Issuu

Te Pānui Taura

This issue: New but familiar faces at Graduate Research School, mixing flowers with finance, inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pacific & more!!!!

This month:

Stroke research filling knowledge gap

Masters student Eliana Viali is helping fill an important knowledge gap in the South Pacific – she’s believed to be the first to carry out research on Samoan stroke survivors and their perspectives around physical activity as treatment.

Before her, “zero research” had been conducted in this area, she says.

From Iran to New Zealand for Botany

Driven by a passion for agricultural research and sustainable practices, Dr Amirreza Zarekarizi arrived from Iran in 2018 to complete his Doctorate in the Department of Botany.

Award for transformative work in Māori communities

A public health researcher on the Wellington campus, Cheryl Davies (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Wehiwehi, Ngāti Mutunga ki Te Wharekauri), has been awarded the Health Research Council of New Zealand Te Tohu Rapuora Medal for her transformative work in Māori communities.

Plus

New but familiar faces at Graduate Research School

Recycle Tetra Pak

Study investigates masks, mood and focus Mixing flowers with finance Award for immunology researcher Otago researchers gain $2.8m funding Sciences celebrates biennial staff awards Inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pacific Healthy Homes Initiative reducing illness ‘Overwhelming response’ to Summer School finance paper

Calendar

Have a lovely summer and we’ll see you next year!

Congratulations doctor, doctor, doctor

If you think graduating once as a doctor is a big achievement, try three times.

Professor Tim Stokes, from the Dunedin School of Medicine, is graduating on Saturday with the rare degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD), on top of already having a medical degree (MB ChB) from Edinburgh and a PhD in health services research from Leicester.

“I’m really proud to be going on to the stage to get this degree from Otago. I’ve had tremendous opportunities here and have great colleagues,” Tim says.

Otago’s Doctor of Medicine degree is an unsupervised, higher doctoral degree based on published original research of special excellence in a branch of medical science. The degree is only awarded once or twice a year on average and Otago’s MD graduates are a very distinguished group, including nine Knights and one Dame.

An academic general practitioner (GP) from the United King-

dom, Tim joined the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka in 2014 to take up the Elaine Gurr Chair of General Practice. He is also Head of the Department of General Practice and Rural Health, Co-Director of Otago’s Centre for Health Systems and Technology, and a part-time GP in Dunedin.

Tim’s MD thesis charts a 20-year journey of health services research by an academic GP working in the UK and in Aotearoa New Zealand.

His research started with a focus on how to best develop clinical guidelines for practitioners to use with their patients and then moved on to ways of ensuring guideline recommendations improve clinical practice and health care delivery.

“Where I’ve ended up is with the use of implementation science to better understand how research findings can become embedded in routine health care in clinical, organisational and policy contexts.”

Tim says preparing his thesis gave him the opportunity to see his research as a “coherent whole”, showing the links and commonalities.

While in the UK, Tim established a national profile in health care quality improvement research and development through more than a decade of influential work with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

It was there that he realised how much he enjoyed bringing different groups of people together, such as clinicians, technical experts and lay people, to work on committees to develop guidelines that changed clinical practice for the better, from how to manage coughs and colds, to long-term health conditions such as epilepsy and obesity.

“For me, successful committee work is all about working through relationships – getting to know the people in the room and what makes them tick.”

See full story

New but familiar faces at Graduate

A few staffing changes have taken place at Otago’s Graduate Research School recently- Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu has become Dean, Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith is the new Deputy Dean, and Rachel Bates is the school’s new Administrator. Internal communications advisor Koren Allpress chats with Diane Ruwhiu and Rachel Spronken-Smith about their new roles.

Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu is looking forward to the ‘reimagining and reinvigoration’ of Otago’s graduate research space.

Diane, formerly of the Department of Management, is the new Dean of the Graduate Research School. She joined the School as Deputy Dean two years ago, before taking on the role of Acting Dean in October 2023. She officially started as Dean on 1 September this year.

