From high school science project to PhD

Alastair graduated from the University of Auckland last Friday with a Bachelor of Technology Degree with First Class Honours, specialising in Biotechnology.

He was one of seven Kerikeri students to take part in the University’s Autumn Graduation 2018.

“In my last year of high school I won a gold medal at the local science fair competition for a project about the biology and manipulation of gorse. I’m really interested in how modern biology techniques can solve various challenges which ultimately led me to the Biotechnology course at the University of Auckland,” he says.

Alastair’s PhD will build on research he began as an undergraduate which looked at the effect of sound on fermentation processes, for example when brewing beer.

He was also twice accepted to the University’s Summer Research Scholar programme, contributing to research which looked at the genetic manipulation of apples and kiwifruit; and the development of biofuels and supplements from food waste.

Alastair says a highlight of his time at University was participating in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition - an annual, worldwide, synthetic biology event aimed at undergraduate university students.

“Our team produced a frost resistant crop model which was nominated for the Best Entrepreneurship award, thereby placing in the top 10 of over 500 teams worldwide,” he says.

Alongside his busy research schedule, Alastair was a member of the Science Scholars programme and the University of Auckland Dive Club, while working part-time to cover his living expenses in Auckland.

“Thankfully I was awarded the University of Auckland Scholarship which covered the fees for the first three years of my study.”

The University of Auckland’s Autumn Graduation is one of New Zealand’s largest celebrations of academic achievement. More than 4000 students attended the ceremonies which included a procession along Queen Street and the conferring of degrees and diplomas at Aotea Square.