Meet the Scientists

Madison Zegeer

Madison is a PhD researcher with the Sustainable Energy Research Group at the University of Canterbury, specializing in energy systems modelling. Beginning their career in the nuclear energy sector, they often found themselves one of the few women in the room—a challenge first encountered in their undergraduate physics studies. Passionate about mentorship, Madison strives to inspire the next generation of scientists, especially young women, and in their free time, they enjoy fitness, bird-watching, and sharing stories over a good cup of coffee.

Amelia Threadgould

Amelia Threadgould is a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury, examining how caring identities shape environmental and social change through community garden initiatives. With a background in environmental science and marine conservation, followed by experience as a high school science teacher, Amelia explores how nurturing relationships with nature and community can catalyse broader societal transformation. Her research focuses on how these caring connections within community spaces can foster environmental consciousness and contribute to sustainable food production, ultimately helping address our planet's environmental challenges.

Sian Crowley

Sian, founder and Programmes Manager at The Seed Pod, is an award-winning environmental educator passionate about fostering nature connection and kaitiakitanga. With over a decade of experience in environmental education, Sian has engaged tens of thousands of tamariki, rangatahi, and community members in conservation and restoration work across Aotearoa. Sian’s mahi/work has earned her global recognition, including being named in the prestigious North American Association for Environmental Education 30 Under 30 list, receiving the 2024 Canon Oceania Education Grant and an Inspiring Stories Impact Prize.

Sara Kross

Sara is a conservation biologist and works on understanding the interactions between wildlife and people, especially in humandominated systems like farms and cities. She incorporates methods ranging from animal behaviour to remote sensing to molecular tools to describe animal diet and works on birds, mammals, insects and people. Sara is also mum to two awesome kids.

Kate Pedley

Dr Kate Pedley's expertise and research is in structural geology, geomorphology and landscape evolution, tectonics and earthquakes, eld mapping and 3D visualisation & geoscience education. She is heavily involved with the fault rupture mapping teams for both the Christchurch and Kaikoura Earthquakes. Kate is also a photographer & passionate about inspiring people into geology through her photos.

Gabriela Bantas

Gabriela has found that the world of science has not come easily to her, but collaborative work with others has helped her find her place within the community. Working as part of a team toward a common goal sparked Gabriela's passion for transitioning from a clinical job, where she took X-rays in the hospital, to working in the lab to answer scientific questions and form therapies to help people get better. Gabriela is now passionate about teaching and bringing people together, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment where students can learn and discover their true passions in science.

Rata Ingram

Rata is all about maths! She is a co-founder of the maths outreach group Mathateca: New Zealand's Public Space for Mathematics (mathateca.nz) and runs recreational maths meetups for adults (Christchurch MathsJam, Oceania MathsJam Gathering). When she's not solving maths puzzles, she's creating them, promoting STEM in her role at Christchurch City Libraries. With a lifelong interest in how things work, she also deals with technological history at Ferrymead Heritage Park, from driving trams to restoring vintage calculators.

Amilea Sork

Amilea is a PhD research candidate focusing on volcanic ballistic hazards (bits of flying lava!) at the University of Canterbury. Amilea has a background in physics, planetary sciences, and geographic information systems, and discovered her love of volcanoes after moving to New Zealand in 2019. She is passionate about public outreach on both the danger and beauty of volcanoes, and also about a really good latte.

Wathsala Dissanayake

Meet Wathsala, a PhD candidate at the University of Canterbury's School of Product Design. Her innovative research combines 3D printing with biodegradable hydrogels to create eco-friendly fertilizer formulations, aiming to revolutionize agricultural practices. Originally from Sri Lanka, she brings valuable experience in Chemistry, Materials Science, and industrial Quality Management to her work. When not advancing sustainable agriculture through her research or teaching students as a Teaching Assistant, Wathsala enjoys exploring nature, traveling, and engaging in volunteer work. She represents the next generation of scientists working towards a more sustainable future through innovative solutions.

Courtney Newell

Courtney is a Master’s student at the University of Canterbury’s School of Product Design. She holds a conjoint Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Formulation Design and Chemistry, a programme that allowed her to integrate scientific principles with creative design. Her current research focuses on the development of sustainable personal care products, such as soaps and cleansers, using innovative raw materials. Specifically, she is investigating the potential of fat extracted from black soldier flies as a key ingredient. These insects play a crucial role in environmental sustainability by efficiently consuming food waste, and their fat exhibits properties comparable to coconut oil, making it highly beneficial for skincare applications. Through her work, Courtney aims to contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly and scientifically driven product formulations.

Kelly Chen

Kelly, originally from China, has pursued a Bachelor of Medical Science at the University of Sydney, graduating in 2020. Returning to New Zealand in 2021, Kelly began a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health at the University of Otago in Christchurch. She furthered her studies with a Master’s in Biochemistry at the University of Canterbury in 2022 and joined the Free Radical Biochemistry lab in 2023 and investigated monocyte cell death in atherosclerosis. In 2024, she embarked on a new research journey with the Neurology of Myopathies (NOM) group in investigating the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophy. In her project, Kelly focuses on the role of adrenal glands in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Beyond her academic pursuits, Kelly enjoys painting with watercolours, capturing landscapes and culinary delights. She also indulges in photography and explores the outside world with her furry companion, Yuki.

Pram Abhayawardhana

Dr. Pram Abhayawardhana serves as a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Formulation Design at the University of Canterbury, where she develops sustainable formulated products to address environmental and health challenges. Her research spans multiple areas, including green extraction methods, converting low-value natural resources into high-quality products, and utilizing 3D printing with biodegradable materials for agricultural applications. She also investigates natural bioactives in complementary medicine for disease prevention and treatment. Combining scientific rigor with an interest in human consciousness and mindful awareness, Dr. Abhayawardhana brings a holistic approach to formulation science. As a passionate educator, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists, guiding students through their journey of discovery and innovation.

Morgane Merien

ADr Morgane Merien is an entomologist and currently works as a Science and Curatorial Communicator at Canterbury Museum. Passionate about insects and other invertebrates, Morgane became interested with science communication during her studies. She has been involved with several outreach and educational events, and presents the children’s TV show Bug Hunter! On TVNZ+. In her current role at Canterbury Museum, Morgane contributes to research, exhibition creation, education outreach and content creation for various media platforms. Collaboration, engagement and accessibility are at the core of her work approach.

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