Lecturer
PhD (Otago), MSc (Massey), BSc (Lincoln)
Contact
Email jessica.oconnor@otago.ac.nz
Location: Archway West 104
About
Jessica’s background is in food science and agriculture, with a focus on food loss and waste, sustainable food systems, plant breeding, and circular economy transitions. Her research investigates strategies to reduce food loss and waste and enhance sustainability across food production systems.
Her experience and qualifications include seven years working in plant breeding at AgResearch, an MSc in Plant Breeding from Massey University, and a PhD from the University of Otago. Her PhD examined food loss and waste in New Zealand’s beef and dairy industries.
Jessica is passionate about inspiring the next generation of food and agricultural scientists and is dedicated to mentoring students who want to make a meaningful impact in food sustainability. She welcomes postgraduate students interested in food loss or waste, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy innovations.
She is also a member of Food Waste Innovation, a University of Otago Research theme.
Teaching
Course Co-ordinator
- AGRI 323 Agricultural Genetics and Breeding
Course Contributor
- AGRI 321 Agricultural Production and Food Security
- FOSC 40X Innovations in New Zealand's Agricultural Plant Science and Seeds Industry
Publications
O'Connor, J., Mirosa, M., Lucci, G., Skeaff, S., & Bremer, P. (2026). Is dairy food loss early in food supply chains an issue? Insights from a New Zealand farm and processor study. Journal of Dairy Research, 1-16. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1017/s0022029926102362 Journal - Research Article
O'Connor, J. R. (2025). Towards a circular bioeconomy: Food loss and waste during production and processing of dairy and beef in New Zealand (PhD). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10523/45105 Awarded Doctoral Degree
O'Connor, J., Skeaff, S., Bremer, P., Lucci, G., & Mirosa, M. (2023). A critical review of on-farm food loss and waste: Future research and policy recommendations. Renewable Agriculture & Food Systems, 38, e24. doi: 10.1017/S1742170523000169 Journal - Research Other
Ehoche, O. G., Arojju, S. K., Cousins, G., O'Connor, J. R., Maw, B., Tate, J. A., … Griffiths, A. G. (2022). Estimation of quantitative genetic parameters for dry matter yield and vegetative persistence-related traits in a white clover training population. Crop Science, 62, 2169-2185. doi: 10.1002/csc2.20793 Journal - Research Article
O'Connor, J. (2022, March). Lifting the lid on bins in dairy and beef. Verbal presentation at the Food Waste Innovation Student Symposium, [Online]. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs