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| Cerys Bailey |
I arrived in New Zealand from the UK in 2007 to extend my studies in Physical Oceanography. I had started with a BSc in Psychology but after experiencing diving I was attracted to environmental sciences. My MSc in Physical Oceanography looked into salinity variations due to flood events in estuaries. Using fun little boats like the Naiad and fancy equipment like the CTD and ACDP I am currently studying the circulation and mixing in the Taieri Estuary in order to increase the understanding of estuarine dynamics. From a wider perspective these dynamics underpin other fields of estuarine research, such as the variation in ecology, which may be determined by the physical environment. |
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| John Campbell |
Having lived on the Otago Peninsula all my life, I have a keen interest in, and knowledge of the local marine environment. Ive been an Aquarist part-time at the Aquarium for quite a number of years, and I tackle the major cleaning jobs and monitor the temperature and oxygen levels of the water on a regular basis. I also help with boating activities and enjoy giving tours to the many people who visit the Aquarium from all corners of the world. |
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| Shelley Dixon |
I began study for a BSc degree in biology and Zoology but after 2 years changed to studying Primary teaching. After graduating from teachers' college I taught , mostly part-time, while raising a family. Living locally in Portobello, and having two active boys, I have spent a great deal of time in and around the Otago Harbour having lots of fun exploring and discovering creepy and crawly sea creatures. Working at the Aquarium enables me to combine my teaching experience and interest in animals in a unique way. I really enjoy sharing the sense of excitement and wonder that children and visitors feel when they are here viewing and touching the variety of fascinating sea life found locally. |
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| Kendall Gadomski |
I moved to New Zealand in 2010 from the United States to work on my PhD at the University of Otago. I completed my BSc at the University of Alabama and Birmingham in Biology and Marine Environmental Science. After that I did a complete 180 and completed a MESM in Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis at the University of Rhode Island. My current researc combines the two fields of Marine Science and GIS (spatial analysis) in the study of the Toheroa clam (Paphies ventricosa) at Oreti Beach in Southland. Specifically I am looking at the seasonal dynamic in regards to reproduction, recruitment, growth and condition of the Oreti Beach population. |
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| Gaya Gnanalingam |
Originally from Wellington, I first came to Dunedin in 2004 to study zoology and law. After graduating in 2007, I worked and travelled, hopping between office and field work. I have always enjoyed and appreciated being outside in the natural environment, be it out in the bush or along New Zealand's amazing coast and finally came to realise that being stuck full time in an office was not for me! I am now a Masters student in Ecology based at Marine Science, looking at reproduction, specifically egg production, in paua around Otago. |
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| Rory Kyle |
I grew up here in Dunedin and have always been captivated by animals and the great outdoors. I love getting into the wilderness for a hunt, or spearfishing off the Otago coast. This passion for the outdoors inspired me to do a BSc in Ecology and Marine Science. I am currently doing a MSc in Marine science, working with the formidable seven armed sea star which preys on species such as paua, mussels and kina to name a few. There is speculation that the abundance of seven armed sea star is increasing in New Zealand due to a decline in the stocks of their only known predator, the crayfish. I aim to quantify the current abundance and predation rates of the seven armed sea star inside the East Otago Taiapure to help understand whether they are having a substantial impact on recovering paua populations. I thoroughly enjoy teaching at the Marine Studies Centre as I get to help kids discover many weird, interesting and important marine creatures that many rarely get the chance to see. |
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| Jean McKinnon |
I have always had an interest in animals and in the sea, so Marine Biology was a way I could combine both interests. I did however get a little sidetracked along the way. I graduated with a BSc in behavioural psychology and behavioural zoology. My year 3 Zoology dissertation was on the thermoregulatory behaviour of Fur Seals. Then I took a year off to get a job and earn some money (ha ha). I gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Science (Marine Science), an MSc (Age and Growth of Cockles) and have recently graduated PhD on the detailed biology of the southern arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii). So here I am a Teuthologist! |
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| Patricia Mockett |
My greatest passion is marine creatures of all shapes and sizes, but in particular those of commercial interest. I believe that a balance between the conservation of fisheries and commercial harvesting is needed in order to obtain the sustainability of our marine resources. One of the biggest barriers to efficient and effective management of these resources not just at the species level but at the ecosystem level, is our lack of knowledge about the life histories of many of these creatures. I am currently an MSc student at the University of Otago and I am researching the life history differences (such as growth rate, sex ratio, diet and morphology) of two species of Peltoramphus sole from the Otago and Foveaux Strait regions. In the future I hope to see more of a cohesive relationship between the fisheries authorities and the fisherman, where everyone works together to achieve a common goal of sustainability.
By revealing the life histories of these species my research aims to help achieve this. |
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| Laura O'Brien |
| I have always had the Pacific Ocean at my doorstep. I grew up in Northern California and have spent the last 21 years living on the Otago Peninsula. I started working as a tour guide at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head about 11 years ago, then moved into the LEOTC education programmes. At the NZ Marine Studies Centre I assist with the education programme and tour groups, and enjoy helping people discover the fascinating creatures that are found in our marine environment.
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| Peter Russell |
My interest in Marine Science comes from living by the sea and spending a lot of time in and around the water. Like most Physical Oceanographers have a physical science and engineering background, having graduated with a BSc in Physics and MSc in Electronics. My PhD research focuses on the dynamics of currents as they flow around headlands and in the curved channels of estuaries and rivers. The theory behind my research is that currents flow around a curve in a loose spiral pattern, not straight, which in turn produces effects like mixing and upwelling. This research is significant as upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface which supports marine life, and mixing has consequences in terms of the exchange of materials such as nutrients or pollutants between fresh and salt water. I hope to one day show the link between up-welling, and the presence of larger predators such as the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri). |
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| Michelle Taylor |
I'm passionate about all things marine and like looking into the finer detail that connects animal behaviours to ecology. I studied Marine Science at the University of Otago and have travelled the world doing shipboard research and diving. |
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| Alfred Tong |
Hi, I'm Alfred and I hail from the School of Pharmacy and the Chemistry Department at the University of Otago. I have always been fascinated with learning science (music being my other passion in life!). I came to Dunedin in 2004 to study for a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, and graduated in 2007. Subsequently I worked in a Pharmacy for two months, but was drawn back to postgraduate studies back at University. My passion for Chemistry has taken to to the NZMSC where I am involved in the Gifted & Talented mentoring programme. As well as mentoring and tutoring I am currently completing a PhD in Environmental Chemistry and Pharmacy and the impact of pharmaceuticals (both used and unused) on the New Zealand natural environment. |
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| Anna Wood |
As a little girl, I explored the sea through the rock pool habitats on the North Sea coast of Britain. As I grew, my curiosity led me to different habitats further from home, eventually leading me half way around the world to New Zealand. I have a BSc in Marine Biology from Plymouth (UK) and an MSc in Marine Science from Otago.
I'm presently working on my PhD, examining the relationship between habitat complexity and biodiversity on the seafloor - the habitat that animals called bryozoans generate, and the variety of animals (mostly polychaete worms) that live in them. These creatures are valuable in themselves - just like New Zealand's native birds - but they also have a functional role in providing the food and habitat for animals we like to eat, like blue cod. I look forward to working with students who visit the Marine Studies Centre because their experience is more than just conducting a 'science experiment' - it's about understanding our actual and potential relationship with the world, and with each other. |
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