finding out Professor Hilary Radner was based at Otago was the clincher that brought Bronwyn Polaschek back to New Zealand and into a PhD programme.
Bubble concept goes viral
Dr Tristram Ingham's 'bubble' concept was initially intended for the disabled community, but it quickly captured the nation's imagination, framing our lives under lockdown.
Building knowledge
Using videoconferencing and ICT (information and communications technology) to create a virtual classroom is one thing, but Professor Kwok-Wing Lai, director of the Centre for Distance Education and Learning Technologies (College of Education), is using digital technologies to help children work collaboratively as "knowledge builders", even though they live in different parts of the country.
Building the future
Dr Mikkel Andersen is a builder, but you need some extremely high-powered equipment to see what he's building. Andersen and his team at the Department of Physics are using the world's smallest building blocks to begin constructing the future of technology.
Bulimia burden exposed
University of Otago, Christchurch researchers, including clinical psychologist Dr Virginia McIntosh, investigated whether giving exposure therapy – where patients and therapists re-enact scenarios that typically precede binging and purging – helped them abstain from these behaviours.
Business of change
Management Associate Professor Sara Walton believes there has been a seismic shift in eco-awareness, with changemakers showing it is possible for a business organisation to be more sustainable while still functioning as a viable economic entity.
Byron Sanders
“My Education Studies degree gave me a holistic view of what education is and a global view of what it could be."
COVID captured
After rapidly producing a test for COVID-19, Professor Miguel Quiñones-Mateu and Associate Professor James Ussher turned their attention to sampling the virus itself. With this resource they now have multiple projects underway.
Cameron Toogood
As a future doctor in New Zealand or overseas, Cameron hopes that the understanding of Chinese culture he is developing will improve the standard of care that he can provide to these communities.
Can Cinar
“Credit rating agencies – those financial institutions that rate financial security for countries, governments, companies and individuals – have huge power, and that's what I'm really interested in."
Cancer fight goes viral
Associate Professor Vernon Ward and his colleagues are using the empty shell of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus to tailor an immune response against cancer.
Cancer management
New blood tests using the latest genomic technologies may provide a better way to assess treatments for advanced rectal cancer.
Cancer trends
Cancer is the most significant cause of death in New Zealand, likely to affect one in three people at some stage in their lifetime, and accounts for around 30 per cent of all deaths. While there has been a steady improvement in survival rates for many cancers over the last two decades – largely because of early detection and treatment – researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington believe significant further progress can be made in reducing cancer mortality.
Candace Hill
Although getting an interview can be about who you know, once you are in front of the employer it's only about what you know.
Candice Gracie
After seven years working as a dental surgery assistant Candice Gracie itched to take a more active role in patient care, so she trained as a dental hygienist.
Carly Collins
I found that being part of a Unit was a big advantage, and the SBRU team involved me in all aspects of Unit life.
Carolijn van Noort
Researching the "stories" of infrastructure projects gives insights into the aspirations of emerging countries, and their drive towards a new world order, says Politics PhD student Carolijn van Noort.
Caroline Beck
I found the idea of doing curiosity-led research absolutely fascinating, and I still do.
Casey Beel
Only a few months after completing his Masters in Geography, Casey Beel Casey got a job as Hydrological Technician at the West Coast Regional Council.
Cashill Tims
Choosing just one subject to study was never on the cards for Cashill Tims, who graduated recently with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and a Bachelor of Laws.
Cassino Doyle
Cassino Doyle, Land planning and Development (Whakatohea, Te Rawara). from Rugby league to construction management and now he works for global engineering consultants MHW.
Catarina Sahlberg
Catarina Sahlberg came to the Physics Department at Otago to do her PhD in Quantum Theoretical Mechanics, looking at Bose Einstein condensiates and currently works as a research officer at the Sweedish Research Council
Catherine Roughton
For honours Zoology student Catherine Roughton conducting field work meant time spent with binoculars stalking lizards in the barren country around Macraes Flat.
Catherine Sherwin
After completing her PhD in clinical pharmacology in the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Catherine Sherwin has had many opportunities to excel in her field and to use her training to make a difference in the area of paediatric pharmacology.
Catherine Willett
Podiatrist Catherine Willett jumped straight into postgraduate studies in 2005 after her undergraduate degree, tackling a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine at Otago.
Cause and effect
New Zealand has the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Fortunately, the University of Otago is at the forefront of cancer research and new findings to bring these figures down.
Cells behaving badly
Every second of every day, more than a million cells in our bodies kill themselves as part of a constant replacement policy.
Chan Won Lee
Chan Won Lee is studying for a Master of Business Data Science at the University of Otago.
Chanelle Carrick
Chanelle Carrick is a big fan of contemporary New Zealand art and photography. But it's the artists themselves she's keen to work with.
Changing pace in the Pacific
Development policies are being implemented too quickly in Pacific island countries, to the detriment of their people, according to Dr Iati Iati, a lecturer in Otago's Department of Politics.
Charles Boulton
Uni doesn't always need to be about training for a specific job or future, it can also be about learning to think critically in a range of ways.
Charles Radclyffe
Charles Radclyffe got hooked on archaeology during a gap year volunteering at excavation sites in the UK and in the Solomon Islands where he was born and grew up.
Charlotte Goldsmith
She believes Genetics is “the fastest-moving and most exciting of scientific disciplines that exists today.”
Charlotte Payne
"The teaching practice was so emotionally and mentally rewarding that it always provided me with renewed determination to succeed.”
Charlotte Verstappen
“I am fascinated by the concept that the body can adapt over the course of a lifetime, and how the changes in muscle, tendon and bone are able to reflect different aspects of an individual's life."
Chemical connections
Specialising in designer molecules, 2015 Distinguished Research Medal winner Professor Sally Brooker looks at the small detail of the big picture.
Cherie Sweeney
Cherie Sweeney is responsible for compiling NZ's annual greenhouse gas inventory for the environmental protection agency.
Children's insights
New research that empowers the voices of three- and four-year-olds as urban planners has opened a conversation around how children view the communities they live in and revealed a new generation of considerate and future-oriented planners.
Chin Loh and Clare Strachan
For Chin Loh, a career in Pharmacy was more than the chance to dispense medicines and advice - it was also a path into the world of business. Meanwhile Pharmacy PhD student Clare Strachan is researching the precise crystal structures of drugs.
Chloe Baillie
Speaking another language opens up so many great opportunities for learning, communicating and expressing ourselves, and the cultures that go hand in hand with the Spanish spoken in different places are captivating to learn about and experience.
Chris Brickell
Professor Chris Brickell's research may investigate the historical context of Gender Studies, but his teaching is bang up to the minute.
Chris Ellis
Chris didn't just learn technical knowledge—he learned how to interrogate financial information and understand the strategic impacts of accounting.
Cilia connections
It might seem like an odd combination – a geneticist, a former zoologist turned medical researcher and two flocks of sheep...
Claire Auchinvole
One of the great things about Geography, according to second-year honours student Claire Auchinvole, is the scope it offers for a good argument.
Claire Gordon
The DipGrad is proving to be an ideal way for Claire Gordon to gain the specialised study she needs to achieve her professional goals.
Claire Green
I was an associate within a large Auckland commercial law firm, with three young children, often thinking how much I would like to return…
Claire Maslin
Claire Maslin knows about variables and how they direct trends - both as a statistician, and personally.
Classics: Marchell Linzey
Marchell is an early childhood teacher, and producer and host of Dunedin children's radio show 'Space Station Kiwi' with listeners all over the world.
Claudia Lewis
Claudia Lewis has long held a dream of becoming a doctor – “throughout my childhood I was fascinated by the human body – how things go wrong and how to fix them”.
Clay Caird
Always intending to establish his own business venture, as his Master of Entrepreneurship studies suggest, Clay found inspiration in the form of some old rugby headgear lying around at home.
Clean finance
Dr Ivan Diaz-Rainey, senior lecturer in the Department of Accountancy and Finance, is a committed member of both the Otago Climate Change Network (OCCNet)
and the Otago Energy Research Centre (OERC).
Climate changing identities
"I am interested in the social impact of climate change on the governance and identity with cultural landscapes."
Clinical colour
For decades, images from x-rays and scanners have been in black and white, at times limiting clinical diagnosis. But this is now changing with the development, in Christchurch, of the world's first colour CT scanner for medical imaging.
Cognitive imagery
Until about a decade ago, tremor and other motor impairments were considered the biggest burden of Parkinson's disease.
Cold hard facts
Satellite images can tell scientists a lot about the formation, cover and break-up of sea ice around Antarctica, but they can't show how thick that ice is or how it forms around ice shelves that clad almost half of the southern continent's coastline.
Commercial realities
Science and innovation are key drivers of the knowledge economy, fuelled by growing interaction between academia, government and industry, and the boundaries between the three are blurring, says Dr Conor O'Kane (Management).
Connecting the dots
Kidney specialist Dr Suetonia Palmer describes her work as “sorting the wheat from the chaff”.
Contact tracing prioritised
Dr Ayesha Verrall was the right person in the right place when COVID-19 appeared.
Corey Bragg
Corey Bragg is now an assistant research fellow at the Centre for Sustainability (CSAFE). The resources and people at Otagos Zoology department just blew him away.
Cost & effect
Imagine a data-mining tool on par with Google or Amazon that allows decision-makers to quickly calculate the health impact, as well as the upfront and downstream costs of a new health intervention or policy change.
Courtney McLauchlan
“I absolutely loved learning how biochemistry could work with other disciplines, and how it is right on the forefront of scientific innovation..."
Criminal minds
Rapid advancements in genetics and neuroscience are providing new insights into the minds of criminals. The question now is, how should that information be used?
Critical decisions
University of Otago expertise has been crucial in developing a tool that is available to help clinicians around the world prioritise intensive care for COVID-19 patients.
Critical problems require transformational response
What will the post-pandemic world look like and what is the healthiest pathway to a sustainable future? Professor David Murdoch discusses the concept of mutualism in which the well-being of any individual is inextricably linked to the well-being of others in society.
Crystal Cassandra Paul
I wanted to involve myself in the health professional sector and I am interested in contributing more to the community. That is how I finally ended up choosing pharmacy. It involves a lot of communication with the patients.
Crystal Lavulo
I really love the idea of having a career that can provide so many options after finishing my degree—these options include working in community or hospital pharmacies, conducting my own research, working in the pharmaceutical industry and running my very own pharmacy.
Cultures of success
For about 10 years Professor Brendan Gray has been studying what makes successful organisational or corporate cultures.
Cutting-edge techniques transform lives
Servicemen who suffered horrific facial injuries during the two world wars were given new hope as a result of the revolutionary plastic surgery techniques and treatments pioneered by two extraordinary University of Otago men.
Cyanobacteria potential
We might be surrounded by plentiful alternative sources of fuel and not even know it.
Damian Kearns
“During my time at Otago, I've been able to travel to 17 countries and learn a lot about various tourism industries and economies.”
Dan Farhat
“A lot of students think economics is just crunching numbers and solving equations to find prices and quantities. But it's really all about human behaviour and decisions."
Dana Lumsden
Without an Honours degree, and the experiences I gained from studying at Otago, I would not have landed a job within the media industry as quickly as I did, and I am thankful to the Department for all of its support.
Daniel Kerse
"Technology has always fascinated me, especially the sort that's capable of sending information around the world at the speed of light."
Danielle Lucas
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) graduate Danielle Lucas says studying at Otago was the perfect preparation for work as a policy analyst at the New Zealand Treasury.
Danielle Shanahan
For Danielle Shanahan the Wildlife Management course was the perfect stepping stone as she pursued her passion for conservation.
David Timothy Duval
I've always operated on the idea that if I'm not having fun teaching, students aren't having much fun learning.
Dean Paterson
Because the last two years of Otago's Radiation Therapy degree is evenly split between theory and practical, Dean felt fully prepared once he graduated ...
Deanna Barwick
“I really liked studying Neuroscience at Otago – it taught me how to look at research critically, to think about information being presented, and to apply a lens of curiosity over it."
Debbie Corson
As an Analyst for Deloitte in Auckland Debbie Corson prepares annual financial accounts for a range of small and medium sized businesses and trusts, including management accounts for a large charitable Auckland organisation.
Debbie Sawers
For Debbie Sawers a long and proud family history of studying at Otago meant leaving the Hawke's Bay to study in Dunedin was as straight forward as picking which subject to major in.
Deborah Rowley
Deborah is currently employed by BP Australia Pty Ltd as an Environmental Project Manager, where her role requires her to manage BP's environmental liabilities and liability prevention.
Deep at fault: Core Processes
Otago scientists are drilling deep, gaining a better understanding of the processes at work within the South Island's Alpine Fault and the impacts an earthquake is likely to have.
Deirdre Anderson
I hope to work with elite athletes and find ways of helping them become faster and stronger.