An opportunity to be mentored by the then Dean, Emeritus Professor Dave Baxter, was what attracted Diane to the Deputy Dean role.

“I just thought it would be really challenging but also a really vital way of learning more about how the University, at that higher level, operates.”

She attended a conference hosted by the Australian Council of Graduate Research in April 2023. The topics presented at the conference ultimately inspired her to apply for the role of Dean when Dave left.

“I was at that conference, going ‘wow, this is just amazing’.”

Presenters spoke about the strategic, innovative and exciting work being done around graduate research practises, Diane says. She saw there were ways to improve the experience for Otago students and supervisors, alike, while achieving the outcomes of successful completions.

“I can see it happening, I can see it having relevance for us here. And it was just one of those starburst moments.

“I went, ‘look, I think I could really love this and get my teeth into it and really enjoy it’. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, because the last several years have been difficult for all tertiary institutions. Certainly for Otago, we’re still working at walking our way out of a very difficult period.

From left, the Graduate Research School’s new Administrator Ruwhiu and new Deputy Dean Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith.

“But I thought, I want to be a part of that reimagining and reinvigoration of our graduate research base, because we have such a good platform to build on.”

Diane says the work former GRS leaders, including Charles Tustin and Rachel Spronken-Smith (who is now back as Deputy Dean) put into the GRS in its early days meant Otago was seen as “the gem” and an exemplar of graduate research in a tertiary institution in New Zealand.

“And it really would be, I think, a privilege to build on that and work with Rachel again. To extend it, it’s a wonderful opportunity.”

Working with the talented team at GRS was also a drawcard.

“GRS, as with the wider university, has had a lot

Graduate Research School

of change these past few years. I feel very privileged to work with the GRS team. They are an incredibly talented, knowledgeable and passionate group of people, who give their very best to our mahi. I

“I’m also excited to work with our GRS whānau and the university community to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into our work and identity, enhancing the experience of our graduate research students and those that support them.”

It’s the students – being a part of a graduate student’s journey from start to finish – that is Diane’s favourite part of the job.

“Sometimes I get the pleasure of meeting them, at the Deans morning tea, or at a workshop, at a consult to work through issues. Sometimes I don’t meet them in person, but I sign off different parts of their journey.

And then I see their names at graduation.

“While I am just one small thread of the korowai that takes care of them while they are with us – seeing them take those steps across the stage is really special.”

Diane says there are three layers to a Dean’s work – that at an operational level, the University level and then at the national level.

She oversees the organisation of the GRS, works with staff on the workshop development programmes, and helps students overcome challenges.

At the University level work includes input into a raft of committees - the Graduate Research Committee, Graduate Research Students Liaison Committee, Research Committee and the Academic Committee Senate on graduate research.

The Dean also has oversight of, and responsibility, for the graduate research regulations of the University of Otago, the value chain of graduate research students’ journey at Otago, and ensuring regulations are being met and that supervisors, students and staff are aware of those regulations and their responsibilities.

“So that’s the Dean’s role, from that sort of real hands-on operational type stuff, right up to the more strategic level at the University.”

The very top layer of her work is her involvement in national conversations around graduate research. The GRS is a member of the organisation New Zealand Deans and Directors of Graduate School which meets annually. GRS also has a presence with the Australian Council of Graduate Research.

“We talk about practices and strategies at each institution because that’s where we share and we learn, but we are actually also focused on government policy like Tertiary Education Commission, universities New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand.

“We’re often in that conversation space to influence, to clarify some of the way that the legislations, rules and regulations work for us as universities as well. So there’s those sort of three layers that the Dean, is involved in.”

Professor Rachel Spronken-Smtih is back in her happy place

The Professor of geography and higher education

Administrator Rachel Bates, new Dean Associate Professor Diane Spronken-Smith.

has returned to the Graduate Research School as Deputy Dean, having been the inaugural Dean of the School from 2013 until 2022, before leaving for a role at Higher Education Development Centre.

“I am loving being back in the Graduate Research School. I think this is my happy place both in terms of teaching and research,” Rachel says.

