Dr Nancy Garrity (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Hine), is ESR’s new Mātauranga Māori Advisor. Her background in science research spans over a decade working with bio-based composite materials primarily in natural, renewable resources, polymer chemistry, indigenous fibres and more recently in the minerals sector. Her research has always gravitated toward kaupapa Māori that aligns with whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and mātauranga based on an Ao Māori perspective.

Elissa Cameron is a Professor in Biological Sciences at UC. After receiving her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in New Zealand, she worked overseas for several years, firstly with postdoctoral fellowships in Australia, UK and South Africa, and then with faculty positions in the USA, South Africa, Australia and now back home in New Zealand. Her research is on wildlife behaviour, ecology and management.

Professor Cameron will be speaking about the journey to becoming an academic, and how all the extra life experiences and challenges along the way that never end up on your CV can help to shape you as a researcher!

Ekant Veer is a Professor of Marketing and the Director of the Christchurch Knowledge Commons at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch. He is a multi-award winning teacher and researcher having been named in the Top 40 under 40 Business School Professors worldwide; an Ako Aotearoa Tertriary Teaching Excellence Award winner; UC’s Teaching Medal awardee in 2017 and five times winner of the UCSA’s lecturer of the year award. His work looks at the role that marketing can play in both driving social change and community wellbeing as well as what impact digital technology plays in consumer interactions and their sense of identity. His research has been published in numerous international journals, such as the Journal of Marketing Management, The European Journal of Marketing, and The Journal of Public Policy and Marketing. Ekant has recently taken on the role as Director of the Christchurch Knowledge Commons which looks to support the University of Canterbury's commitment to kotahitanga [partnerships] and engagement between tertiary sector and businesses, community and the public sector.

Professor Veer will be sharing all his tips for applying for scholarships and funding. His advice is guaranteed to help you, having been successfully applied on multiple occasions by the Materials@UC 2020 organising committee themselves!