Del Carlini
The core question of Del's thesis is what enhances the ability of an armed force to adapt during conflict and what slows, disrupts or hinders that ability.
Demystifying statistics
Bridget Robson (Ngāti Raukawa) says one of her key goals and that of the centre, is to demystify statistics, showing them for what they are – “a powerful tool for all Māori”.
Denise Potgieter
Lieutenant Denise Potgieter has always loved travelling and adventure. In fact, it was her sense of adventure that brought her to Otago in the first place.
Dental tourism - The most popular form of medical tourism
The New Zealand dental sector is likely to be challenged and disrupted by the growing phenomenon of dental tourism, the most popular form of medical tourism.
Desiree Mulders
I searched for a distance learning course that would provide me with the knowledge I was seeking, the University of Otago's Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Management did just that.
Diagnostics group meets need
Otago scientists have responded to a call to action from the Ministry of Health to boost supplies of COVID-19 testing systems should global supplies run short.
Diana Bowalgaha Ralalage
I'm excited about where all this will lead me, and I encourage everyone to dip their toes in postgraduate studies if they can.
Diane Ruwhiu
It's a long way from her initial career in the Royal New Zealand Airforce where she worked in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Dick Hitchings
“As far as getting a future-proof field to work in, you couldn't do much better than biochemistry.”
Different methods, different results
Failing to replicate a research finding is not all bad and could, in fact, shed new light on the subject being investigated.
Diplomatic answer?
With science-based issues the most pressing of our time, is science diplomacy heralding a new day or is it merely a false dawn?
Disabling disability
Dr Emma Wyeth (Ngāi Tahu) was awarded a three year Health Research Council of New Zealand Emerging Researcher First Grant for a project focused on outcomes among injured Māori.
Doing the detail
Teams led by virologist Professor Vernon Ward and structural biologist Professor Kurt Krause are drawing on their extensive experience and expertise to find ways to beat the SARS-CoV2 virus.
Donna Southorn
"I wanted to be able to know more about teen mothers' views so I could better understand their challenges and priorities and become a more effective advocate.”
Dora Leahy
A budding interest in biology and chemistry at Taumarunui High School was the first step for Dora Leahy towards a career as a medical scientist.
Doug Heath
When he came to Otago Doug found the acoustics papers in Physics fitted his combined interests perfectly and qualified with a BSc in Physics and an MSc in Electronics.
Dr Andrea Robinson
The decision to take on the Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine has sharpened my clinical skills and introduced more variety and enjoyment in my role as a GP.
Dr Axel Zeitler
German-born Axel Zeitler loves New Zealand. But it did seem very far away. But when Otago's Department of Pharmacy proposed a joint project with Cambridge University, looking at using laser technology to investigate the structure of pharmaceuticals, it felt the like the perfect solution for Axel.
Dr Bastiaan Star
Bastiaan Star remembers the first papers he read when he embarked on his PhD in population genetic theory. “They were completely incomprehensible. I could not understand them at all.”
Dr Charlotte King
Charlotte King's world is full of mystery and intrigue, and she would have it no other way: it's exactly the world she dreamed of as a child.
Dr Craig Rodger
Trying to understand how the sun's activity impacts upon our world here on Earth occupies the days and nights of Physics lecturer Craig Rodger.
Dr Damien Mather
The path to becoming a senior lecturer is not always through academia. Damien has a background broader than most.
Dr Daniela Rosenstreich
Dr Daniela Rosentreich recommends all PhD students ask themselves one fundamental question: “Are you there for the ride, or are you there for the qualification?”
Dr Elisabeth Liebert
Elisabeth Liebert's Master's degree led her deep into the world of John Milton, which in turn led her to Otago's John Hale, an international authority on the renaissance poet. So when she embarked on her PhD, it was her choice of supervisor that brought her – intellectually, at least – to Otago.
Dr Grace Macaulay
Grace's keen interest in children's health and wellbeing, and her desire to develop her research skills, knowledge and experience, led her to complete a BMedSc(Hons) with the Department of Women's & Children's Health.
Dr Helen Tregidga
Helen Tregidga says she loved doing her PhD at the time. And looking back, she loved it even more.
Dr Iain Bell
The Diploma has provided a solid foundation, and I highly recommend it to all Health Professionals that deal with musculoskeletal problems.
Dr Kirsten Robertson
A background in social psychology gives Kirsten Robertson an edge when it comes to researching and teaching marketing…
Dr Leah Watkins
“There's little research on the implications of very young children being targeted as consumers."
Dr Matthew Schofield
When Matthew Schofield was entertaining the idea of a PhD, a work colleague gave advice that would echo for years to come: “Choose your supervisor well. It will make or break the PhD.”
Dr Matthew Stephen
I accepted the invitation to the honours programme believing that Politics offered me the best chances to extend my intellectual horizons while also keeping a toe in the door of employability.
Dr Paul Roche
Undertaking a PhD in an area with few job prospects was both a help and a hindrance for Paul Roche.
Dr Peter Mace
"What excites me about my work is ... making new discoveries that you are the first person to know about, ever."
Dr Rawinia Higgins
Leaving her whanau was the most important, and most painful, aspect of coming to Otago for her postgraduate years, says Dr Rawinia Higgins.
Dr Raymond Staals
Dr Raymond Staals worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the Fineran lab, Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Dr Robert Peden
If Robert Peden had his way, he would start on another PhD tomorrow. “I loved every minute of it,” he says. “It was an absolute privilege. It was one of the most challenging, rewarding, satisfying and interesting things I have ever done.”
Dr Shelagh Ferguson
“It's perfect to be part of a prestigious University and still be able to climb a 2000 metre peak at the weekend – there are not many places where you can do that.”
Dr Tony Garry
How much is marketing about what is being bought and sold, and how much is it about the people involved in the transactions?
Driving test
Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Debbie Hopkins is contributing to the BEATS Study, leading research into driver licensing and the use of information communication technologies by young people.
Drug use widespread
Christchurch biostatisticians Associate Professor Elisabeth Wells and Magnus McGee, with Dunedin colleagues Dr Joanne Baxter and Jesse Kokaua, have been quietly "peeling the onion" on New Zealand's non-medical drug use.
Duncan Sarkies
"It's my opinion that the Otago University Theatre Studies programme provides the best practical 'on-your-feet' introductory training for theatre in New Zealand.”
Duncan Sarkies
Dunedin's global focus
Dunedin's changing connections with the rest of the world are the focus of the “Global Dunedin” project.
Dunedin: 50 forward
Beyond the immediate doom-and-gloom headlines about business closures and redundancies, what might work be like for people in Dunedin up to 50 years into the future?
Dynamic delivery
A key aim for University of Otago, Wellington's Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness (BODE3) Programme is to build capacity and academic rigour in New Zealand in the estimation of disease burden, cost-effectiveness and equity impacts of health sector interventions.
Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research
Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research 2010: Jessica Palmer, Dr Simone Celine Marshall and Associate Professor Richard Gearry
Economic vampires
By building artificial societies Dr Dan Farhat can explore labour market outcomes – and communities plagued by “vampires”.
Elizabeth Young
Because a degree in Religious Studies covers so many different religious and cultural practices and beliefs, I am able to really connect with my clients as I actually know and understand where they come from and why they believe what they believe and do what they do.
Ella Gordon-Latty
“Studying Politics gave me one of the most powerful insights – it enabled me to understand the mechanics of power."
Ellen Pullar
"I've always been a bit of a film geek so was excited to be able to watch a variety of different types of films and learn more about how films are put together."
Elliot Munro
“It was a real step up from high school, especially all the facilities for practical work.”
Eman Ghandour
After finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Eman started working as a Youth Case Worker for the Dunedin Red Cross, focused on how best to settle former refugee youth into New Zealand and Dunedin.
Emily Robinson
Immediately after graduating with a double degree, including a BSc in Physiology, Emily won a job at Starship Hospital in the Respiratory and Sleep Physiology laboratory.
Emma Fairs
Emma Master's by thesis answered the questions “what makes and keeps Osteopath clinicians competent”.
Emma Salis
Emma's PhD project centred on investigating the different factors affecting glucose concentrations in premature babies with a focus on high blood glucose.
Emma Wade
Emma is employed as a postdoctoral fellow pursuing a project which has grown out of her PhD: trying to untangle the signalling pathways which maintain skeletal homeostasis.
Enacting Māori leadership
Merata's research activities have over-arching themes of supporting Māori leadership, community and education.
Endocarditis breakthrough
Conventional wisdom in medicine has been that heart valve infection, or endocarditis, is most likely to have been caused by valve damage following rheumatic fever during childhood or adolescence.
Engaging in games
Common children's games have been shown to help hyperactive children learn better self-control and may provide a longer-lasting treatment for ADHD.
Enjoying the outdoors
Society may have to rethink ways of encouraging children into enjoying the outdoors.
Entrepreneurial skills just as important for restaurant owners as serving good food
A study by Dr Craig Lee has pinpointed success factors that have shaped some of the top-performing, independent restaurants in Australia.
Environmental obesity
New Zealand children live in an environment where unhealthy food is more heavily promoted, more accessible and, for the most part, cheaper than healthy food.
Environmental personhood a way forward?
Dr Viktoria Kahui believes conferring legal “personhood” to the world's natural resources could be one of the best ways of protecting the environment for climate change resilience and future generations.
Epidemic proportions
Professor Michael Baker believes we need to learn from the past to help meet the challenges presented by new pandemic diseases.
Equity in isolation
A researcher awarded a rapid response grant to examine the equity and effectiveness of self-isolation and quarantine measures had to do some rapid responding of her own when New Zealand moved swiftly into COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 before she began her study.
Erica Buxton
“The great thing about the Treasury is that it's a relatively flat structure. You get opportunities that are quite rare in graduate jobs.”
Erin Wilson
“I am now a qualified teacher but I'm still learning - the children teach me something new every day."
Estelle Sun
At the age of 17 Estelle Sun's parents proposed the idea of sending her overseas for her higher education. Estelle eagerly packed her bags and left China destined for New Zealand.
Ethical advice
A University of Otago academic has taken a leading role in developing advice for the Minister of Health on ethical issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Every stitch has a story
Department of Marketing consumer behaviourist Dr Shelagh Ferguson is exploring people's emotional attachments to clothes.
Expertise informs action
As news of a novel coronavirus emerged from China, University of Otago public health experts feared the worst and urged decisive action.
Fabric of research
A better understanding of how fabrics perform – and why – is the aim of new research being conducted at Otago's Department of Applied Sciences (Clothing and Textile Sciences) with the help of funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Wool Industry Research Ltd and industry partners.
Fanaafi Aiono-Le Tagaloa
The study of law as well as its practice fosters a particular type of individual and personality – one Fanaafi Aiono-Le Tagaloa…
Feature 1
He Kitenga Features
Felix Lee
Volunteering for the Dunedin Community Accounting programme has given Master of Finance student Felix Lee valuable practical experience.
Fertile research. Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research
New research on how the brain influences fertility could eventually result in improved ways of controlling conception and contraception.
Filipo Levi
Filipo Levi says "it was very hard at the beginning", fitting in university studies with his rugby playing. Nonetheless, plenty of hard work, determination and support ensured success.
Fiona Edgar
When teaching topics such as human resource management, how better to practise what you preach than with the students themselves?
Fiona Hely
"I wanted to be able to use my maths skills in practical applications for the real world.”
Fiona Simpson
Fiona completed a Bachelor in Physical Education, and a BSc in Human Nutrition, then went on to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics.
Fiona Woodfield
Taking a Bachelor of Commerce in international business and economics, with a minor in Spanish, has taken Fiona Woodfield around the world.
Firsts for women
In 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. By this time, however, a young teacher, Caroline Freeman, had already broken new ground for women at the University of Otago.
Fishing for change
A team of scientists from the University of Otago is making big waves on the East Otago coast, their research a key factor in forcing a change in fisheries legislation after just two years of work.
Flower power
Dr Richard Macknight (Biochemistry) is undertaking research that aims to discover how legumes, such as peas, use seasonal changes in day length and temperature to precisely control their flowering time, and to understand how this process has evolved to allow natural populations to grow in new geographical regions.
Following ancient DNA trails
A surprise find of human remains with distinctly Polynesian characteristics in a South American museum has provided a new focus of research into human migration in the Pacific and how the Pacific was settled.
Food for thought
With programmes currently underway in Kenya, Indonesia and India, Otago nutritionists are working with local collaborators to develop food-based strategies to improve the health and development of young children.
Food miles: who cares?
Department of Marketing researchers have been looking at whether food miles influence UK consumers' food-purchasing decisions.
Food wastelands
Many New Zealand households are routinely discarding perfectly good food, according to Dr Miranda Mirosa (Food Science).
For the record
Member of iconic Dunedin band The Chills, Dr Oli Wilson is bringing an insider's perspective.