Working alongside Diane, and the opportunity to continue her own work in research development were key reasons behind her return.

“I am passionate about supporting graduate research candidates – doctoral and master’s – with their research journey and assisting them with their professional and career development.”

As Deputy Dean, Rachel hopes to work with colleagues to rethink how they can better support both graduate research candidates and supervisors.

“We are currently developing some short, engaging, online modules to cover core material, supported by face to face or online sessions. Having material online will enable us to reach more of our stakeholders, as they can engage when they need support.”

Recycle Tetra Pak

Otago can now recycle Tetra Pak-style drink and food cartons and invites staff, students, and the wider North Dunedin community to take advantage of this relatively rare option.

University Union Operations Manager Martin Jones says the Link recycling facility is one of only five in Dunedin.

“These containers, often used for milk, juices, and milk alternatives, are more difficult and costly to recycle because of their combination of paper, plastic, and aluminium.

“That’s why it makes sense to invite our wider community to use our recycling option.”

It is already being used by University cafés and college kitchens, which use many cartons.

All people need to do to recycle their cartons in The Link is clean, dry, cut, and flatten them, he says. A video about how to do that is here.

Sustainability Office Head Dr Ray O’Brien says the new recycling option is thanks to Martin and his team’s initiative and commitment to finding a solution.

The cartons go to saveBOARD near Hamilton,

Rachel also hopes to support Diane with candidate and staff consultations around tricky issues, policy development and committee work.

The research journey of Otago’s graduate research candidates “generally goes very well”, Rachel says.

“Otago has some of the highest completes rates, globally, and candidates usually enjoy excellent supervisory support.”

However, things can go wrong, and this is where GRS can step in, she says.

“Whether there is a breakdown in a supervisory relationship, a loss of motivation during the journey, difficulty progressing, or unexpected personal circumstances disrupting study, this is where GRS can offer support.”

If a candidate or supervisor is unable to overcome issues through departmental channels, GRS is available for confidential advice, she says.

“And of course, we have targeted support for our Māori and Pacific Island candidates through our Postgraduate Support Advisers – Dr Rachel Sizemore and Inano Taripo-Walter respectively.”

who use heat and compression to turn cartons into low carbon boards for construction.

Each board is made from about 400 drink and food cartons and 1000 pieces of plastic, diverting 25 kilograms of waste from landfill on average.

Most boards are 99 per cent shredded and compressed composite packaging and soft plastic., No glues, water, or additives are ūsed in the manufacturing process.

In another recycling option, end-of-life boards and off-cuts can also be cut into strips and returned to be turned into new boards.

saveBOARDS can be used for a variety of purposes from ceiling tiles to wall linings, joinery and more.

Study investigates masks, mood and focus

While face masks are an effective way of preventing the spread of infectious illnesses, a new study reveals the impact they have on people’s mood and cognition.

Led by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, results show people who wore a mask for about eight hours felt less happy, more tense and performed poorly when their focus was tested.

Co-author Associate Professor Liana Machado, of the Department of Psychology, says masks have become a normal, often essential, part of people’s lives following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We found that wearing a mask for the day had some negative effects,” she says.

Forty-two university students aged 18-36 took part in two identical laboratory sessions, one week apart.

Participants were required to wear a mask for about eight hours prior to, and throughout, one session and were maskless for the other.

During both sessions, their cognitive performance and mood was tested and results compared.

test designed to assess their ability to focus their attention and ignore

results, given university-aged students are generally at their peak, developmentally.

“In terms of cognitive development, most people reach their peak abilities in their 20s, making typical university-aged students more resilient than most.

“The fact that participants struggled for one of the cognitive measures and were adversely impacted in terms of affect makes us concerned for vulnerable populations, such as older adults already struggling on a cognitive level, people suffering from depression or anxiety, and people with respiratory conditions.”

Most of the cognitive difficulties appear to be driven largely by people who felt anxious wearing a mask, so Liana says dedicated research into the effects on vulnerable populations is a vital next step.

distraction,” she says.

