Environmental projects, Indigenous cultures and values, international partnerships, and student engagement were at the centre of the delegation’s visit to Aotearoa New سԹwithparticular interest in climate change and partnerships between Aotearoa New سԹand NASA on climate research.
UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey spoke about the University’s resilience and ability to respond and innovate in the face of challenges, and our connection to our community through our relationship with mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Professor De la Rey went on to say, “the investment of new digital innovation is well poised to take partnerships forward and look forward to the opportunities of how we can work together.”
UC’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Ian Wrightspoke of the capacity of our students with UC postgraduate studentLeah Albrow being awarded theNASA JPL with NZ Space Scholarship, and Jennifer Berry being the first New سԹuniversity and non-US undergraduaterecipient of the USRA Distinguished Undergraduate Award. He highlighted UC’s engagement with NASA andRocket Laband the relevance of UC students in the field of space.
Building on the university’s 150 years of engagement with local, regional and global communities, UC postgraduate students and academics spoke of the collaborations and partnerships they have with NASA and the way the work done in space helps to support UC research. Senior Lecturer Michele Bannister and her team spoke about interstellar objects and work on theDART mission. Associate ProfessorMichelle LaRuehighlighted the importance of space in research in Antarctica and the importance of satellite imagery to help understand predation and environmental impacts and predict what this means for the future.The first global survey ofEarth’s surface water and how it flowsis underway, Director of Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management James Brasingtonsaid. Senior LecturerSarah Kessansclosed by speaking about her microgravity research and protein crystallisation on theAxiom Spacestation.
Minister Verrall and the NASA delegation had an opportunity to view ademonstration of adaptive optics used in NASA CAPSTONE mission trackingbyAssociate Professor Steve Weddell and the team. Before meeting the fullyUCstudent-led aerospace clubSpaceport America Cup team.
A robust discussion on how UC research can contribute to NASA’s objectives continued throughout the visit.