Frankie Daroux
Frankie completed a BSc in Clothing and Textile Sciences and then an MSc in 2009. The research for her Masters explored how washing a garment might mask forensic evidence of blunt force trauma. She is now working as a Graduate Product evaluator for Fisher and Paykel's washing machine range.
Franky Maslin
"I really loved learning about the law and its many possibilities to shape and mould so many real-life scenarios."
Freya Broughton-Ansin
Ask Freya Broughton what's so cool about statistics and it's hard to get her to stop…. “Statistics is really useful, in every area of endeavour! I love how applicable it is in all sorts of research and in everyday life – even with NCEA results…”
From academia to action
Over the last decade Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman and the team from He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme (Public Health, Wellington) have helped revolutionise how policy-makers and the public see the average New Zealand house.
From pole to pole
From the Antarctic to the Arctic, Otago researchers are at the forefront of several influential investigations that should help inform future decision-making across the globe.
Fundamentally
Two Otago scientists are working on a project that could be a world-changer – a combination of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting back on the use of fossil fuels.
Fussy fish use genetic compatibility to pick partners from afar
When salmon spawn, the sperm of competing males are in an all-or-nothing race to be the first to reach and fertilise the eggs.
Gabriel (Gabe) Mathieson
Gabriel (Gabe) Mathieson who completed a DipGrad in Advertising
Gabriella Lindberg
PhD student, Gabriella Lindberg, is part of a team working on the difficult task of printing large, viable pieces of cartilage to ultimately be used as replacement tissue in human surgery.
Game-changing Parkinson's research
Dr Louise Parr-Brownlie's (Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Pikiao) career as a research academic has been entirely devoted to Parkinson's disease– a devotion that is now receiving international attention and generous Neurological Foundation funding.
Garrick Cowley
Within a year of graduating from Otago with his LLB, Garrick Cowley found himself on an international stage facing his biggest legal…
Gaurav Ganve
When Gaurav Ganve first discovered the concepts of 'big data' and 'analytics', he reckoned data mining and machine learning could generate some of the most exciting career opportunities of the 21st century.
Gemma Dickson
Ask Gemma Dickson about one of the most interesting biochemistry classes she's taken, and she'll tell you about the time she found a never-before-discovered transposable element in a Candida albicans sample.
Gener Delos Santos
I'm involved in helping to maintain and set up occupational medical support in various industrial sectors.
Genomic clues to virus spread
Sequencing the genome of all New Zealand's COVID-19 cases will provide valuable insights into how disease spreads around the country.
Geoffrey Miller
"I'm now able to work on translations from anywhere in the world as a freelance translator, which is amazing".
George Wiggins
Skiing, socialising with work mates, and great research opportunities are all reasons George Wiggins recommends postgraduate study at the University of Otago, Christchurch.
Georgia Harmos
Georgia moved to New York soon after graduating and has been there for almost seven years. Her first job was as a creative project manager at a small digital design agency, which was started by New Zealanders.
Georgia Staples
Georgia Staples has been interested in health and medicine for as long as she can remember.
Gerard Graham
As a Finance Business Partner for BNZ, Gerard Graham supports business units to meet their financial plans and prepare for the future.
Gillian Abel
Gillian's PhD became such a part of her daily life that when she finally submitted, she remembers feeling “quite bereft. It was like giving a baby away”.
Global DNA
A principal investigator in the National Geographic Genographic Project, Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith's work is revealing the global diversity of our New Zealand DNA.
Global health
The Centre for International health plays a significant role in projects in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
Golden career
2018 Distinguished Research Medal winner Professor Dave Craw is an Otago man andOtago is gold country: unsurprisingly, this has been a focus of his work as a geologist.
Good teacher, bad teacher
Most of us have at least one story of an inspirational schoolteacher who opened our minds to learning – or the other extreme of a terrible" one who made our learning experience an ordeal, one forever associated with memories we'd rather forget.
Graham Lowe
A Bachelor in Physical Education awarded with Honours, and a Masters in Physical Education, looking particularly at exercise physiology and exercise prescription… these sound like ideal qualifications for a sports coach, and Graham Lowe is coaching the best.
Greg Lewis
I learnt how to approach new and often complicated situations using a framework of jurisprudence and ethics.
Griffin Leonard
"We're very lucky to have the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Otago and I feel fortunate to be able to do postgraduate study here."
Gut response
Professor Gerald Tannock fell in love with microbiology on his very first assignment as a trainee diagnostic laboratory technologist at Dunedin Public Hospital.
Guy Ryan
I'm finishing off my Masters – making a 24-minute documentary dealing with some massive social and environmental issues, writing a thesis, and engaged in some exciting projects combining two of my passions – design and film [and surfing] – life is sweet!”
Handy solution
As calls for hand hygiene gained traction in the weeks leading up to the COVID-19 level-4 lockdown, hand sanitiser quickly became a scarce commodity.
Hanna Bae
Hanna has now completed her BCom as well as a Master of Tourism and works at the University's boutique hotel, The Executive Residence.
Hannah Forrest
“I really like the way this course has opened my eyes to what's involved – it's much more analytical and science based rather than opinion – you can't believe those CSI programmes after all…."
Hannah Kennedy
Hannah Kennedy likes hands-on learning rather than spending all day with her head in a book.
Hannah Kerr
Distance learning is enabling Hannah Kerr to work towards completing a degree she first started in 2014.
Hard-wired for happiness?
How much of our mood is hard-wired and how much is because you are simply having a bad day? It's a question researchers like Dr Tamlin Conner (Department of Psychology) are pondering as they look to understand the role genes play in how we feel.
Harriet Taylor
Don't stress too much about what you want to study at university, says Harriet Taylor.
Harry Saunderson-Warner
"Studying social anthropology gave me the ability to look at the world in a new way."
Hauora Māori in policy and practise
Examine the work of Otago National Centre for Lifecourse Research's Dr Reremoana (Moana) Theodore (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa) and you'll see two overarching themes deeply associated with Māori health and education.
Hayden Holmes
Hayden Holmes, former Air Force corporal in logistics, BCom in economics University of Otago, and now forging a new career in the health sector, says he is really enjoying his Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.
Hayleigh Miller
Hayleigh is now working on completing her Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB) and will graduate at the end of 2018.
Healing the land
The Mahu Whenua land covenants provide an unprecedented opportunity for Catchments Otago researchers to explore new models for integrated landscape management.
Health and home
Over the last decade Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental health and social effects of low-quality housing and fragmented policy in housing, cities and energy.
Healthy challenges
For decades Otago's people have been instrumental in helping to address the health challenges of their time.
Heart monitor breakthrough
Researchers from the University of Otago, Christchurch have implanted the world's first heart monitor, which gives daily updates of pressure changes in chronic cardiac patients.
Helen Chapman
Helen Chapman's experience provides support for the idea that in order to plan for the future you have to understand the past.
Helen Paterson
Whilst completing my specialist medical training I gained a research-based Masters of Medical Science on "LNG-IUD (levonorgestrel intrauterine device) use in adolescents in New Zealand".
Hemi McKechnie
My first year in the Tū Kahika Programme set me up well for Health Sciences and also was the year we were further exposed to many health professions and people in these areas.
Herman Visagie
Otago gives you a solid background, so keep your eyes and ears open and opportunities will present themselves.
Hilary Hickling DipGrad(FINC)
Hilary Hickling studying towards a DipGrad in Finance
Hillary McCracken
Hillary McCracken completed a BSc (Hon) degree in Food Science in 2006. Following the completion of her degree she was accepted into the Fonterra Graduate Technical programme commonly referred to as the FGTP programme.
History repeats
It's been described as “unprecedented”, but COVID-19 is not the first global pandemic to hit New Zealand. So how unique is this crisis and the government's response to it?
History unearthed
A project to return ancestral remains to one of the earliest sites of Māori settlement in New Zealand is providing a rich source of data for researchers in the Departments of Anthropology, and Anatomy and Structural Biology.
History: David Wilson
I'm David Wilson, and I am the Clerk of the House of Representatives at Parliament.
Hobert Sasa
Hobert Sasa says he has "a strong sense of belonging here". The lecturers, he says, are "awesome" - and the University's Pacific Islands Centre is his "second home".
How can the Māori perspective be used to shape the scientific world?
A joint project with Otago, AUT, Victoria and Waikato is studying whether and how fundamental science relates to Māori concerns, looking at developing processes that help Māori knowledge, expertise and effort be brought into project planning.
How do companies account for their use of natural resources?
The University of Otago Business School is leading New Zealand research into understanding how companies are accounting for their use of natural resources.
How is Big Data and Artificial Intelligence transforming the NZ workplace?
What is the effect of Big Data and AI on the New Zealand workplace, and how should we start preparing for a more technological future?
How teamwork affects hospital performance and patient care
Otago researchers have been investigating how organisational culture is perceived by District Health Boards' (DHBs) members and their senior executive teams, and its affect on hospital performance and patient care.
How to capture more value from increased tourism?
One solution is matching what we have to offer with what the visitor understands; by improving the experience of the tourist, they are then encouraged to lengthen their stay.
Hunting the Culpable Gene
Otago PhD student Emma Wade's discovery of a hidden gene responsible for bone disease is helping families around the world.
Ian Chapman
"We're teaching the three disciplines and how they interact. What students turn their skills to then is up to them."
Ice melt models refined
Efforts to develop a New Zealand Earth System Model (NZESM) that accurately represents the impacts of freshwater melting from ice shelves and icebergs are moving into a new phase.
Improving cultural sensitivity in the tourism industry
Research highlights the need for training and tools to increase cultural awareness and help businesses prepare for North Asian visitors.
In with the new
As many established businesses and industries struggle in the wake of COVID-19, new business creation will be critical for our economic recovery, suggests one Otago academic.
Infectious issues
By its nature, microbiology is the study of very, very small things. But that doesn't stop microbiologist and infectious diseases expert Professor David Murdoch from thinking –and working –on a big scale.
Ingrid Ambrosiussen
“My time studying the Bachelor of Teaching was some of the most valuable years of my life."
Inner journey
... for plenty of New Zealanders, being both Māori and Pakeha is pretty normal. It's a message of integration, not division.
Innovative Environmental DNA Research Earns Otago Researchers National Science Challenge Grant
An innovative use of the detritus of marine life to measure bio-diversity has earned a team of Otago researchers a national Sustainable Seas Science Challenge Grant.
Innovative potential
The academic and commercial worlds need each other, but where research is not sufficiently advanced to justify the risk of investment, there is often a gap.
Inside farming's 'invisible worlds'
Reflecting on his own childhood family farm led to an uncomfortable revelation – “a colonial reckoning” – for Otago's Professor Hugh Campbell.
Insights in indigenous rights
Otago research on indigenous peoples' legal rights is attracting global attention.
Inter-racial Connections. Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research.
Dr Angela Wanhalla is a highly-credentialled historian and has a swag of awards to prove she is one of New Zealand's brightest young researchers.
Internet impacts 'oldest profession'
The world's “oldest profession” is undergoing changes due to technology and a University of Otago, Christchurch researcher is at the forefront of investigations into the phenomenon.
Iodine ideas
In 1996 when Sheila Skeaff began her PhD research on iodine deficiency she didn't imagine she'd still be investigating the same issue 13 years later.
Isara Treesahakiat
For her Masters degree, Jay studied the religious practices of an early-20th century Buddhist monk from Northern Thailand, Khruba Sriwichai, who played a significant role in resisting the government's reforms for Buddhist practices.
Island energy targets feasible
With policy implications for Pacific island nations, a detailed supply-demand analysis shows that switching from diesel to renewable energy sources would be economically viable for Samoa, but to limit this to 90 per cent – for now.
Isotopic ”fingerprints” fight fakes
With key export markets becoming increasingly conscious of the provenance of food, researchers have turned to regionally-distinct isotopic geochemical signals in soils and rain to create unique “fingerprints” that provide geographical authentication.
Jack Wynne
Despite studying a little bit of everything at high school, Jack Wynne eventually enrolled with the University of Otago's Department of Information Science. He knew he was interested in how technology was used in society and in business, and because the department stood out from the same courses available at other New Zealand universities, he settled in Dunedin.
Jackie Shaw
"Otago had a great mix of practical skills and theory and you knew you were being taught by the best. All the lecturers have been (and some still are) in the industry, continuously developing themselves."
Jacob Lamb
Jacob Lamb is passionate about using biology, and his background in biochemistry, to help us use energy in a better way.
Jaimie Tucker
"International Business is perfect for anyone who's passionate about business but isn't sure exactly which direction they want to go in"
James Crowley
“We're basically like engineers or architects, but rather than designing buildings, we're designing molecules.”
James Sandison
While studying Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago's Dunedin campus, James Sandison attended an introductory seminar about Radiation Therapy after noticing the slogan 'technology meets caring'.
Jamie Wood
When Jamie Wood's Dunedin school team won a Young Enterprise Scheme regional challenge she had her first taste of business success.