“During the mask session, participants reported feeling less happy and more tense, and they performed worse on a cognitive

“On the bright side, performance on the other cognitive tests was not significantly worse.”

Liana was surprised by the

“Particularly in the context of mandatory mask regulations, it is important to gain a full understanding of how the regulations might impact individuals,” she says.

“Once we arm people with knowledge, they will be able to make better decisions to limit any adverse impacts while ensuring they are protected from communicable diseases.”

Stroke research filling knowledge gap

Before her, “zero research” had been conducted in this area, she says.

Eliana first attended Otago University as a Manaaki Scholar in 2014 and graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2019.

She returned home to Samoa and worked for several months as part of a six-person physiotherapy team in the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital helping treat stroke patients, as well as people with cellulitis, diabetes, cardiorespiratory conditions and a range of other conditions.

Eliana quickly noticed there were big differences in how Samoan patients with stroke responded to her treatment, motivating them to engage in physical activity. So, in the second half of 2020, she looked

Before her, “zero research” had been conducted in this area, she says.

Eliana first attended Otago University as a Manaaki Scholar in 2014 and graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2019.

to Otago to upskill in that area, and undertook, by distance, a postgraduate certificate of Physiotherapy endorsed in Neurological rehabilitation– again as a Manaaki Scholar.

“Because we were stretched thin at our department, I wanted to make sure that I had access to the latest research about how to treat Samoan patients,” she says.

She intended to only take two papers to help with her skills for her team, but quickly realised “zero research” had been carried out on how Samoan stroke patients respond to physical activity as treatment.

Eliana and her paper coordinator Dr Ally Calder, now supervisor, decided it would be best to upgrade her course to a masters by thesis so she could thoroughly investigate the relationship between Samoan stroke survivors and physical activity as treatment.

Commitments to her family, church and friends meant she had to put her masters work on hold for a while, but Eliana arrived in Ōtepoti in February 2024, will be handing in her thesis in February 2025 to fulfil the requirements for the degree Masters of Physiotherapy.

Eliana says she met many great people during her time in Samoa and across the Pacific.

“My greatest take away from my time in the Pacific was that I always need to be prepared, in case I am called upon to treat someone, to stand up and present or teach, or to serve in any capacity.”

After Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, Eliana worked in private practice treating patients with musculoskeletal injuries, sore joints, and movement disorders before setting up her own business, Aligned Physiotherapy Samoa.

She contracted her services to private clinics, worked as a sports medic for local sports federations and worked as a consultant for larger sports organisations. She also taught sports education courses in Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga for the Oceania Sport Education Program under the Oceania National Olympic Committee.

“Just prior to moving to Dunedin, I travelled with the Samoa Archery team to the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands as their physiotherapist and it was a wonderful time.”

She feels fortunate she was able to create her own masters thesis topic.

“Through my research I have learnt about what matters to Samoan people when it comes to health care in New Zealand, how to become an advocate for

change on their behalf, and how important it is that I am here.”

Eliana really enjoys research and can see herself becoming an academic in the future.

“At least once a week I reflect and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude at the fact that I am being financially supported to study. A line I often think to myself is “I can’t believe I get paid to think! To learn! To grow!”

The best part of her time in Ōtepoti is the people she has met.

“My supervisory team has been nothing short of epic. Dr Ally Calder, Mr Elijah Areli and Dr Troy Ruhe have been instrumental in my personal and professional success this year. I often tell them that I forget that they are my supervisors because we have such an outstanding friendship.

“This sentiment is the same for all the lecturers and academic staff that I’ve come to know in the School of Physiotherapy. I feel enriched for knowing them.”

She says she has met many Pacific and Māori postgraduate students who have become close friends.

“Our mutual desire for creating a better future for our people has brought us closer and has helped me remember why I chose to become a researcher.”

Her fellow Manaaki Scholars have made her time in Ōtepoti a lot of fun.

