Steve Broni, Director, OUASSA
Steve has a BSC in Zoology (Marine Biology) from University of Glasgow and Masters in Marine Ornithology from University of Cape Town and joined the Division of Sciences in 2010 to establish the Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA) and has a passion for science education and communication.
Prior to establishing OUASSA, Steve was an Educator with the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and stand-in Course co-ordinator for the University of Otago Diploma of Wildlife Management.
Prior to joining the University Steve was Education/Public Awareness Officer for the Department of Conservation in Otago for 15 years. Steve has also worked as a wildlife tour guide, is an internationally qualified Interpretive tour guide and trainer and popular public speaker. He has worked widely overseas in Alaska, Australia, South Africa and Falkland Islands and was a member of the In the Footsteps of Scott Antarctic Expedition 1984-86. Steve is also chairman of the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust.
Contact
Stephen Broni
Director, Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA)
Tel: 64 3 479 9204
Email: steve.broni@otago.ac.nz
Emily Hall, Science Teaching Co-ordinator, OUASSA
Emily Hall is the science teaching coordinator for the Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA), tutor/lab demonstrator in the Physics Department and teacher of a scholarship physics class for Dunedin school students.
Emily started her university education in Canada, however she put this on hold to work as a software developer for the North American sawmill industry before moving to Dunedin. Emily completed her BSc in computer science and physics from the University of Northern British Columbia, as well as gaining a BA in education and a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching at the University of Otago.
Thereafter Emily taught senior physics in Balclutha and Dunedin, and completed a Master of Science Communication, with her thesis titled “Fight Like a Physicist: Teaching Classical Mechanics through Karate”. This has turned into an ongoing research project on the feasibility of teaching Physics through karate. The martial art is much more than an academic interest for Emily: she teaches karate, trying to throw in some physics concepts as well – and competes both nationally and internationally. Emily is mum to two boys who are keen karate competitors as well.
Contact
Emily Hall
Science Teaching Co-ordinator, Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA)
Tel: 64 3 479 3496
Email: emily.hall@otago.ac.nz
Sandra Copeland, Hands-On at Otago Co-ordinator & Science Education Officer
Before joining the University, Sandra worked as a secondary school Science teacher for many years. Sandra has been associated with Hands-On at Otago (previously Hands-On Science) since 2004, first as Camp Manager and later as Co-ordinator. Sandra has extensive experience in Science education, and is still a teacher at heart.
Contact
Sandra Copeland
Hands-On at Otago Co-ordinator & Science Education Officer
Tel: 64 3 479 4245
Email: sandra.copeland@otago.ac.nz
Dee Roben, Hands-On at Otago Assistant Co-ordinator
Dee graduated from Dublin City University in 2009 with a BSc(Hons) in Science Education. Before joining the University, she worked as a science teacher in Switzerland and Brisbane. Dee has worked in the Department of Geology as the Academic Administrator for the past three years and will be working in a partial secondment position with Hands-On at Otago. As well as working at the university, Dee is also studying towards a Diploma for Graduates and has studied papers in Anatomy, Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Contact
Dee Roben
Hands-On at Otago Assistant Co-ordinator
Email: dee.roben@otago.ac.nz
Hiria Palmer, Science Wānanga, Kaituitui Wānanga
Hiria (Ngāti Rangi / Ngāti te Rangi) is responsible for managing an existing suite of Science Wānanga, and to develop new ones to meet the aspirations and needs articulated by iwi partnerships with the University of Otago.
She facilitates the Science Wānanga programme by working closely with iwi organisations, haukāinga, school communities, scientists, academic and research tertiary staff throughout Aotearoa to build a sustainable relationship with iwi. The primary objective of the programme is to enhance the achievement and engagement of Māori in science and health sciences.
Hiria has a background in business, particularly Māori business challenges and pursued a Masters of Business Administration at the Otago School of Business. She also supports the activities of the Māori Student Support Whanau and the Pacific Island Support Team within the Division of Sciences.
Contact
Hiria Palmer
Science Wānanga, Kaituitui Wānanga
Tel: 64 3 479 9203
Email: hiria.palmer@otago.ac.nz