Jane Oliver
“I worked on several projects with major New Zealand companies as part of my study, which really exposed me to what the industry was like.”
Janine Jattan
“Otago prepared us well for the 'real world'. We got trained in best practice so our standards are exceptionally high."
Janis Cheng
“The reason I can speak confidently or write an essay overnight is purely because of Theatre Studies at Otago."
Jaye Moors
Most new students expect challenges in their first year at University, but Jaye Moors had the added pressure of acclimatising to Dunedin's climate after moving from Samoa.
Jazmine Cassidy
A Bachelor of Laws is a great toolbox degree that can lead to a world of opportunities, says Otago graduate Jazmine Cassidy.
Jean-Pierre (JP) Meyer
BPharm (2007), PGCertPharm (2010), Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate (Infectious Diseases Pharmacists in America 2013/14)
Jenifer Lamie
I came to Otago to study because I loved the multi-disciplinarity of the Master of International Studies degree.
Jennifer Macindoe
"The skills I learned in the first three years – research, writing, critiquing, always working to deadline... "
Jenny Campbell
Jenny now works for Fonterra as Lead Regulatory Strategist for the Global Ingredients and Foodservices business.
Jenny McDonald
After studying medicine, Jenny re-trained in computer science at Otago by doing a Diploma for Graduates. She then became the director of the Educational Media unit at the Higher Education Development Centre at the University of Otago
Jenny Stein
As an exploration geologist, Jenny has travelled the world while putting her Geology degree to good use.
Jessica Craig
Jessica Craig enjoyed Biology and Chemistry at secondary school, and wanted to study something similar. Coming to Otago for its “world-class reputation” and the “scarfie experience,” she chose to study a wide range of science papers in her first year and go from there.
Jessica Craig
Coming to Otago for its "world-class reputation" and the "scarfie experience," Jessica chose to study a wide range of science papers in her first year and go from there.
Jessica Lucas
International student Jessica Lucas initially came to Dunedin to improve her English, but she enjoyed living here so much that she decided to enrol at Otago. When choosing subjects, a double major in Tourism and Management offered the perfect combination.
Jessica North
Jessica North completed her Masters in Environmental Science at Otago and now she travels the world as an environmental consultant.
Jessie Garland
We're making significant discoveries about what life was like in 19th century Christchurch as we collect artefacts from all kinds of archaeological sites.
Jim Cotter
Our bodies are designed to be physically stressed says Dr Jim Cotter, lecturer in exercise and environmental physiology at the School of Physical Education.
Jimmy Van der Pauw
The School of Surveying at Otago is New Zealand's only national school of surveying - students are very lucky to have a knowledgeable and enthusiastic group of lecturers who deliver a well-rounded skillset to the students – “something that I have used every day of my career thus far”.
Jo McGilchrist
When she set out to study a Bachelor of Commerce, Jo McGilchrist never thought she'd end up majoring in economics, nor did she think she would do honours. But after studying an array of subjects, she's certain that economics was the right choice.
Joanna Hikaka
I loved my time at Otago University. I enjoyed being part of the School of Pharmacy where you went through the same courses with the same students for 3 years and built long lasting professional as well as personal relationships.
Joanne Choi
Dental Technology offers graduates a host of career choices, says Joanne Choi, who is now lecturing at Otago while she completes her PhD.
Joanne Lee
My time working on the undergraduate paper was the catalyst for my decision to undertake a Master's degree and pursue a full year of research.
Job satisfaction - not money - is the key to workplace performance
Earning money may be an important reason for working, but it isn't the biggest motivator. Accountancy and Finance lecturer Nicola Beatson studies people in accounting.
Joel Gordon
Joel began university by studying Music performance with an eye on training as a high school music teacher but, having added a BA to complement this study, quickly realised his passion for studying Classics and the ancient world.
John Fountain
John found that one of the best aspects of the course was to be taught by staff that not only have the academic credentials but, "the practical, hands-on background in start-up ventures and advising others in such."
John Lynch
John Lynch is a graduate of the Geographic information systems (GIS) course at Otago and now works as a GIS analyst for a natural gas company in Australia
John Tagg
Seeking knowledge can be fun, says lecturer John Tagg. "It doesn't have to be a dreary process."
Jon Keyzer
“My time here has shed light on what I can do and what I am capable of, I wouldn't have known that without my supervisor, without my department and without a community of supporting peers.”
Jonathan Broom
Having completed one year of his Psychology degree, Jonathan is enthusiastic about the more specialised study which beckons in his second and third years.
Jonathan Dufour
The museums, the many art galleries and the people I encountered in Paris all made it worthwhile.
Jonathan Zsofi
“The department is brilliant and the teaching was excellent. My mind was opened by MFCO, it introduced me to new perspectives on film and life.”
Jordan Dickson
“The knowledge of what has come before me and what is happening in theatres around the globe, inspires and informs my own practice constantly."
Joseph Panapa
"I had many transferrable skills, gained from family, my culture, working in factories, playing sport and living in South Auckland, that enabled me to relate to the content in the social work papers."
Josh Newman
“Josh Newman is passionate about Natural History. This passion has at times seen him researching Shearwaters in New Zealand's Sub Antarctic, snorkeling with Lion Fish in the Red Sea, climbing Mountains in the Himalayas, and marveling at the universe in his own backyard.”
Joy Kwok
A degree in Linguistics provided the perfect foundation for Otago graduate Joy Kwok to pursue a career in speech therapy.
Julia Prier
Julia Prier was an assistant research fellow using optogenetics to explore pathological pathways in a brain with parkinsons.
Just how much of a role should social media play in employee selection?
Management researcher Dr Paula O'Kane is interested in how technology impacts how we work, and has explored how and why organisations are using social media in the workplace.
Kacy Cosgrove
“I now have the ability to mix sciences and humanities together, and bridge the gap between humans and technology.”
Karen Phillips
"I came to Otago because it offered me the chance to combine both Teaching and Theatre Studies at the same time."
Kate Beer
In her final year of a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Kate Beer says she's enjoyed everything about studying at Otago so far.
Kate Gidlow-Black
Kate Gidlow-Black attended high school in Christchurch but her family has now moved to Nelson and Kate is looking forward to joining them and eventually establishing her own dental practice in that city.
Kate Newton
Kate found English helped her with journalism by driving home the power of the written or spoken word.
Keith Payne
Keiths passion for wildlife and interest in electronics combine in telemetry of NZ wildlife, he hopes to combine them in a PhD in wildlife science and electronics.
Kelly Nafatali
“Taking Māori Studies has been a journey in self-discovery – who I am and where I come from."
Kendall Flutey
Kendall Flutey was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug early – she was selling class newspapers at the age of seven – and completing a Master of Entrepreneurship only cemented that passion.
Keresoma Leaupepe
Keresoma Leaupepe's interest in health and disease, and in particular how they impact on his Samoan community has been his motivation all through his study at the University of Otago.
Keron Niles
Keron Niles is working towards a PhD in Energy studies, when he has completed his PhD he will return to Trinidad and Tobago and probably work as a policy analyst
Kilimanjaro's glacial clues
Sticking thousands of metres up into the atmosphere, it is little wonder that climatologists are looking to mighty Mount Kilimanjaro and its unique glaciers to act like climate change sensors.
Kiri McComb
Kiri McComb's start in Chemistry was interesting to say the least. It was not until halfway through his final year of High School, after much coaxing from his Science teacher that he decided to give Chemistry a go.
Kirsten Bird
A PE graduate from Otago, Kirsten Bird now organises the annual Oxfam Trailwalker event, Oxfam's largest fundraising event.
Kirstin McKenzie
Kirstin McKenzie is doing what many young scientists dream of: she's training in forensics, and working for ESR (Environmental Science and Research), New Zealand's independent forensic science institute.
Koro Dickinson
"My links with my whanau, tribe and the University of Otago will always remain strong."
Kurt McEwen
My Otago course covered quite a spectrum from abstract and conceptual design thinking to pragmatic subjects such as physics, mathematics and manufacturing principles.
Kyle Wilby
An opportunity to advance his research, clinical, and teaching interests and a desire for a lifestyle change combined to lead Dr Kyle Wilby to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Otago.
Kylie Robinson
After earning her degree in computer science at Otago, Kylie joined Animation Research Ltd, the Dunedin-based company that became famous for producing the America's Cup graphics.
Lakhan Kukreja
"The University of Otago's great international ranking was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue my studies at Otago. The course that I intended to join had an expert faculty and a high-ranked, research-focused department. The beautiful location and diverse campus made me finalise Otago as my study abroad destination."
Lani Alo
“I wanted the right course for the type of music that I do and that I want to do when I'm older, and I found that at Otago.”
Laura Fraser
When you choose to study law at Otago, you choose to receive exposure to world class teaching and a wide range of stimulating subjects
Laura Haycock
A degree in biochemistry provided Laura Haycock with an answer and a pathway into the world of pharmaceuticals.
Laurel Quirke
Links between the University of Otago and AgResearch enabled through the Centre for Reproduction and Genomics are benefiting leading science programmes and fast-tracking promising science careers.
Laurelle Smith
Laurelle's project focuses on sleep disturbances in children, focusing on children who are being treated for Sleep Disordered Breathing.
Lauren Chambers
"I decided to make Classics my major at Otago because it combines everything I am interested in: literature, history, languages, art, and mythology as well as architecture and archaeology."
Lauren McEwan-Nugent
Lauren McEwan-Nugent maintains that one of the strengths of Religious Studies is its extraordinary relevance to the world around us.
Lauren Otis
Lauren Otis of the National Food Laboratory in California started at Otago with a degree in Consumer Food Science
Laurie Evans
“The Master of International Studies gives you a skill set that lets you tackle a whole host of problems."
Law in lockdown
Otago law researchers are collaborating with Australian colleagues to analyse the experiences of people who have participated in online legal hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Law on a global scale
Otago senior lecturer Stephen Smith believes the proceedings of the International Criminal Court are of increasing importance for New Zealand.
Learning from experience
A FRST-funded project is allowing business researchers to take a much closer look at how - and how well - New Zealand exporters are doing business in the key emerging markets of China and India.
Learning in the dark
The revival of an ancient maori method of teaching in the dark has had spectacular results for Dr Karyn Paringatai and her students.
Learning in the dark
The revival of an ancient Māori method of teaching in the dark has had spectacular results for Dr Karyn Paringatai and her students.
Leesa McKay
“Studying was one of the best choices I've made, early childhood education is an awesome career and all I can say is I wouldn't change it for the world, I may have finished studying but my learning journey is far from over.”
Leigh Clutterbuck Young
“Geography at university is very different from school … there are so many subjects we had never touched on.”
Lemuela Osorio
Lemuela Osirio is studying for a Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Nursing while working full-time in the Intensive Care Unit at Dunedin Hospital.
Leonard Guy
"For someone in my position- entering Computer Science with a degree from a completely different academic field - the DipGrad is a required qualification before a postgraduate diploma or master's degree can be pursued; it was the only choice."
Lesieli Seaton
“I highly recommend the Te Pōkai programme because you will not only go on a journey of learning to be a teacher but you will discover a new sense of identity. Teaching kaupapa maori starts with knowing who you are and valuing your own history."
Libby Hamilton
"Studying contemporary music really opened my eyes to the intricate craftsmanship behind writing a good song."
Life after death
“Repeatedly, we see the wishes of the living take precedence over the wishes of the dead. This is not based on ethics, but on expediency.”
Life in lockdown
At 11.29pm on 25 March 2020 New Zealand entered Alert Level 4 – a nationwide lockdown.
Lindsay Robertson
After completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH), Lindsay decided to stay on to complete her master's in Public Health and a PhD.
Lindy Fraser
"The beauty of this degree is that it doesn't narrow you down in terms of job prospects."
Line managers influence wellness of staff
Many organisations assume their HRM policies work and deliver optimum staff performance and therefore productivity to their organisation.....how true is this?
Lisa Marshall
The content in these papers has vastly increased my knowledge around pain and the complexities of managing this for my patients.
Lisa McClintock
Lisa McClintock was going to be a Doctor, but discovered a passion for chemistry and was hooked. She now works at Fonterra, improving products using chemistry in the bakery rather than the lab.
Lisa Reynolds
A Bachelor of Science graduate, Lisa works as an administrator and studied part-time to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health.
Liz Goodin
Her research focussed on the gene MET, which is important in a rare bone disease in children called Osteofibrous Dysplasia.
Liz Holland
Liz Holland admits to somewhat divided loyalties when watching the All Blacks play the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup semi-final. The Wallabies were, after all, wearing Canterbury clothing that she had helped to design.
Lloyd Burr
I work with some of the country's most experienced and renowned journalists for New Zealand's biggest multi-media company – my future is bright and Otago is where it all started.
Lloyd McGinty
It's not easy being green, which is precisely why businesses rely on people like Lloyd McGinty to ease the pressure.