“We hang out every month to make sure that we are keeping up with each other and to see if we can be of support to each other. I am so grateful for their friendship - I am excited to one day travel to visit them in their home countries!”

The International Student Support team host a Completion Ceremony at the end of each semester for Manaaki Scholars to attend, International Student Support Team Leader Simone Freeman says.

“The Manaaki Scholars’ Completion Ceremony is an absolute highlight for me and my team. Accompanying scholars from when they first arrive from their home country into New Zealand to the point where they are ready to complete their qualification is a wonderful part of our roles,” Simone says.

“Their stories are a testimony to their hard work and resilience, and we love celebrating their achievements with them. We are excited about the next cohort of scholars joining us at Otago in 2025.”S

Mixing flowers with finance

There’s probably not many people who need extensive knowledge on quadruple witching* hours and qantuta tricolour** flowers. Unless you’re a Master of Finance student who dreams of opening a flower shop in Bolivia, like Alejandro Maldonado.

Alejandro travelled from Cochabamba, Bolivia, to Aotearoa in February this year to study towards a Master of Finance as a Manaaki Scholar.

Alejandro says his decision to study at Otago was somewhat “spontaneous”; he heard of the Manaaki Scholarship just two hours before applications for the scholarship closed.

“With all that in mind, I Googled ‘best universities in New Zealand’ and Otago University appeared first.”

Reading about Otago’s “high reputation” and vibrant campus life, as well as some students’ positive reviews of their academic experience, left Alejandro feeling like it was “a sign” he should study at Otago.

“I’m grateful for that last-minute discovery. Otago has proved to be the best fit for me from education to community, to experiences here. Everything just surpassed my expectations.”

He says his time at Otago has been “nothing short of amazing”.

“Since the very first day of arrival, I was surprised by how easy going the atmosphere is.”

A highlight has been all the people he has met. He says the connections he has made with professors and fellow students has formed a network which will continue to be of “great worth” to him for years to come.

“Each person that I have interacted with, be it through unplanned discussions with locals or friends that I have managed to make, has added to my life in ways that I can hardly describe.”

He says he has had an “excellent learning experience”.

“The quality of teaching and the supportive environment have enabled me to develop some invaluable skills.

“The satisfying feeling of knowledge acquired coupled with personal growth in my time spent here has been invaluable.”

Alejandro will arrive back in Bolivia towards the end of February next year.

“I am very excited to go back home and pursue something that has always been close to my heart: opening up my flower shop.”

He acknowledges that people may find this goal slightly odd.

“I know what you might be thinking—after studying for a Master’s in Finance, why flowers? In fact, it has been my dream for a long time now; I do believe in following my dreams.”

Alejandro says the flower shop will be a “side hustle” for him while his primary career focus will still be in finance.

“The flower shop represents a creative project for me, a chance to bring beauty and joy to people’s lives through flowers.”

When he isn’t assembling bouquets, Alejandro would like to find work as a quantitative financial analyst, in particular, a risk management.

“I particularly look forward to the opportunity of working with data that might facilitate better decision-making in organisations and reduce financial risks. I haven’t really completely figured it out yet, but I see great opportunity ahead for me.”

Alejandro feels a “strong sense of responsibility” to contribute to the development of Bolivia.

“Many students from developing countries study abroad and then stay there. Of course, I understand them, but I think it is equally important to bring back our skills and knowledge to our homeland.”

He hopes to implement new financial ideas and knowledge to help Bolivia “become all it can be”.

The International Student Support team host a Completion Ceremony at the end of each semester for Manaaki Scholars to attend, International Student Support Team Leader Simone Freeman says.

*‘Quadruple witching’ refers to a specific hour during each financial quarter, while the **qantuta tricolour is Bolivia’s national flower.

-Kōrero by internal communications adviser Koren Allpres

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships provide opportunities for international students to study in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The scholarships are offered to eligible citizens from developing countries and can be used for undergraduate or postgraduate study at universities or institutes of technology within Aotearoa.

