Biography

I am a scientist, marine biologist, geneticist and science communicator committed to making a difference. I've made many trips to the Antarctic, researching environmental change impacts on Antarctic fish and shellfish since 1998. My previous role was in the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor as National Coordinator of the Participatory Science Platform. This initiative seeks to engage communities, educators and scientists to work together on locally meaningful projects. I found it highly inspiring to be involved in these community science projects and to see what a difference they are making for those involved. I am now working as the Kaimanaaki Matua Tūhono Hapori Whānui External Engagement Advisor for the Royal Society. I am a mum to a twelve year old daughter and we love exploring the world around us, particularly the coast and sea.. 

I am a genuine, empathetic individual with extensive experience in leadership and project management, strategic direction and implementation; relationship building and brokering; outreach and community engagement; scientific research; and university teaching. I'm passionate about engaging with and inspiring the wider community on global scientific issues and challenges, through innovative community approaches, public speaking, media, articles, blogs and social media. I have a proven reputation for being insightful and self-motivated, as well as developing and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of public and private entities.

I love cold water swimming, hiking, photography, travelling, skiing, sewing and knitting and generally just being in the great outdoors. I thoroughly enjoy public speaking and all forms of engagement and coaching and am incredibly passionate about the power of community-based co-designed science. 

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