"As a nervous student presenting my research for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a more receptive audience. I experienced a warm welcome into New Zealand’s geoscience community which reinforced my desire to pursue a postgraduate degree."
Dr Sophie Briggs
BSc (Hons) Geology, PhD Geological Sciences
Teaching Fellow | Kaiwhakaako
Department of Geology, University of Otago
I gave my first ever conference talk at GSNZ’s annual conference in 2011, only few weeks after completing my undergraduate degree at Otago. As a nervous student presenting my research for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a more receptive audience. I experienced a warm welcome into New Zealand’s geoscience community which reinforced my desire to pursue a postgraduate degree.
After a short stint working in mineral exploration in Western Australia, I began a PhD programme at the University of California in Santa Barbara. Somehow, the summers spent mapping the Basin and Range province and the field season in the Transantarctic Mountains could not compete with the call of the Southern Alps, which became the focus of my PhD research.
The reception at my next GSNZ conference talk was as welcoming as the first, and the interactions I had there led me to my current role as a Geology Teaching Fellow at Otago. The conference strikes a perfect balance between attracting a diverse group of attendees, and staying small enough to maximise interaction. There is no better forum for catching up with peers, meeting your role models, and becoming part of our national geoscience community.
Sophie discussing pillow lavas at Cape Wanbrow, Oamaru during a 'Guide Your Geopark' workshop
"I have always loved connecting with other enthusiastic geoscientists and wanted to get more active in the scientific community"
Dr Sebastian Naeher
Dipl-Geol. (~MSc; Geology/Geochemistry), PhD (Biogeochemistry)
Organic Geochemist and Lead Scientist of Organic Geochemistry Laboratory, GNS Science
Originally from Germany, I came to New Zealand to work at GNS Science in 2016. I have always enjoyed travelling and exploring and completed my PhD in Switzerland and Postdocs in France and Australia.
I specialise in organic geochemistry and stable isotope biogeochemistry and have developed the Organic Geochemistry Laboratory at the GNS National Isotope Centre. I am also an Associate Editor of the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics and the New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research.
I have always loved connecting with other enthusiastic geoscientists and wanted to get more active in the scientific community, so in 2019, I became Convener of the Geochemistry Special Interest Group (GSIG).
As Convenor of the group I'm keen to build connections with anyone interested in geochemistry and earth sciences from New Zealand and overseas. Through the group we seek to promote geochemistry in New Zealand, share updates, news and job opportunities. I am very supportive of students, and hope we can become a forum for early career and established geochemists.
Sebastian in the Organic Geochemistry Laboratory, GNS Science
"I have found being a member of GSNZ extremely helpful in not only keeping abreast of developments in the science but finding the right folk to share observations with."
Bernard Hegan
BSc, MSc (Geology), CMEngNZ(PEngGeol), MAusIMM
Engineering Geologist, Principal, Technical Director
Tonkin + Taylor
This January will be the beginning of my 50th year working as a full time engineering geologist. I started out in January 1970 with NZGS stationed in Turangi and developed a strong interest in underground works and rock mechanics in particular. My university background was centred on structural geology and sedimentology and both of these have been of great assistance in my development as an engineering geologist.
Since the Turangi days I have been involved with many major projects, mostly within New Zealand, involving construction of tunnels and major highway cuttings. The investigations for these works generally expose aspects of our geology, outside of the engineering content, that are not easily viewed or shared by others in the science. The geological sections developed for both the Kaimai Rail Tunnel and Johnson’s Hill Tunnels based on the investigation drilling and construction logging are good examples.
From this view point I have found being a member of GSNZ extremely helpful in not only keeping abreast of developments in the science but finding the right folk to share observations with.
Bernard with the Pakiri Formation