Award for immunology researcher

Otago School of Biomedical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Nils Birkholz has been awarded the Asia-Pacific Protein Association Young Scientist Award for 2024.

The Asia-Pacific Protein Association (APPA) brings together researchers studying protein science in countries in the Asia/Pacific region. Organisers of this year’s award noted the calibre of applicants was exceptional, something that highlights how remarkable the early career researcher landscape is in the Asia/Pacific region.

Nils is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Phage–Host Interactions lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. He says the award recognises not just his own work, but also the efforts by collaborators around the globe.

“I am very happy and honoured that these achievements of many years have been recognised by the APPA, and I look forward to presenting them to global colleagues in February.”

The award includes the opportunity to present at the Lorne Proteins 2025 in Australia, which is expected to be well attended in 2025 - its 50th anniversary year.

Nils’s research at Otago focuses on bacterial defence systems and mobile genetic elements. He is currently studying different aspects of the interplay between bacteria and their viruses (phages), especially bacterial anti-phage defences and phage mechanisms to circumvent these defences.

In particular, he is investigating how phages control the production of anti-CRISPRs – proteins that inhibit bacterial immune systems known as CRISPR–Cas. Phage resistance mechanisms discovered in bacteria – such as CRISPR-Cas – also have huge biotechnological potential.

From Iran to New Zealand for Botany

Driven by a passion for agricultural research and sustainable practices, Dr Amirreza Zarekarizi arrived from Iran in 2018 to complete his Doctorate in the Department of Botany.

Amir’s decision to pursue PhD study came after working for eight years at the Iranian Institute of Medicinal Plants, and his research interests aligned with those taking place at Otago’s Botany Department.

At the completion of his Doctorate, and with the support of a Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant, Amir gained six months work experience at Techion in 2023, a Dunedin-based global technology company that develops diagnostic tools for improving animal, human and environmental health.

It was an experience that extended to the offer of full-time employment at the company and a decision to stay in New Zealand and continue contributing to the science industry.

Guy Frederick, Sciences Communication Adviser, caught up with Amir to learn about his journey from Iran to setting up a new life with his family in Dunedin.

Why did you choose to study at Otago from Iran?

Prior to coming to Dunedin, I spent over eight years as a biotechnologist researcher at the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Iran, specialising in bioactive compound production using plant cell cultures. My decision to come here for study was fuelled by a deep passion for producing bioactive compounds through plant and algae culture. New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, especially its rich array of endemic brown seaweeds, captivated me, as these kelps have incredible potential for bioactive production. The research undertaken at Otago’s Department of Botany was a natural fit for my ambitions.

What was your thesis research?

Supported by a scholarship, my PhD research focused on producing bioactive compounds from algae. Both of my supervisors, Associate Professor Linn Hoffmann and Associate Professor David Burritt, have extensive backgrounds in seaweed and microalgae cultivation, and bioactive compound production, and provided me with a rich learning environment that helped push the boundaries of my research.

This research allowed me to explore the potential of algae as sustainable sources of valuable compounds, and also emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into scientific research practices. It enhanced my understanding of the delicate balance between human activities and nature and has inspired me to develop solutions that promote both ecological and agricultural sustainability.

How did the Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant programme help?

At the end of my PhD, the Callaghan Innovation Career Grant supported a six-month work experience programme at Techion that eased my transition into post study life and was invaluable. It allowed me to step directly into a highly specialised role in New Zealand industry and translate my academic research skills into real-world applications in agriculture.

I contributed to projects involving toxin algae bloom, plant seed germination, green mussel spat, and gained practical experience and insight into New Zealand’s agricultural landscape.

Overall, the programme served as a crucial stepping stone that aligned my academic background with industry applications, es-

tablishing my career path and supporting my connection to New Zealand’s innovation landscape.

What do you do at Techion?

My role as a Research and Development Technician centres on enhancing equipment and methodologies and addressing current challenges in the agricultural and marine sectors. More specifically I optimize imaging and analysis techniques and explore innovative applications for our technology, particularly in areas such as animal health assessment, algae monitoring, and parasite detection.

