Dr Pirker is now on a mission to ‘ignite the flame of learning’ in today’s rangatahi. Learn more in our latest episode of UC Science Radio.
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ٰJohn Pirker is of Ngāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Porou descent, and a member of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. He is a scientist and lecturer in Biological Sciences and Indigenous Knowledge at the Ҷֱ. 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 pāua (Haliotis iris), pūpū (Lunella smaragdus) and tuangi (Austrovenus stutchburyi) and biogenic habitats that support the nearshore ecosystem. The application of mātauranga Māori in science is an important aspect to both his teaching and research.
Inspired to get into science by his Ngāi Tahu kaumātua, Dr Pirker is passionate about creating opportunities for rangatahi, especially in science. He is a co-founder of – a partnership between UC’S College of Science and several Canterbury secondary schools, aimed at encouraging Māori secondary school students into science at university. The programme engages Year 10 Māori 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 Ngāi Tahu Consultation and Engagement Group (NTCEG) and the Marine Ecology Research Group (MERG).
Molly Magid 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 ,which answers listener's questions about sustainability using relevant science research.