Longitudinal lessons
During its more than 30 years of existence, researchers from the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) have published an average of one paper every month.
Longitudinal studies
The University of Otago hosts two of the most significant longitudinal studies in the world – the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study and the Christchurch Health and Development Study.
Looking at lakes
New Zealand, with 3,500 lakes, faces many freshwater issues, yet has relatively few qualified people to help solve them.
Louise Sandford
When Louise Sandford completed her undergraduate degree in Anatomy, she never imagined that her postgraduate studies would take her to a dream job in Wellington with one of the largest non-profit organisations in New Zealand. But this is exactly what happened, and Louise is now the National Research and Policy Manager for the Cancer Society.
Loveday Kempthorne
Loveday Kempthorne completed a BSc with Honours in Maths in 1996. The following year she also completed a BA Honours in French. She continued on to graduate Maths ( Part III of the Mathematical Tripos) at Cambridge, and recently completed a Masters in International Relations.
Luba Lukacova
Luba Lukacova welcomed the opportunity to take on the entire Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences endorsed in Pain and Pain Management as I found it particularly relevant to my clinical role.
Lucie Humphries
“I loved the learning, particularly learning to understand young children's behaviour and how to recognise when and why they are frustrated or angry; basically learning about how they learn."
Lucy Clark
The research skills and critical thinking I developed in my undergraduate degree have been invaluable to my work.
Lucy King
The opportunity for personal development was one of the main factors that led Lucy King to choose the University of Otago.
Luke Gardener
“I wouldn't have studied anywhere elsewhere in New Zealand. I was taught by people who had previously held roles in governments, including the ex-foreign affairs minister of Afghanistan, and academics who are internationally renowned for their work. Otago is a great place to study.”
Luke Minford
“English teaches you how to read, not just for the sake of reading but to get the most out of it, which is an incredibly powerful skill."
Lydia White
"Along with language papers I also had the opportunity to discover many facets of German culture, inlcuding German literature, history, philosophy, and art."
Macaela Joyes
“I would really encourage more students to think about completing HUMS301. It was a really perfect paper to finish off my politics study because I was able to see themes and theories I had studied since my first year in action."
Manuel Wehi
A desire to give back to his home community motivated Manuel Wehi to studying teaching at the University of Otago.
Mapping ancestral landscapes
Modern mapping technology is helping to preserve traditional Māori knowledge.
Marc Matsas
"I'm passionate about science and about teaching, and Otago gave me the life skills to be good at my work."
Marcus Hoefliger
“I wanted to undertake a programme that allowed me to apply the theories I learned in my undergraduate degrees to real-life, practical scenarios. The Master of Entrepreneurship was the perfect programme to achieve this.”
Marewa Kraak
"We launched the business at the end of 2013, and it's growing really fast. We're just making the move into supermarkets, we've launched into Australia, and we're exploring the wider global market."
Margaretha Small-Smith
"Through studying Spanish, I developed an appreciation for communicating with more than words."
Mariam Abdul-Dayyem
“Social media is challenging traditional sociology because the socialisation isn't happening face to face – its virtual. It's interesting to see how sociology can adapt and deal with these changes.”
Marianne Swart
With Physiology the options are endless! “Physiology allows me to work in varied jobs; as a researcher, in industry or allied health as a cardiac, respiratory or sleep physiologist”.
Marica Frost
“My studies were excellent preparation for my role as a Refugee and Protection Officer with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment."
Marine mortality minefield
Saving New Zealand threatened marine animals is being made more complicated by the way the relevant legislation is spread over three Acts of Parliament, according to Faculty of Law senior lecturer Nicola Wheen.
Mary Foley
Otago Law Faculty was the obvious choice, its reputation for collegiality and academic excellence being well founded.
Maryann Cant
At the end of high school I knew I wanted to go into something health related as I enjoyed science based subjects and wanted to be able to make a difference in the community.
Mathew Downs
When John Barlow appealed his conviction for the murders of Gene and Eugene Thomas on the grounds that one aspect of the scientific…
Maths modelling aids brain research
Fast, adaptable, and extremely portable - it is the best computer known to man. Able to learn languages, guide vehicles and make complex computations in a split second, there is nothing that can match the versatility of the human brain.
Matiu Payne
I'm working full-time so I chose postgraduate study via distance because I could fit it in with my work
Matt Hickey
Matt is working as a Water Resource Scientist for the Otago regional Council. His job is to set minimum flows in rivers, carefully balancing the needs of the eco-system to maintain it's sustainability, as well as the needs of users such as farmers wanting water for irrigation
Matt Short
Returning to study postgraduate papers at University of Otago has been one of the most rewarding and progressive decisions Matt believes he has made in his professional career.
Matthew Prouse
Matthew Prouse wanted a career where he could go to work each day and, as he explains, "learn about life and expand my understanding of the world."
Media delivery for voters
Many people think that the media have dumbed down over the years, increasingly producing populist trivia rather than useful information.
Media narratives
Blindsided by COVID-19 and its rampant infectious path, international tourism has contracted with unprecedented swiftness over recent months. Meanwhile, mainstream and social media has become bloated with coronavirus discourse. As someone whose areas of expertise include human behaviour and destination management, Professor Neil Carr (Tourism) has been professionally – but cheerlessly – riveted.
Medicines for equity
Improving access to medicines could be a simple and relatively inexpensive way to ensure a healthier life for all New Zealanders. Otago researchers are working with Pharmac to identify the barriers.
Megan Anderson
Megan Anderson was the first student at the University of Otago to receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Sociology.
Meghan Evans
The University of Otago is the “science university” and this is what attracted Meghan Evans south from Wellington to study biomedical sciences.
Mei Mackay
"Without the enthusiasm and encouragement from the history department staff I might never have developed my passion for history and research."
Melissa Ludeke
"Studying at the University of Otago provided me with the ideal environment to explore my interest in women's health".
Mental health impacts
While most New Zealanders coped well with being in lockdown during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, almost a third experienced high levels of mental distress, well above normal levels, researchers from the University of Otago have found.
Mercy Ah Siu-Maliko
Mercy Ah Siu-Maliko says that her main purpose in coming to the University of Otago was that it “was able to offer postgraduate opportunities especially for women in areas that were mostly dominated by men”.
Michael Stevens
Time takes on peculiar qualities for many PhD students, and for Michael Stevens perhaps more than most.
Michele Burns
The ability to study, work and pursue other interests while in a family environment made distance learning an attractive option.
Middle Eastern perspectives
After years of research and on-the-ground experience, experts from Otago's Department of Politics are helping their students – and the wider world – make sense of Middle East politics.
Mike Owen
For Mike Owen the blend of indoor and outdoor activities along with travel opportunities, variety and job security made studying surveying a no-brainer.
Mind reader
Everyone knows the way mothers speak to their babies is special, but to Dr Mele Taumoepeau the unique linguistic bond between mother and child is more than just baby talk.
Minishka Bradley
“If you are thinking about teaching my only advice is do it. It really is the most rewarding career."
Miriam Jenkins
Since religion and faith are practised in such wildly varying ways around the world, my background has helped me to adjust my viewpoint when working in a multicultural office, and also at competitions abroad.
Model advice
Concerned by how disastrous the coronavirus outbreak could become, Professor Nick Wilson and his team have modelled real-world data throughout the pandemic crisis, providing vital information for government.
Moizle Ocariza
Graduating with a degree in biochemistry in the midst of a global pandemic gave Moizle Ocariza a flying start to her career in biotechnology.
Molly Devine
"It really helped me to be independent– I can write a song, I can sing a song and I can record it."
Monica Singh
“You have to be role models; to learn to balance what you have with what you've learned in order to provide support and advocacy to people and to families."
Moragh Loose
"Anthropology introduced me to a whole way of thinking and understanding people that I hadn't experienced before."
Mothers' darlings
During World War II several thousand mixed-race babies were born to Pacific women and US servicemen serving in the region. Little has been known of these "children" and their stories – until now.
Mutahar Al-Murtadha
“It just shows everything is possible – when I began my studies at Otago I never thought I could publish in a top journal but now it is looking possible.”
Muthasim Fahmy
“Shortage of energy is just round the corner so someone has to do this! Otago offers a variety of pathways, with Energy Studies – which is a science program - and Energy Management which is an applied science program and very practical.”
Myunik Panthi
"I knew by undertaking research at an international level I could get experience that wouldn't be available otherwise.”
Māori economic expression
Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Gianna Leoni is seeking better ways of using the Māori language to express Māori economic aspirations.
Māori mental health: inequity and systemic change
Māori are disproportionately impacted by mental health problems. Dr Cameron Lacey and his team are looking at the reasons for this and how these inequities can be overcome.
Mātauranga Māori
In 1904 Te Rangi Hiroa – later Sir Peter Buck – became Otago's first Maori graduate and the first New Zealand-trained Maori medical doctor.
Naomi Aporo
Naomi Aporo has built a successful career out of combining her talent for business with her passion for Māori culture and heritage.
Natalie Fleming
During First Year Health Science, I particularly enjoyed the biochemistry and pharmacology components, and was curious to learn the mechanisms behind how medicines worked.
Natalie Harfoot
Using the same technology you see on CSI, Natalie Harfoot examines a new set of samples.
Natalie Medlicott
Associate Professor Natalie Medlicott's Pharmacy research involves colleagues in New Zealand, Australia, Denmark and Northern Ireland — and distance is not an issue.
Nathan Alexander
Becoming a teacher wasn't always Nathan's plan. He moved to Otago from Christchurch to study Phys-Ed exclusively, on the recommendation of teachers who had told him it was “the best place in the country” to study the subject.
Nathan Rose
Nathan Rose jokes that he gained a “poker degree” at Otago, with majors in Finance and Psychology.
Nathaniel Christensen
Geography was Nat Christensen's favourite subject at school, but he didn't focus on it when he first started a BA at Otago.
Neha N. Parayath
“I found Dunedin really quiet, but then I started liking the calmness. I think I have got used to it now, and I can work in peace.”
Networking holidays
Social networking is playing an increasingly important role in where people decide to go on holiday and what they do when they get there.
Neuro frontiers
The future looks bright for the country's first academic neurosurgery unit at the University of Otago.
New face to ancient history
Resurrecting the dead may be impossible, but Dr George Dias is achieving the next best thing.
New light on cancer
Researchers in Otago's Departments of Physics and Pathology are combining their expertise in two projects that have the potential to revolutionise techniques used for cancer detection and diagnosis.
New talents
Microbiologist Professor Greg Cook has been awarded the University of Otago's 2014 Distinguished Research Medal for ground-breaking work that may lead to a breakthough in the fight against diseases such as tuberculosis. He is also committed to mentoring a new generation of talented researchers.
Nic Vipond
“I'm finding there are more opportunities with respect to work and learning available and I have the confidence to explore more academic work-related pursuits."
Nicola Bunkenburg
Nicola graduated with a BSc(Honours) in Biochemistry at the end of 2008. By March 2009 she was employed by Global Science, supplying scientific products throughout Southern New Zealand.
Nicole Chuah
PPE gives you the substantial depth in a cohesive breadth of disciplines that prepares you for jobs in a range of fields, such as politics, business and journalism.
Nicole Chuah
“Otago appealed for its ideal mix of academic and social activities and Dunedin has all the right kinds of student town vibes.”
Nicole Jenkins
Nicole Jenkins has always loved to dance, so when she found out the University of Otago was offering dance papers, she knew she had to make it part of her degree.
Nicotine "hit" a new way to quit
A key driver in the Government's aspirational Smokefree 2025 goal for New Zealand is better help for smokers wanting to quit. With that vision for the future in mind, University of Otago, Wellington researchers are breaking new ground in the area of smoking cessation.
Niki Lomax
I loved studying arts and it was an excellent foundation for the 'real world'. It helps you develop effective communication and analytical skills which are immensely useful in any workplace.
Niki Osborne
Niki has always been fascinated by the processes used by police investigators to link evidence to perpetrators. Her research looks at how forensic decision-makers can be swayed by more than just the evidence, and how miscarriages of justice can be prevented.
Nita Sullivan
Nita works as a graduate advisor in the Mayor's Office at the Christchurch City Council, a job that involves providing research, analysis and advice to support the Mayor in her leadership role within Christchurch City.
Nuno Hermiterio
I felt I needed to understand the way Radiation Therapy is taught in New Zealand in order to do a better job teaching them
Obesity interventions
With statistics showing that around one third of young New Zealanders are overweight, research programmes are looking at ways to modify both the eating and activity patterns of our babies and children.
Ocean explorers
From the largest to the very smallest sea creatures, and from estuaries to deep-water trenches, Otago researchers are striving to increase our understanding of the vast oceans that make our planet habitable.
Ocean travellers
An evening stroll along one of Dunedin's most popular beaches has led to a fascinating discovery by Department of Zoology researchers.
