What is your area of specialty/role at NIWA?
I am a sediment transport scientist in the sediment processes group, based at NIWA Christchurch. My background is in fluvial geomorphology and geology. With my colleagues, I work on a variety of projects related to sediment transport, river dynamics and geomorphic processes across Aotearoa’s riverine landscapes. Prior to joining NIWA 18 months ago, I was at Tonkin + Taylor, and before to that a research assistant for my primary PhD supervisor at the University of Canterbury where I completed my PhD in 2021.
The topic of my PhD was using a multidisciplinary approach to understand river and landscape change following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, weaving together geomorphological methods and Te Ao Māori perspectives on landscape change following large landscape-altering events.
What made you made you want to work in that area?
I’ve always been in awe of rivers – both enthralled by their beauty and fascinated by their power. Rivers have shaped many of the landscapes I enjoyed while growing up and understanding how they have shaped those landscapes has always interested me. Now, I am particularly interested in better understanding how society can best live with and alongside rivers, especially given that flooding continues to be an increasing challenge for many countries around the world.
What’s the most rewarding thing you've done in your career so far?
I am still an Early Career Researcher, so for me, the most rewarding things are made up of lots of small achievements. I find satisfaction in solving problems with my teammates, working across disciplines, participating in outreach efforts, developing high-quality reports and scientific outputs, and contributing to the wider “rivers” community. If I had to pick one thing to say I’m most proud of in my career so far, it would be delivering the opening keynote address at the Geoscience Society of New Zealand conference in 2020 as a PhD student.
What do you like to do outside of your work at NIWA?
Outside of work, I enjoy tramping, biking, swimming, playing squash, and gardening. It’s great to have so many colleagues who enjoy similar activities – it makes for fun weekend debriefs over Monday morning’s cup of coffee!
