Studies spark a passion for environmental protection

“I had such a positive experience at the University of Auckland as an undergraduate, specifically influenced by the facilities available, the central location and the endless support throughout the journey, it made sense to carry on here into postgraduate education.

“My undergrad studies, double majoring in Statistics and Marine, sparked a passion for environmental awareness and protection. I found myself combing through the university’s options for further study in an environmental related field, thus, here I am, working towards my Masters.

“Science can help us understand our impact on the environment and what we can do to reduce the damage. It’s also a timely discipline to pursue with growing global concern around climate change and human activities that are further accelerating it, like fossil fuel use and excess carbon dioxide release.

“My thesis is focused on evaluating soil CO2 efflux across land use and season in urban ecosystems. Too often when we think of greenhouse gases, we think of vehicle exhaust, factories and agriculture as their sources, often overlooking another key source that is literally under our nose - SOILS! I'm looking at the impact soils in grasslands and urban forests have on releasing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. My focus is in urban Auckland because it hits home and I’d like to understand what steps can be taken to effectively reduce these emissions.

“I’ve also been able to explore why we humans are sometimes the problem as well as the solution and how we can reconcile the two and live in equilibrium. Because when you simplify it, that’s what environmental science does – apply scientific analytics to the environment in an effort to identify what kind of impact our use of it has had, and what steps we can take to minimise our long-term effects. That’s a basic simplification of the discipline but a good one to consider.

“I would like to end up in a field where I can use my knowledge and skills to guide policy at local and broader levels to protect our environment for mana whenua and future generations. I think it is important I learn enough so I can share my knowledge with my community, so the torch of responsibility in acting as kaitiakitanga of our environment can be passed on.

“The University student services was fantastic for guiding my progress and checking I was on the right track. They also answered any questions I had along the way with nothing but smiles. AUSA (Auckland University Students' Association) was awesome too, the parties they threw at Shadows and in Albert Park helped remind me that I was at uni to have fun too!”