Science equity committee
Meet our Faculty of Science Equity Committee (FoSEC) members.
The Faculty of Science Equity Committee (FoSEC) meet every two months and support and advocate for an inclusive and diverse faculty.
To learn more about equity initiatives, sub-committees, getting involved, reporting equity issues, and discussing ideas, get in touch with Sonia Fonua (Associate Dean Equity and Diversity, Chair of the Equity Committee) via science-equity@auckland.ac.nz. This is a confidential inbox. All items will be handled confidentially and will only be escalated with full consent. All ideas are welcome.
This is a safe space, and you are welcome to reach out and connect with any of the committee members.
Sonia Fonua
Professional Teaching Fellow
"I am the Associate Dean Equity and Diversity for Science and I chair the committee, and a PTF in the School of Environment. I am passionate about equity in higher education and transitioning pathways into first year university-level study. I am also very interested in valuing and embedding Indigenous (science) knowledges, art and creative practice in science education, and relational teaching practices."
Profile: Sonia Fonua
Phone: +64 9 923 9710
Email: s.fonua@auckland.ac.nz
Anne Gaskett
Associate Professor School of Biological Sciences
"I study, teach and make discoveries about how animals behave in nature. I’m an expert in orchids and their pollinators, a surprisingly complex and fascinating topic! I'm a lecturer, so I teach classes, do research, and supervise masters and PhD students as they start their careers in Science. I’m also a parent and married to another biologist. My job is diverse, just like nature. I really love that."
Profile: Anne Gaskett
Email: a.gaskett@auckland.ac.nz
Jenn Jury
Professional Teaching Fellow
"I am a long-standing member of the School of Biological Sciences equity committee and have recently taken on the role of co-chair of the Bridging Socio-Cultural Inequities (BSCi) subcommittee. I believe that success in higher education should not be determined by existing inequities and barriers. Our subcommittee strives to champion, educate and advocate for the often invisible challenges faced by this community, in the hope that we can foster an environment of more equitable and inclusive outcomes."
Profile: Jenn Jury
Email: jenn.jury@auckland.ac.nz
Ibrahim Mohamed
Research Fellow
"I'm a researcher with a broad interest in obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention. My PhD examined the potential of feijoas as a dietary intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes. I am now applying this interest at a population level, with my current research focusing on diabetes prevention in people taking antipsychotic medications. As co-chair of Students and Staff of Refugee Background (SSRB), and someone of refugee background myself, I am well placed to advocate for equitable outcomes for refugee background students and staff."
Profile: Ibrahim Mohamed
Email: ibrahim.mohamed@auckland.ac.nz
Asma Shakil
Professional Teaching Fellow
“I’m the representative for the School of Computer Science. I’m an advocate for increasing diversity in Computer Science.”
Profile: Asma Shakil
Phone: +64 9 373 7599
Email: asma.shakil@auckland.ac.nz
Jonny Stephenson
Professional Teaching Fellow
“I represent the Department of Mathematics.”
Profile: Jonny Stephenson
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 84557
Email: jonny.stephenson@auckland.ac.nz
Nuzhat Sultana
Lecturer
“I’m the representative for the School of Psychology (Speech Science). As Co-Chair of the Students and Staff of Refugee Background (SRB), I am an advocate for an inclusive, supportive environment where all students and staff from refugee backgrounds can thrive academically and personally.”
Profile: Nuzhat Sultana
Phone: +64 9 923 2073 ext 84459
Lizzie Tafili
Executive Assistant
"I am an Executive Assistant in the Faculty of Science. Prior to this role, I served as the Māori and Pacific Student Support Advisor, providing pastoral care and support to university students within the Faculty. I am also one of the co-chairs of the Bridging Socio-Cultural Inequities Subcommittee, where we facilitate teachings and support initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers experienced by staff and students within this equity group. Our subcommittee strives to champion, educate and advocate for the often invisible challenges faced by this community, in the hope that we can foster an environment of more equitable and inclusive outcomes."
Email: lizzie.tafili@auckland.ac.nz
Abi van Dyke
Student Support Adviser
“I am a Student Support Adviser within the Student Support and Engagement team and the Faculty Disability Liaison. I provide care and support for students with disabilities throughout their university journey. I am a member of the EDDEI sub-committee, where we are focused on fostering an equitable and inclusive space for the faculty. I am available to discuss support needs, resources, information, and connect you to different services within the university.”
Eda J Vella
Technologist
"I am a technician in the Faculty of Science and a co-chair of the Rainbow sub-committee. I am also a recent graduate, having completed my doctoral thesis on geometrically frustrated magnetism in solid-state material, which has been a fascinating area of study. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries around LGBTQIA+ support and inclusivity in the faculty, or if you have any ideas for initiatives and activities that you would like to see happen. I'm always happy to talk."
Profile: Eda J Vella
Email: edalyn.j.vella@auckland.ac.nz