Oliver Broughton
"Threats of power blackouts from low Hydro lake levels in my final school years piqued my interest in a career in the energy industry. I attended the open day in yr 13, picking up some brochures for Energy Studies – it looked awesome."
Olivia Buckner
"I learnt in a team teaching environment, which made everything less daunting and meant that I started my teaching career with confidence."
Olivia Glazebrook
Olivia Glazebrook, Heinz Watties recipient and graduate of the Food Science Department
One health for our health
COVID-19 has highlighted the impact of humanity's changing relationship with the environment. Infectious disease expert Professor David Murdoch says a One Health approach is needed to help ward off future threats.
Oral vaccine breakthrough
Immune Solutions Ltd, a spin-out company formed by Otago Innovation Ltd, the University of Otago's commercial arm, has developed a world-leading oral delivery method for vaccines and bioactives for commercial use.
Oscar Acland
“While volunteering at Dunedin Community Accounting (DCA) I was able to implement the strategies and concepts I'd learned during my studies to help fix day-to-day issues that affect non-profit charities in Dunedin. I also had the opportunity to organise and run a seminar to help first-time treasurers understand their role in their non-profit organisations. Many of the skills I learned from my DCA experience were easily transferable to the activities I performed during a summer internship with Ernst Young in Christchurch.”
Otago innovators
“Today we may not know enough to see the practical bearing of this work, but who dare predict what we shall see tomorrow.”
Otago's People: Katie Lane
Travelling to exotic locations with an international rally motorsport team may sound like a life of glamour, but Otago alumna Katie Lane says it's not only the drivers that need focus and “grit” to stay ahead of the competition.
Our urban future
With 87 per cent of New Zealanders now living in cities and towns, planning for urban resilience is needed more than ever. What development path should New Zealand's cities take to ensure the maximum environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits can be gained?
PCOS study brings the best capabilities together
A 27-year working relationship has brought the best of sheep and human research capabilities together and laid the foundation for a developing area of study.
Pacific people
The University of Otago has a long association with its Pacific neighbours. From the early 1930s, a series of bright young men from the islands blazed a path to Otago, determined to advance opportunities for indigenous people.
Pain of ageing
As part of a growing focus on how New Zealanders can age well, Professor David Baxter is investigating the impact of pain and its associated disabilities on older people's lives.
Pain relief
Every week Christchurch general practitioner Dr Ben Hudson sees patients with severe pain from osteoarthritis, but with few options for relief.
Paola Voci
"I'm interested in the type of dissent that these forms of visual culture can produce and how they can contribute to create a more open society."
Paris Potaka-Goossens
What I love about the course is that you can do both hygiene and therapy rather than having to choose one or the other.
Past impacts: future clues
A study by PhD Geology student Felix Marx has shown that the evolution of modern whales was driven by a combination of food abundance and climate change, findings which could help scientists predict the impacts of future global changes on these creatures.
Past, present, future
Understanding the legacy of New Zealand's complicated past will be made easier by research from the University of Otago's Centre for Research on Colonial Culture (CRCC).
Paulien van Geel
Paulien van Geel works with families addressing family nutrition and lifestyle goals. She is employed by Sport Wellington as the Active Families advisor.
Peaceful solutions
The National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, established at the University of Otago in 2009, combines multidisciplinary expertise and research on the global issues of development, peace-building and conflict transformation. Two of the centre's staff discuss the effectiveness of non-violence as a means of countering terrorism and repressive regimes.
Penny McRandle
Penny McRandle chose to study at Otago for its variety of Health Sciences courses and discovered a passion for Pharmacology.
Peter Murray
Peter Murray is a medical doctor who is currently undertaking his specialist training with the New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine.
Petra McCallum
Petra McCallum has pursued her fascination for other cultures and languages across continents - originally from Melbourne, she has lived in Ecuador, Spain and England.
Philippa McNulty
Few 14-year-olds have an interest in accountancy, but then again few can boast a top-shelf London lifestyle by the time they reach their mid-20s.
Philosophical paradoxes
A University of Otago philosopher is seeking to explain something that has puzzled philosophers since at least the fourth century.
Pitcairn postdoc
Few stories have captured the imagination of readers as successfully as the extraordinary South Seas tale of Fletcher Christian and fellow mutineers on the HMS Bounty.
Policy school fosters tourism rethink
At the time of writing, Professor James Higham (Tourism) has just spotted an article in the Otago Daily Times that points to some heartening gown-to-town traction in the tourism industry.
Politics of friendship
"For most of the 20th century political friendships have been equated with nepotism and favouritism, which do not fit with the idea of objective democracy"
Power to change
The interdisciplinary Energy Cultures project is finding out why New Zealanders are slow to adopt energy-efficient technologies.
Pressure on food processing
A means of food processing and preservation that maintains nutritional benefits, taste, colour and appearance while at the same time keeps the product stable, safe and easy to use is something of a holy grail for food scientists.
Preston Maluafiti
Over the summer Preston worked on a project which looked at the global state of involvement of indigenous knowledge in ecosystem restoration.
Primary solutions
Professor Tony Dowell and Dr Sunny Collings (University of Otago, Wellington) are convinced that GPs and other primary health-care professionals can provide more effective care to the thousands of people suffering from mild to moderate mental health problems in New Zealand.
Printing cartilage
A third of the New Zealand population will be aged over 60 by 2051. This growth, combined with an elderly population living longer and more active lives, means an epidemic of degenerative joint disease is fast approaching. Dr Tim Woodfield, of the Christchurch Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (CReATE) Group, is working on a way to address this epidemic.
Professor Cliff Abraham - 2009 Distinguished Research Medal recipient
The brain is an astonishing device for storing the information with which it is bombarded, every moment of the day.
Professor John Crump
Professor Crump's work focuses on infectious diseases that cause fever, a very common syndrome in the tropics and one that is often equated with malaria.
Project set to fly
Fundmental questions, such as what factors airlines consider when adding or reducing flights to New Zealand, are to be examined under a FRST grant secured by Associate Professor David Timothy Duval (Department of Tourism).
Public housing marae-style
A project in Wellington to build public housing connected to a microgrid on Māori reserve land is providing a way for one community to deal with the housing crisis and could become a pilot project for others around the country.
Puzzling disparity
Contrary to international trends, in which testicular cancer is a disease of white men, New Zealand's rates are highest among Māori compared to any other ethnic group, including Pacific men for whom rates are the lowest.
Qais Nayle
Qais Nayle's dream of becoming a doctor has led him from war-torn Afghanistan, via Pakistan, to Dunedin where he arrived in 2009 hoping to complete the medical degree he had started at Aryana University in Peshawar. Dunedin was an easy choice as his wife, Marwa, was already an Otago student (she has since completed Oral Health and Dental Technology qualifications)
Quantum Leap
From cutting-edge research with real-world application, to the generation of fundamental knowledge about how the physical universe is composed and behaves – the new Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies offers exciting potential.
Quantum leap
Otago physicists have used laser-cooling technology to slow a group of rubidium 85 atoms; then, by using a laser beam, or optical "tweezers", they have been able to isolate and capture one atom – and photograph it through a microscope.
Quinn Berentson
'Because zoology is non-professional you are not locked into a career path,' he says. 'You can steer it where you want to at varsity or go in a number of directions afterwards. 'Zoology is learning more about the things you see every day out of the window - especially in Dunedin
Rachael Dyche
Rachael Dyche literally fell for physiotherapy in her last year at school. After a fall she had to have physiotherapy - and she realised that was the career for her.
Rachael Holloway
Distance learning meant I could study at night, and when my son had an afternoon nap I could get a little bit of reading done.
Rachael Lander
“Human geography was the degree that offered the broad combination of economic, political and social issues that I was looking for.”
Rachael Marren
“I really like the way that all your papers overlap, and you can increasingly see how each one is relevant to all the others”
Rachel Malden
For Rachel Malden, coming to the University of Otago wasn't the easiest choice, but it turned out to be the right one.
Rachel Piper
Studying at Otago was a pivotal step for a young girl from Invercargill in becoming a partner in the multinational professional services firm…
Rajeshni Naidu
This area of practice is very challenging and always gives me opportunities to do further studies and research.
Rangimarie Mules
"At the University of Otago they didn't put barriers or obstacles in the way I thought. I really appreciated the way the people around me opened my mind to affect change in a positive way."
Raphael Richter-Gravier
Raphael Richter-Gravier who studied for a DipGrad in Japanese and Māori Studies
Rapid response
The University of Otago's “exceptional expertise” in infectious diseases has proven invaluable as New Zealand confronted a long-predicted pandemic, but one for which it was ill-prepared.
Raquel Hill
"Language learners often feel self-conscious about baring their fledgling skills in front of their peers, but I was always made to feel relaxed and received plenty of encouragement."
Ready results
Hand-held technology used to identify plant viruses in the field is informing the development of a new device to quickly detect COVID-19, delivering on-the-spot results and potentially transforming the diagnostic process.
Real-world science fiction
Understanding what it would take to effectively cloak an object and make it invisible may sound fanciful, but the lessons learned along the way are likely to feed into other
areas of technology.
Rebecca Campbell
Associate Professor Rebecca Campbell's work focuses on the neural circuits that control fertility. “We examine how these circuits work normally, and also try to define whether problems in these circuits contribute to infertility.”
Rebecca Lawrence
Rebecca Lawrence completed her final year of high school in Denmark on exchange. Before she went she had been undecided about what to study at university, but while she was away Rebecca realised that she really missed the outdoors of New Zealand, and was really interested in finding out more about the natural environment.
Rebecca Llewellyn
Having an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and psychology, Rebecca wanted to study and work at a level of greater influence than her original plans of being a clinical psychologist would allow.
Rebecca McLean
“For me it is essential that my research has the potential for real change—that it can influence policy and practice for better health outcomes.”
Rebecca Thomson
Following her passion to study Philosophy gave Rebecca Thomson an edge when it came to her career.
Rebekah Crake
Rebekah Crake grew up in Christchurch and wanted to stay in her home town while she did postgraduate study.
Regenerative tourism
Tourism Professor James Higham argues that the COVID-ushered pause is the moment to reconceive the tourism industry.
Religious treasure rediscovered
Indiana Jones and the Da Vinci Code may be fictional, but academics really do have their moments in solving age-old mysteries in exotic locations.
Renee Heal
"The study of politics has given me a truly international worldview: many of my travel choices have been inspired by the content of my degree and the passion inspired by my lecturers."
Renewable goals: 100%
How will the effects of climate change impact New Zealand's energy system? Dr Jen Purdie is heading a Deep South Science Challenge project to find out.
Replacing replacements
In spite of years of education campaigns and steadily rising tobacco prices, 22 per cent of New Zealand's adult population continue to smoke.
Repositioning Nepal
After the earth moved: Dr Chris Pearson has been helping to create a new surveying computer model for Nepal.
Research guides better health
Sugar, carbohydrate, sodium: nutrition research at Otago is influencing and informing World Health Organization guidelines.
Researchers examine seaweed beds in the Otago harbour
Research into macroalgae or seaweed goes back 140 years at the University of Otago, but it has never been more relevant than it is now as a new generation of researchers examine the potential of these prolific marine plants in future food production, as a carbon sink and in mitigating intensive farming impacts in both the sea and on land.
Researching science
“There's a big problem in academia and that's the problem of specialisation. People speak in their own esoteric tongues to specialised audiences - it's a real intellectual danger.”
Rethink for Māori economy
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the Māori economy, but has also presented it with opportunities, says Otago Business School's Associate Dean – Māori, Dr Katharina Ruckstuhl.
Rethinking back pain
As many as 30 per cent of New Zealanders have back pain on any day, causing suffering, reduced quality of life and hundreds of millions of dollars spent in health care.
Rethinking literacy
Education in the digital world presents new challenges – and opportunities. Otago researchers are looking at ways in which new technologies can deliver the best results for young New Zealanders.
Reuben Steff
"Studying Politics at Otago provided me with an insight into the diversity of the world that I would otherwise not have gained."
Right amount Right place Right time
Pharmaceutical coating technologies are being developed to provide innovative and more efficient solutions for agriculture.
Right on track
Southern right whales, once hunted to commercial extinction, are re-colonising New Zealand.
Roanne Hurley
Lots of friends, a wide range of subjects, and practical application of the knowledge aquired : Physical Education was definitely the right choice for Roanne!
Rob Aitken
Dr Rob Aitken brings the savvy eye of a media expert to his current work as a Marketing lecturer at the University of Otago.
Robert Patman
“One of the key challenges of teaching is to communicate ideas and information clearly”
Robyn McLean
"In Information Science you're looking at business rules and how to match them through information systems."
Roman review
A study of archaeological evidence from the Spanish city of Mérida by a University of Otago Classics lecturer, Dr Dan Osland, could rewrite the textbooks on Roman and medieval history.
Rosemary Gibson
Are Colin McCahon's religious paintings akin to “graffiti on the walls of some celestial lavatory?” At Otago you can decide for yourself.
