Kirsten Tilleman
After working for ten years as a consultant in public transport safety and security in the United States, Kirsten moved into academia, pursuing a PhD Civil Engineering. She is an awardee of the University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering Doctoral Scholarship.
Kirsten's decision to study at the University of Auckland was motivated by the specific research project she wanted to pursue. "I identified my supervisor as one of the leading scholars in the area, so when I saw she was at the University of Auckland, a well-regarded research university worldwide, it felt like a perfect match".
"My research focuses on addressing the evolving barriers to women's and gender-expansive people's security on public transport, with an emphasis on combating harassment of Rainbow (LGBTQ+) users of public transport". Her work was recently featured on the University page, active bystanders crucial to safer public transport and on Newsroom, From bystander effect to bystander effective.
Kirsten has been impressed by the investment the University makes in its students, staff, and facilities. "There’s always something new being built or being renovated (personally, I’m stoked for the new state-of-the-art recreation centre!) and there are so many support programmes and spaces available throughout the campus community."
"The people at the University and in Aotearoa New Zealand in general are so welcoming and kind—it’s a well-deserved reputation." Moving across the world alone was a significant leap, but she has built a fulfilling life here. “I am also grateful for the empathy-building experience of being the ‘outsider’. It amplifies appreciation of all the good that can be found worldwide”.
It can be scary to move internationally, especially on top of starting a new university programme. If you feel yourself drawn to the University of Auckland, you can lean into that knowing you’ll be met with a welcoming and supportive community within and outside the university.
Kirsten was pleasantly surprised by the work-life balance in New Zealand. "There’s a general recognition here that if we only work, our productivity will actually go down. We need time to recharge so we can show up as our full selves and dive into the work."
Since arriving in New Zealand, she has had some new experiences. "I’m learning some Te Reo Māori! It’s a gorgeous language and culture, and not something I would have otherwise encountered. Seeing Reo on signs next to English throughout campus and elsewhere is fantastic".
“There are so many student clubs and networks. Chances are, if you’re curious about something, there’s a group here already that will enthusiastically welcome you. I’ve personally been most involved with Rainbow Engineering, my faculty’s network for the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve attended and enjoyed quite a few events they’ve put on, both professional and social”.