Meet our Members

What is your current role and what does it involve?
I’m a planetary scientist in the faculty at Te Kura Matū, the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, at the University of Canterbury. As a scientist with interests from geology through astronomy, my role is incredibly varied: on any given day, I can be working on newly arrived images from one of the world’s big telescopes, involved in a collaborative chat about details of a space mission with colleagues overseas, helping students work through their understanding of the latest finding in planetary geology, solving a data visualisation problem with Python programming, or organising a field trip to our observatory at Takapō — and that’s just one day of the week.

How did you get here?
I grew up in the small coastal and rural community of Waitara, Taranaki, and came to UC for undergrad; I liked both astronomy and geology, and was doing both in my B.Sc. Then a visiting prof explained that there was this field called ‘planetary science’ where you got to do both! So I kept up both during Honours, which was challenging but doable, and then focused more toward astronomy for my PhD, where I looked for new worlds like Pluto in the southern hemisphere sky. That took me to Australia, and after that postdoc jobs in planetary astronomy in Canada and Northern Ireland, before returning to NZ at the start of last year.

What advice do you have for young New Zealand women interested in the space industry?
There are really fun problems to solve, and fantastic colleagues all around the world to work with. You’ll want some good skill sets: be prepared to put in the mahi to get good at something you like doing, whatever it may be — and you never know where you’ll end up applying that. Chat to people: let them know what you find interesting. One opportunity leads to another, and people will help you to make them happen.

What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a project engineer in the Configuration Management team at Rocket Lab. We are responsible for managing engineering changes on the Electron launch vehicle from an initial concept through to eventually flying to space. We spend a lot of time working with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure each rocket is designed and built to perfection.

How did you get here?
Well, it wasn't a direct route! I studied chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland then moved to Western Australia where I worked as a petroleum engineer for a few years. It was a good job but I was much more fascinated by everything that was going on in the space sector, so I went off to France to do a masters degree in space studies. The pandemic kicked off halfway through so I decided to come home to New Zealand where I finished my studies remotely and ended up with my job at Rocket Lab!

What advice do you have for young New Zealand women interested in the space industry?
Space is for everyone! It doesn't matter what your background is or what you're studying, the space sector needs bright young minds, creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. There are some amazing opportunities available in New Zealand and the sector is only going to continue to grow. Space can be an exciting and rewarding career so I'd encourage others to consider it.

What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a General Surgeon based in Auckland and have also completed training and research in Aerospace Medicine. In addition to working as a Surgeon I spend my time performing Aerospace Medicine research - how the human body reacts in the microgravity environment and how to look after people on long duration missions. I also sit on multiple international Space Medicine committees.

How did you get here?
I completed my Medical Degree and then a PhD which helped me in my research career and then completed my surgical training. Whilst doing my PhD I studied physics and astrophysics and then went to The University of Oxford as the Aerospace Medicine Research Fellow. I was the first New Zealander to complete the UTMB Principles of Aviation and Space Medicine Short Course which involved training at NASA and I completed an internship with DLR/German Aerospace at the European Astronaut Center. I was on the Space Medicine Association Executive Committee and sit on other international committees. I am currently a volunteer mentor with the United Nations Space4Women Network.

What advice do you have for young New Zealand women interested in the Space industry?
There are so many avenues you can take to pursue a career in Aerospace and with determination it’s really possible to achieve your goals in this area. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too hard or you can’t do it - because you can!

What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am currently a lecturer in thermofluids at the University of Auckland. My day today involves a diverse set of activities, for instance, seeding new research project ideas , lecturing in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics for undergraduate students, and contributing to equity initiatives at the Faculty of Engineering.

How did you get here?
A Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering in Toronto, Canada, followed by a Masters and PhD in Australia. I then moved to the UK, where I worked at the University of Oxford on industrial research for aviation (designing cooling systems for civil aircraft engines). I moved to New Zealand in 2020 and have been transitioning into the space sector, researching reusable rockets and the environmental impact of space missions.

What advice do you have for New Zealand women interested in the Space industry?
It's a great time to be a "woman in space" in New Zealand! There are many pathways into the sector, especially through science and engineering. Just give it a go!

What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a Lecturer in the School of Product Design at the University of Canterbury. The majority of my teaching and research is focussed on using plants, fungi, and bacteria to produce chemical products ranging from pharmaceuticals to agrichemicals. My research is split up between two main topics: fungal synthetic biology and technology development for research in microgravity. Although these two topics may seem completely separate, we're working towards developing strategies for food and pharmaceutical production for future space exploration, and by combining both of my research areas, we'll be able to develop organisms and facilities that can provide this production in space.

How did you get here?
I have always loved science, and I was fortunate to have some incredible teachers and mentors who encouraged me into a career in science research from a very early age. Plant biology research in high school and as an undergraduate in university led me to plant-based vaccine research during my PhD, which led to several post-docs in biochemistry and my current position as a lecturer. In 2017, I had the honour of participating in NASA's Astronaut Candidate selection process, which expanded my perspectives related to the opportunities for scientific research on the International Space Station and in microgravity. It's been really exciting to translate those new perspectives and passions into helping to diversify Aotearoa's expanding space industry.

What advice do you have for young New Zealand women interested in the Space industry? 
Find someone in the industry who is doing something you're excited about and get in touch with them to find out how you might be able to get involved. Don't be afraid to try new things that might be outside of your comfort zone or level of expertise!