Roslyn Kemp
”I've tried to take the best ideas from my mentors and help students to learn not only the science but how to be scientists in the real world.”
Routine survey
Christchurch researchers are part of an international effort to understand how isolation and the disruption of routines associated with COVID-19 have affected people with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression.
Routing gout. Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research
Rheumatologist Dr Lisa Stamp could have been a professional musician – a cellist – but half way through a Bachelor of Music degree she decided to be a doctor instead.
Roy Britten
Increasing frustration over his desk-bound office job and a lack of people contact inspired Roy Britten to retrain as a nurse.
Running on pond scum
Otago scientists are manipulating the process of photosynthesis to find new and renewable sources of energy.
Russell Blakelock
Russell Blakelock believes Otago's Distance Learning programme offers him the flexibility he needs, as well as a sense of community that he also believes to be important.
Russell Simpson
“This qualification is professionally relevant, and because it is a clinical master's there is more weight added to its value”
Ruth Cunningham
Ruth Cunningham's doctorate, with funding from an HRC clinical fellowship, is focusing on the unanswered question of what happens when someone with severe mental illness then develops cancer?
Ryegrass re-imagined
A group of University of Otago biochemists is working to improve sustainability on New Zealand's beef, dairy and sheep farms, focusing not on the animals themselves, but on the food they eat: ryegrass.
Safer sex
There is compelling evidence that decriminalisation achieved the aim of addressing sex workers' human rights and had a positive effect on their health and safety.
Sam Scott
Sam Scott says "I was surprised how easy it was to learn Chinese as I had previously written myself off as 'not being a languages person'"
Sam Trethewey
Originally from Christchurch, Sam Trethewey decided to study at Otago after hearing good things about the Otago Department of Finance and even better things about the Otago lifestyle.
Santoria Utufua-Leavai
Otago not only is the best place to experience being a student, but it is also, in my own biased opinion, the best place to nurture some of the most passionate people in the world.
Sapere aude
Exhorted by the University's founders to “dare to be wise”, Otago alumni have, indeed, dared. They have questioned traditional norms, challenged us with new ideas and inspired us with their creative thought.
Sara Humphreys
From the beginning, Sara Humphreys has been keen to explore the world around her, in all sorts of ways.
Sara Walton
“Some of the ways global business is taking sustainability seriously is fascinating and quite inspiring.”
Sarah Adam
It was the international quality of staff and facilities at the Department of Food Science that brought Sarah to Otago.
Sarah Baldwin
Sarah Baldwin reckons Otago could gives job-seekers an edge even in tough times. She's hoping that the skills she's learned at Otago will make the difference when it comes to starting her career.
Sarah Borrie
Sarah Borrie was keen to gain a qualification with an international outlook, but she didn't expect her studies to take her around the world before she'd even graduated.
Sarah Jodczyk
“If you think of a chromosome as a shoelace, the telomere is like the protective plastic cap on the end, '' says geneticist Sarah Jodczyk.
Sarah Maessen
Sarah has been in the Department of Women's and Children's Health since 2013 after completing her undergraduate studies in Psychology.
Sarah McKinnon
"...Otago has the lifestyle, its cheaper to live here and there's more financial support available than there is at home in Australia."
Sarah Meldrum
"I'm so pleased I settled on Information Science because it offers the best of both worlds, combining business and technology in the one degree."
Satellite secrets
Fifty years ago the idea of instant communication with anyone, anywhere on the planet, was just a dream.
Saving te reo Māori
Māori speakers in Dunedin and Otago face an uphill battle to keep their language skills alive so they can pass them on to new generations. But soon they could be getting help, following collaboration between local families, Ngāi Tahu and a multidisciplinary team from the University of Otago.
Sa'ane Meki
“Knowledge and discovery are led by reasearchers and it would be cool to contribute to new discoveries that lead to an improvement in health care”.
Scientists rise to the challenge
“Nature will eventually challenge mankind again with an equivalent of the 1918 influenza virus. We need to be careful, but we also need to be prepared.”
Scott Cardwell
Scott says that Otago has a huge amount to offer people who want to succeed in the business world.
Scott Hooson
Scott is currently working for the Department of Conservation as Technical Advisor for Operation Ark, a South Island-wide project designed to protect three particular native bird species.
Scott Ransom
Scott Ransom discovered there's a place for students with a love of writing and a penchant for the absurd. It's called Theatre Studies at Otago.
Seismic shift
The bottom of a pristine West Coast lake has revealed secrets that have huge implications for the way we plan for the effects of large earthquakes along the South Island's Alpine Fault.
Seizing answers
Spectacular advances in molecular genetics hold great promise for the discovery of genetic mutations that cause diseases, such as epilepsy, and for consequent understanding of developmental biology.
Sensing COVID
Dr Mei Peng has joined an international group of researchers looking at smell and taste as early warning signs of COVID-19 infection.
Serra Kilduff
Serra Kilduff completed a BSc in Botany with a minor in Geology in 2008. Since then she's been working at Plant Variety Research, a very small offshoot of Intellectual Property New Zealand.
Seti Afoa
I don't have a degree so for me this is less of a career choice than a desire to achieve a personal goal.
Shalini Kennedy
“Studying classics allowed me to think outside the box and gave me the confidence to do anything.”
Shane Wohlers
'My job requires creative adaptability, the ability to come to creative solutions and exceptional communication'
Shannon Clarke
Shannon explored a range of subjects when she started Uni, She completed her degree and PhD in plant biotechnology. She has now changed tack again and is a scientist with the Animal Genomics group at AgResearch in Dunedin. “Although I began my science career in plant biotechnology, the wide ranges of skills that you learn are applicable to all areas of science.”
Shaping our cities
A multidisciplinary cross-agency research project, led by Otago's Sesquicentennial Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, sets out to measure the impact of quality public housing on the well-being of families and communities.
Sharing history
Worldwide collaborations are helping to piece together stories from ancient settlements across Asia and the Pacific.
Sharleen Irvine
Sharleen Irvine came to Hands-On Science at the start of year 13 and found out heaps about health sciences, getting into the professional courses and how Health Science First Year feeds into all of those.
Sharnee Diamond
Sharnee Diamond is looking forward to applying her knowledge to research in minority health.
Sheldon Teare
Aspects of what I learnt studying Classics, such as ancient manufacturing methods and materials, are useful to my work as a Conservator as we have to understand how an object was made and from what before we can treat it.
Shelley MacDonell
Shelley believes that she could not have done her research in any other department.
Shocking behaviour
Identifying the foreshock phases of an earthquake sequence could lead to more accurate forecasting of main shocks, says Dr Ting Wang (Department of Mathematics and Statistics).
Shopping strategies
The healthiest food choices are not always the easiest ones to make, says Dr Ninya Maubach, of the University of Otago's Department of Marketing.
Sian Barris
I chose Otago because of its reputation for being the best physical education school in the country.
Simone Colson
“I have absolutely no regrets about studying biochemistry and encourage you to take it on.”
Simple solution
Worms cause more than one billion cases of gastrointestinal infections every year. A simple new device could potentially revolutionise the way in which these parasites can be identified and treated.
Simple tests
With a suite of novel protein biomarkers patented in areas of unmet clinical need, the Christchurch Heart Institute is helping to save lives, time and money.
Simran Maggo
To better understand the side-effects of cholesterol-reducing drugs, Pharmacology PhD student Simran Maggo is teaching guinea pigs to swim.
Singapore collaboration
A well-established research connection between the Christchurch Heart Institute and the National University of Singapore is enabling innovative work with significant global implications, changing the way heart failure is viewed from one art of the world to another.
Skye Kimura
“I always knew I wanted to work in advocacy or something in the area of creating change and I started working in public health early on.”
Small applications
Nanoparticles may be very small, but they are also immensely powerful as the basis of new tools for a wide range of uses – from improving current technology to inventing new ways of doing things.
Smoking gun
Professor Janet Hoek uses the "David and Goliath" analogy to describe the battle between "social marketers" who take on the challenge of promoting public health measures and the corporations that market harmful products to consumers.
Snow models water flows
With advances in state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies, this Deep South National Science Challenge project aims to provide policymakers with a more robust model of seasonal snow accumulation and the implications for catchment processes.
Software studies
Dr Sherlock Licorish (Information Science) studies software systems and the people who develop them, to try to reduce the incidence of failures – such as the notorious Novopay payroll system for New Zealand schools.
Solar particles at play
Solar particles expelled from the Sun are responsible for spectacular polar auroras – and a lot more. Otago scientists are examining their role in regional climate variability as well.
Sophie Dempster
Sophie Dempster started her journey at Otago studying Management and Marketing, but as she got to know the staff and talk to them about her passions the idea of her majoring in Human Resource Management (HRM) became apparent.
Sophie Gilmore
"Employers value what they call visual literacy, and you'll definitely get that from art history (and visual culture).”
Spoilt for choice
"We have a generic solution to any problem that involves ranking or allocating resources."
Spreading the mats of welcome and belonging
The Falafolaloa project will draw on the experiences of local Pacific communities to help welcome Pacific climate change refugees to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stacey Edwards
Stacey's message to students with impairments who are either thinking about attending University or currently studying is please don't be afraid to ask for help.
Stacey Gullen-Reynolds
When Stacey Gullen-Reynolds left school at 15 having passed only one School Certificate subject, it was hard to imagine that one day she would be handing out education and career advice to others.
Standing up for the environment
Long before the importance of nature conservation was a mainstream concern, Emeritus Professor Sir Alan Mark was leading the way.
Stephanie Moran
I initially trained as a nurse, but after a few years I wanted to know more about what caused illnesses in people.
Stephanie Rigter
Stephanie Rigter, Entomophagy: Understanding Consumers' Discourses towards Eating Insects in New Zealand
Stephanie Workman
After graduating with a BBiomedSc degree in REGD in 2016, Stephanie is now enrolled in a BBiomedSc(Hons) degree, where she is discovering just how much she loves learning new techniques and how much fun it is to have the opportunity to contribute to research discoveries in embryology.
Stephen Clarke
“The Biochemistry staff were really enthusiastic and willing to take time out to talk. The labs and courses were well organised and the subjects were interesting and diverse, setting me up for many potential directions later on.”
Stepping up sustainability
When the food miles debate erupted in 2007, it took soundly researched data from the Agriculture Research Group on Sustainability (ARGOS) to debunk a myth that was threatening to derail New Zealand's food export industry.
Steve Price
An interest in entrepreneurship and having his own start-up business underway (atFax) brought Steve Price to the University of Otago for its Master of Entrepreneurship degree.
Stevie TeHau-Fergusson
At Te Tumu – School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, “the staff are so passionate about what they do, they have lived and breathed what they are teaching and that makes it easier to connect with students.”
Strategising hauora Māori
In August 2013, Associate Professor Suzanne Pitama (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whare) became the first person to complete a PhD with a focus on indigenous medical health education.
Student movement
A collaborative project looking at how Dunedin high school pupils get to and from school has produced some concerning preliminary findings about young people's levels of physical activity, nutrition and daily screen time.
Su Yong Hu
Su Yong Hu is the Business Development Manager for StemLife, a cord blood and adult stem cell banking and therapeutics company.
Super gel potential
A revolutionary super gel, found to reduce the post-operative complications of sinus surgery, was last year commercialised in a significant collaborative deal for the University of Otago.
Super nomads
A solution to one person's computer problem is likely to have much wider benefits for computer users. Associate Professor Andrew Trotman (Computer Science) devised the idea of building a portable, high-performance, personal supercomputer to solve his problem of trying to manage large amounts of data on a limited budget.
Survey highlights parents' concerns
Christchurch researchers used social media and a network of school principals to fast-track research and provide timely advice to government on how best to communicate with parents about COVID-19.
Sustainable accountability
From individuals to industry, sustainability considerations are featuring increasingly in financial decision-making here and internationally. Otago researchers are working at the forefront of this emerging field.
Sustaining tourism
Growing concern about the carbon dioxide emissions associated with long-haul air travel may not stop UK and European tourists coming here, but it might bring about a rethink on how itineraries are planned and the way the experience is marketed.
Sweet!
Test-tasting chocolate doesn't sound like a tough task, but it's more
difficult than it might seem.
Switching on to cultural change
"New Zealand lags behind most developed countries in adopting energy-efficient behaviours and technologies, and we have been slow to set vigorous standards for energy efficiency in comparison to the rest of the world"
Symptoms of things to come
Imagine if the early signs of Crohn's disease were noticed up to 10 years before the illness began to ravage the bowel.
Tackling Cancer with a No. 8 wire Mentality and 21st Century Technology
PhD student Chris Hakkaart describes his journey from the biology class of a small river town to the University of Otago's renowned Centre for Translational Cancer Research.
Taking flight
Global tourism behaviours are expected to change as concerns about aviation carbon emissions continue to grow.
Taking on the big C
Pacific Edge is a biotechnology success story in a clinical field where there is high demand around the world: the early detection and management of cancer.
