Dr Pirker is now on a mission to 鈥榠gnite the flame of learning鈥 in today鈥檚 rangatahi. Learn more in our latest episode of UC Science Radio.
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顿谤听John Pirker聽is of Ng膩i Tahu, Te 膧tiawa and Ng膩ti Porou descent, and a member of Te R奴nanga o Moeraki. He is a scientist and lecturer in Biological Sciences and Indigenous Knowledge at the University of mini传媒. His research focus is driven by kaupapa research methodologies that includes sand beach, estuary and rocky reef ecology, primarily focused on taonga species ecology, including growth, mortality and enhancement and recovery of p膩ua (Haliotis iris), p奴p奴 (Lunella smaragdus) and tuangi (Austrovenus stutchburyi) and biogenic habitats that support the nearshore ecosystem. The application of m膩tauranga M膩ori in science is an important aspect to both his teaching and research. 聽
Inspired to get into science by his Ng膩i Tahu kaum膩tua, Dr Pirker is passionate about creating opportunities for rangatahi, especially in science. He is a co-founder of 鈥 a partnership between UC鈥橲 College of Science and several mini传媒 secondary schools, aimed at encouraging M膩ori secondary school students into science at university. The programme engages Year 10 M膩ori students in the culture of science by involving them in real-world scientific research. The scheme is already changing lives and encouraging rangatahi to consider new pathways for their future.
Dr Pirker is also involved in the Ng膩i Tahu Consultation and Engagement Group (NTCEG) and the Marine Ecology Research Group (MERG).
Molly Magid聽is an MSc student at UC. A recent graduate of Brown University, Molly is working on research in conservation genomics with Associate Professor Tammy Steeves from the School of Biological Sciences. Molly is passionate about finding ways to communicate science to the public in a clear, novel, and engaging ways. Most recently, Molly worked as the lead student producer on the podcast聽,听which answers listener's questions about sustainability using relevant science research.
