Hannah Davidson
Current position: Science Research Assistant (Jan 2019 – present) at the NZ Environmental Protection Authority
Education: BSc, BSc(Hons) first class and MSc at the University of Otago, supervised by Professor Sally Brooker
Following a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Otago, I began my time in the Brooker group with my BSc(Hons) year, choosing to follow a passion for research down a path that complimented my conviction to “do good” for the world. My honours research project focussed on the development of greener catalysts for the production of biodegradable plastics. Upon completion of my honours year and a bit of travel, I decided to continue with research, and completed an MSc, “New macrocycles for polymerisation catalysis”, in 2019. Working on these projects alongside Sally, I was able to progress my research and communication skills, attend and participate in several inspiring conferences in New Zealand and be part of an international collaboration that saw the compounds I made in the lab go on to do exciting things overseas.
The collaborative culture within Sally’s group meant that I had the chance for hands-on learning of techniques and procedures from senior students, and could work with newer group members to pass on this knowledge. The lab is also a place where ideas and questions can be openly voiced, and I was lucky to have some excellent senior group members to look up to.
During my time in the Brooker Bunch, I discovered a passion for science communication, and appreciated the many opportunities I had to explore and improve upon these skills –from teaching in undergraduate laboratories to presenting at conferences and making a Claymation video about my research for a NZ-wide competition. Sally was always supportive and encouraging of these endeavours and frequently offered advice.
Dunedin is my home, so perhaps I am biased, but I believe it is a truly wonderful place to live and study. Nature and our famous wildlife is easily accessible – within a 20 km radius you can visit dozens of beautiful and unique beaches (home to sea lions and penguins), explore the Otago Peninsula, or take a walk on one of the many hill tracks for a rewarding and spectacular view of city, sea and idyllic countryside.
I believe that these formative years spent in the Brooker group have set me up well for my transition into the public service sector, where I can practice my passion for science communication, research and sustainability in the wider community.