Targeted therapies
The more we learn about cancer, the more complex it appears to be – but now new techniques offer hope for more effective diagnosis and treatment.
Te Awanui Waaka
The University of Otago was a long way from home for Te Awanui Waaka when he was looking at his options to study health sciences five years ago.
Te Hau White
“I gained a range of transferable skills during my time at university – the ability to read, analyse and interpret information in a meaningful way is really valuable in my day-to-day working life.”
Teagan Hoskin
A Summer Studentship project at the University of Otago, Christchurch, opened up a world of opportunity for Teagan Hoskin – including a research job in London and a clinically-focused PhD.
Tecwyn King
"Whether I was composing a four-part harmony or playing shredding guitar solos, the expertise of the teaching staff was the reason for my success as a musician."
Telling technology
Dr David Ciccoricco, who has been researching what happens when narrative fiction meets digital technology, says that rather than threatening the existence of story-telling, digital technology is changing the way we are able to write and read narrative fiction.
Teri Higgins
Teri Higgins' past year at Otago has been one big horror film - her major project was an honours dissertation on the "psychoanalytical failure of the remake of Psycho".
Terrence O'Brien
Terrence O'Brien enrolled in Otago's Bachelor of Teaching (Primary). The experience, he says, was outstanding.
Terri Caulcutt
“This programme allows social workers to undertake further studies with a distinctly social work emphasis”
Tessa Cameron
For Tessa Cameron a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in finance and economics helped her develop into the entrepreneurial business women she is today.
Testicular cancer disparities
The occurrence of testicular cancer in New Zealand appears to be different to other parts of the developed world, particularly in relation to ethnicity and socio-economic status.
The BRCA code
Angelina Jolie drew worldwide attention to the familial risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Otago's Dr Logan Walker is now working to develop screening tools to identify those most at risk of these cancers.
The DNA code
Professor Vicky Cameron and her team at the Christchurch Heart Institute are looking at the role of non-coding DNA – or "junk DNA" – as a risk factor for heart disease.
The climate change challenge
Otago researchers from across the academic disciplines are working together to help tackle the ever-growing threat climate change poses for New Zealand and beyond.
The marae and its place
"The marae represents modern-day New Zealand's unique social and cultural point of difference. Can we afford to lose it?"
The march to 9/11
"America's post-Somalia approach was supposed to be about putting the interests of national security first. Instead it came back to bite them."
The rhythms of life
Dr Shieak Tzeng (Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, Wellington) is fascinated by the big unanswered questions in the murky depths of the body's physiology.
The secret life of bones
The work of bioarchaeologist Dr Sian Halcrow can be likened to that of a modern-day detective – except her clues are ancient, locked inside the bones and teeth of people who lived thousands of years ago.
The sports trinity
Sport, beer advertising and alcohol could be said to form a "trinity" that is having an increasingly powerful influence on society.
The sustainability crisis and the role of research
As the sustainability crisis deepens, business-as-usual is no longer an option, says Professor Janet Stephenson. She argues that we have to radically change how we produce and consume ¬¬– and that integrated research must play a key role in that.
The value of te reo Māori
Based at Otago's Te Tumu - School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, Associate Professor Poia Rewi (Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Te Arawa) works on a regional and national level in multiple areas of Te Reo promotion, teaching and research, and his current projects highlight his unwavering focus.
Thesis aims to find out why younger ewes are less fertile
Mysterious and little-studied structures within sheep oocytes have caught PhD student Karen Reader's eye through the microscope.
Thinking about drinking
Preventive and Social Medicine Professor Jennie Connor believes we're in a state of denial about just how harmful our national drinking habits really are.
Thinking big
Professor Craig Rodger is achieving internationally significant results in the ultimate global arena – space.
Thomas van Florenstein Mulder
Tom Mulder's career as an economic analyst at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand had its origins in his Christchurch school days.
Tianyu Ying
Dunedin's climate is not usually cited as one of the attractions of coming to the University of Otago, but it's a plus for Tourism lecturer Dr Tianyu Ying.
Tiffany Somers-Edgar
"I really liked chemistry at school and I'd always been interested in medical research."
Tili Matangi Puloka
I love helping people and making sure they are getting as much benefit from their medicines as possible.
Tilman Davies
“There are all sorts of jobs these days for people who can interpret and analyse data.”
Tim Friedlander
The knowledge I have gained through the course has been immediately applicable in practice and has served to both deepen my understanding of pain and pain management.
Tim Nixon
Tim Nixon has had a colourful career since completing the Master of Entrepreneurship. He heads up Runaway, the computer games division of Natural History New Zealand.
Tissue transparency
The development of strategies to future-proof human tissue research throughout New Zealand is the aim of a virtual biobank initiative being driven by the Centre for Society, Governance and Science
Tom Mottershead
In Tom Mottershead's first year at Otago he was able to study his twin passions of music and maths, but he was limited to majoring in only one for an arts or science degree. But then Otago developed the Bachelor of Arts and Science degree (BASc) to allow students with diverse interests to combine both disciplines.
Tom Scott
When Tom Scott graduated from the University of Otago he found himself heading in quite a different direction than he had initially planned.
Tom Wiggins
Tom Wiggins has discovered that a postgraduate degree in biochemistry opens up career opportunities in amazing places around the world.
Tourism and te ao Māori
Māori cultural values need to be front and centre of tourism planning and management, says Associate Professor Anna Carr.
Tourism reset
A focus on volume over value has not been good for New Zealand's tourism industry, says Professor Juergen Gnoth. He suggests that Kiwis' own holiday experiences should be the blueprint for future development.
Tourism's new destination
“Regenerative”, “holistic” and “sustainable” are words being used to describe the future for New Zealand tourism, with greater emphasis on the well-being of host communities. University of Otago researchers are at the forefront of this thinking.
Towards a greener transport future
University of Otago, Wellington researchers are reimagining land transport options, looking at how different scenarios might impact health and equity.
Tracey Daysh-Andrew
“The RTRU is a fabulous community of both academics and students. Your study is well supported and is an achievable goal for students who want to extend their knowledge in a specific area”.
Tracing metals
Dr Rob Middag is on a quest to find out more about oceanic trace metals – essential nutrients for all organisms – and how these are affected by changes in the environment.
Tricks of the trade. Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research.
Otago researchers are at the forefront of international collaborations to use vaccines to tackle specific cancers.
Tuatara return south
It may not be as internationally recognisable as the kiwi, but the tuatara is well known in the scientific world as the last survivor of a prehistoric group of reptiles called rhynchocephalians.
Tulua Sekone-Fraser
“I wanted to be a change-maker; helping young people find the right path to a better future."
Turoa Gallagher
We would like to encourage Māori students to apply for Dentistry as more Māori dental graduates are needed.
Tyson Tautari
“What I enjoyed most about studying through Te Tumu was the whānau feeling. The teaching support was incredible; they were approachable and welcoming, and all genuinely wanted to see their students succeed."
Tītī traditions
Modern science combines with mātauranga to protect muttonbird harvesting for future generations.
Under control
How young children exert self-control is central to work being carried out by Dr Damian Scarf of the Department of Psychology.
Understanding Māori health inequities
"I oversee a number of programmes supporting young Māori into health professional degrees at Otago and ultimately growing the Māori health workforce in New Zealand."
Unequal playing fields
New Zealanders like to believe their country is a place of relative equality; however, recent reports have shown that New Zealand is among the top 10 “most unequal” countries in the developed world in terms of income differentials.
Upcycled food: doing more and better
Otago's new Upcycled Food Lab is promoting the development of new, high-quality foods from products that would otherwise be wasted.
Vaccine development
The University of Otago is part of a nationwide team-approach to vaccine development, working with a range of research groups, institutions and companies around the country, including the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Victoria University of Wellington, AgResearch, Avalia Immunotherapies, ESR and South Pacific Sera.
Vanessa Cave
Vanessa Cave came to Otago planning to study Biochemistry. She took a couple of Mathematics and statistics papers in her first year, and was hooked! She graduated in 2002 with a BSc Honours in Statistics.
Vanessa Lattimore
“I wanted to do postgraduate study in genetics and especially in the field of health so my work could help people.''
Vanessa Lattimore
Christchurch PhD candidate Vanessa Lattimore has a strong history of breast cancer in her family. Three of five sisters in her family tree either suffered from or died of breast cancer.
Vice-Chancellor's introduction
2020 has been an extraordinary year in the life of the University of Otago – for our students, for our staff, for their families and loved ones, and for the communities that our research and scholarship support.
Vickie Saunders
"The communication and analytical skills that I developed during my Linguistics studies, combined with an acquired learning aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new languages, are invaluable tools in my present role."
Vintage science
Cutting-edge techniques are being used to inform the future of Central Otago wines, helping identify what makes a truly great pinot noir.
Waiana Mulligan
“Policy is about identifying problems and coming up with solutions. The critical thinking skills gained in a Humanities degree allow you to think more laterally, to think outside the box. The writing and verbal communication skills you get are also very useful in a policy context."
Warrick Low
"I'm very passionate about tourism and I'm very passionate about beer. So it's come together very nicely."
Wastewater detection
Testing sewage for the presence of COVID-19 could be an additional safeguard in the fight against the virus.
Wei Wang
What really interests Wei Wang, who is studying for his master's degree in Computer Science, is the evolution of multi-core processors.
Weight of responsibility
He may be one of New Zealand's most esteemed experts on childhood obesity, but Professor Barry Taylor has all but given up trying to enable overweight children to slim down.
Welcome
Welcome to He Kitenga, an annual research highlights book published by the University of Otago to showcase research of topical importance.
Welcome to He Kitenga 2020
The dominating event of 2020 is the COVID-19 global pandemic, which will leave indelible memories in the minds of everyone on the planet.
Welcome to He Kitenga: people, place, planet
What are the most important things? Not possessions or prizes, peer esteem or profile. But, simply, they are people, place and planet.
Welcome to this, the 150th edition of He Kitenga
Welcome to this, the 150th edition of He Kitenga. No, this is not the 150th volume of outstanding research highlights from the University of Otago, but rather this edition is timed to celebrate 150 years of scholarship, learning and research at our beautiful university.
What constitutes a successful business?
Associate Professor Ben Wooliscroft is keen to change the conversation about what constitutes a successful business.
What drives or hinders the commercialisation of research?
Research is changing, and translating core research into usage in the marketplace and in society is increasingly important.
What is reality really?
Professor Holger Regenbrecht is using augmented reality to challenge the brains of stroke patients to work out what makes reality a reality.
What makes a good leader
Good leadership is crucial for business success, but just what makes a good leader, and what does evolution have to do with it?
What next?
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted how we live our lives, how we work, how we do business.
What prompts consumers to act sustainably?
Why is there disparity between what consumers say they would like to do and what they actually do when it comes to sustainable consumption?
What you need to know
There are a few things you need in this life, believes Emeritus Professor Jim Flynn, if you are to function usefully in the modern world.
Which charities do you support and why?
Do New Zealanders prefer to support charities with a local or global focus? And what reasons do people give for supporting different types of charity?
Wildlife tracking takes flight
“Putting new things, in new places, with new technology” is the off-the-cuff mantra from Dr Tim Molteno (Physics) as he talks about the electronic animal-tracking tags he is developing in association with Associate Professor Phil Seddon (Zoology).
Will Flavell
The flexibility of Otago's distance learning programme was a strong drawcard for Doctor of Education candidate Will Flavell.
Will Harvey
Beyond the written and verbal skills a Classics degree endows you with, it makes you open-minded and able to interact freely, courteously and civilly with all types of different people.
Willow McKay
I enjoyed history at school and university and became really interested in medical anthropology - the interaction between people and medicine.
Wind farm perceptions blow hot and cold
There's a lot of energy being expended on the subject of wind farms. Should we love their renewable energy or hate their skyline silhouettes?
Words and music
Two Otago academics share a special interest in the influence of Asia on contemporary Kiwi culture.
Working past crisis
When New Zealand went into lockdown this year, organisations and employees had to adapt rapidly to new ways of working. The Work Futures Otago team asks if these new ways of working will become a permanent reality for some or if being back in business simply means a return to the status quo.
Zara Morris-Trainor
Zara is passionate about wildlife management and conservation, combining Psychology and Zoology as a double major allowed her to explore animal behaviour. She is now completing a masters in science in the UK.
Zipporah Lagaluga
In her third year Zipporah tutored for Te Tumu - School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies. “I remember in my first year hiding in the corner, and now I was in front of the classroom myself. Te Tumu gave me a great opportunity for personal growth, I learned a lot and was able to give back too.”
Zoe Linsell
"Theatre Studies taught me a variety of skills, and not just what you learn in lectures, but a positive attitude as well- to get out there and do it!"
Zoe Quinn
I have found the Diploma invaluable in terms of what was taught on the course, but also in approaches to continuing my own education.