Dr Scott Stephens
Chief Scientist - Coasts and Estuaries
Dr Scott Stephens is a coastal-hazards scientist with a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Waikato. He joined NIWA in 2001 and specialises in extreme sea-level and wave analysis and assessment of coastal hazards for adaptation to sea-level rise. From 2019–21 Scott was an assistant regional manager, undertaking a wide range of NIWA's activities operations and science delivery. In 2021 he became Chief Scientist, overseeing NIWA’s science strategy and delivery for Coasts & Estuaries.
Dr Drew Lohrer
Strategy Manager - Coasts & Estuaries
Drew has worked for NIWA since 2002 and has extensive expertise in marine seafloor ecology in temperate coasts and estuaries and Antarctic coastal environments. This includes primary production and nutrient dynamics in soft-sediment habitats, animal-sediment interactions, disturbance-recovery processes, and ecosystem functioning. He took up his current role in 2021.
Dr Deborah Hofstra
Principal Scientist - Freshwater Ecology
Deborah is a freshwater scientist with a background in plant biology, ecology and genetics. Dr Hofstra specialises in freshwater biosecurity, leading research that focuses on the management of aquatic plants, including the control of invasive species and the restoration of native plants. Her research has been instrumental in providing new control methods for invasive weeds through the use of biodegradable benthic barriers, aquatic herbicides and the assessment of biological control tools. She provides advice to management agencies to support their biosecurity goals, including a strategic approach to invasive species management, and the design and implementation of weed eradication or control plans that support native biota. Deborah has a special interest in the conservation of native flora and fauna which can be better protected through understanding the consequences of aquatic weed invasions and management actions.
Dr Hofstra served as a Director on the Board of the Aquatic Plant Management Society, and is on the Science Committee of the International Aquatic Plants Group.