I’m also involved with software development that’s opened a new way for me to enhance the functionality of our technology, particularly in automating data analysis and improving system efficiency. This combination of agriculture, marine science, and software development has significantly expanded my skill set, positioning me for future growth in both research and development, and software applications.

What are your career ambitions?

New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, particularly its endemic species of kelp and marine algae, has further ignited my interest in sustainable botanical practices. My experiences have allowed me

to combine my botanical research expertise with innovative technologies and make meaningful contributions to both environmental and agricultural sustainability.

The opportunities I have been given at Otago and Techion, such as the support of my supervisors, and the collaborative, innovative environment have inspired me to stay here. I feel deeply connected to the local community and am excited to contribute my expertise in ways that could benefit both my field and the broader New Zealand scientific landscape.

Are you planning to stay in New Zealand?

Having now gained residency in New Zealand, my wife Neda and I plan to stay here.

Our story goes back to our time in Iran, where we first met as masters’ students while studying biotechnology in agriculture. Since our field required long hours in the lab, we spent a lot of time together working on experiments, and that’s when our relationship blossomed. We fell in love and married in 2011.

Soon after we arrived in Dunedin in 2018, Neda was fortunate to secure a scholarship to complete her PhD in Otago’s Department Food Science Department. She’s now also employed in the food research and development industry.

The Callaghan Innovation Programme

Stacey McGregor is Techion’s Director of Science, Research and Development. An Otago alumna who completed her BSc in Microbiology in 2008, Stacey says the Callaghan Innovation R&D Career Grant Programme is invaluable as it allows companies to identify talented graduates like Amir, and offer them the opportunity to gain experience that focuses on end-to-end delivery of products. Techion continues to engage with different departments across the University to help identify and connect with the talented individuals to participate in these assistance programmes.

Don’t miss all your postgrad news online:

Otago researchers gain $2.8m funding

Sixteen University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers have received $2.8 million of Health Research Council funding to advance their careers.

The mix of fellowships, and grants and scholarships for Māori and Pacific researchers were announced today.

The funding will enable research into topics as varied as concussion, vaccines, eating disorders and homelessness.

Dr Emma Wade, of the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, has received a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship, worth almost $600,000, to study how genes contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.

See full story

Sciences celebrates biennial staff awards

Celebrating the people and work of the Sciences was the focus of the biennial 2024 Sciences Divisional Awards ceremony this week.

Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barker says the awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions of professional and academic staff and students across the Division.

“The quality of mahi that takes place across research, teaching, professional and community engagement activities in the Sciences is inspiring,” Richard says.

“To all the nominees and recipients of the awards, I would like to reiterate my thanks for your ongoing exemplary service to the Division and the wider University community.”

See full story

Inaugural Deputy ViceChancellor, Pacific

Championing the vision for Pacific, by Pacific, into the Pacific, and ensuring a place for all, are key strategic priorities for the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pacific.

Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu, immunologist and the current Associate Dean, Pacific, in the Division of Health Sciences, will take up the position in February 2025.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson is thrilled to appoint her to the new role.

See full story

Healthy Homes Initiative reducing illness

The Government’s Healthy Homes Initiative has brought significant health and social benefits to families, reducing hospital admissions and cutting the number of days children miss school through illness, an evaluation of the programme has found.

The report analyses the impact on families for up to five years after they received support through the Healthy Homes Initiative to help deal with dampness and mould in their homes.

It was released by the Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, at Kōkiri marae in Wellington on Friday.

See full story

‘Overwhelming response’ to Summer School finance paper

Kiwis, how’s your emergency and retirement fund looking? If FINC204 Personal Finance lecturer and PhD candidate Ling Liao had to guess, she’d likely say ‘not good’.

According to an annual research by the Financial Services Council, 39% of New Zealanders could not access $5000 to cover an emergency within a week without going into debt in 2023. Also, she’s read about a retired 72-year-old struggling because of having not saved enough for the retirement, while knowing that many younger Kiwis are living pay cheque to pay cheque.

Ling’s personal experience in finance has given her good perspective on how different cultures plan their short-term, mid-term and long-term finances, and she says Kiwis could be doing better.

Regardless of your background, the earlier you expose yourself to financial concepts and skills, the better, Ling says.

The FINC204 summer school paper will “revolutionise your thinking” and equip people with the right mindset for short, medium and long-term financial planning, she says.

While the subject of ‘finance’ might not sound exciting to all, the paper continually attracts an “overwhelming response”. So much so that there is a now a cap of 50 students.

The paper starts off covering a “very fundamental” time value of money concept and explores practical matters in everyone’s life such as mortgages, investments and retirement planning, she says.

Historically, the student body comes from all divisions, which shows students from diverse backgrounds are “eager to grow their financial literacy” while gaining personal finance skills, Ling says.

People don’t need to have strong numerical skills to take the paper; anyone with strong interest and dedication can pass, Ling says.

Award for transformative work in Māori communities

A public health researcher on the Wellington campus, Cheryl Davies (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Wehiwehi, Ngāti Mutunga ki Te Wharekauri), has been awarded the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC)’s Te Tohu Rapuora Medal for her transformative work in Māori communities.

The medal was presented at a Royal Society Te Apārangi Research Honours awards ceremony in Wellington on 28 November.

The HRC says her work as founder and manager of the Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust at Kōkiri Marae in Wellington has made a tangible difference to improving health outcomes.

Cheryl set up the trust in 1995 to provide asthma education and advocacy services to whānau in the wider Wellington region.

The work soon extended into health research, initially in helping recruit Māori to participate in studies by the University of Otago, and then to participating in all areas of the research process.

Cheryl says her guiding principle for working with Māori communities is to “do what you say you’re going to do, and work with integrity”.

“It’s often a big thing for whānau to let you come in to their homes and communities to undertake research. I spent a lot of my time with whānau in those early years allaying their fears about research and building the trust and credibility of Tū Kotahi and Kōkiri Marae as researchers coming into their communities.”

Her journey into research began in the 1990s following

the release of the Māori Asthma Review by Professor Eru Pōmare, which recommended substantial improvements in asthma management and education, with significant involvement of Māori.

She names Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann from Flax Analytics and Teresea Olsen, general manager of Kōkiri Marae, as two of her greatest mentors.

She says with their support she has been privileged to be able to work with research teams on the Wellington campus, including the Eru Pōmare Māori Health Research Centre, He Kāinga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme and the Cancer and Chronic Conditions (C3) research group, that have made a significant difference to health outcomes and highlighted successful health pathways.

She worked on the HRC-funded Pukapuka Hauora (Healthy Lungs) Asthma Study led by Bernadette Jones from the Department of Medicine; with He Kāinga

Oranga Co-director Distinguished Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman and her team on healthy homes research; and more recently with Dr Hemakumar Devan from the Department of Medicine on chronic pain research.

Cheryl believes Tū Kotahi’s success in the research area comes down to her team knowing their communities and always having a whānau ora focus.

“I’m mindful when we do our research that we can offer support services to whānau if needed.

“We might go into someone’s home because they have a child with asthma, but once we get there, we can see that their home is damp and that the whānau need some kai. We know that we can help address a lot of these issues through the wrap-around support of Kōkiri Marae and the other services within our whānau ora collective.”

HRC Chief Executive Sunny Collings says Cheryl and Tū Kotahi’s research has led to tangible health gains through the delivery of effective and timely health services.

“Cheryl has consistently shown commitment to ensuring the research is highly responsive to the health needs and aspirations of local communities and that whānau benefit directly. The findings of her research are then directly incorporated into services, alongside the more traditional pathways to policy impact, which has proved to be a highly effective way of supporting improved health outcomes for communities with high health needs.”

The Te Tohu Rapuora Medal recognises contributions to Māori health leadership. It is one of three prestigious HRC medals presented annually at the Royal Society Te Apārangi Research Honours awards ceremony.