2020 Eureka Finalists
Watch the judges question the finalists using the livestream below:
Faolan Okan
Hi there. My Name is Faolan, a year 13 prefect at Mount Albert Grammar School. I am a thorough advocate for the research and development of self-sustaining energy, and the protection of New Zealand's freshwater through laminar flow aeration technology. Apart from Science, I love to surround myself in the arts! Either as a musician (producer for MEAM fashion show, Portugal), Filmographer (Dux Artium for cinematography), or Dancer (Current holder of the Hip Hop dance world championship title, 2019)
Yingxin Zhang
Currently a Year 12 student studying at St Mary's College in Auckland, Yingxin (Cynthia) Zhang is an avid learner who loves to challenge herself so that she can do her best, being top of her cohort since 2016 and selected for numerous STEM awards and scholarships. She loves to get involved in any opportunity available in her community, being an active member of initiatives like organising committees for key events, youth councils, and orchestras. In her spare time, you'll most likely find her either reading books, learning about new scientific discoveries, or exploring the outdoors with her camera.
Cullen Tran
Hello, I'm Cullen, a Year 12 at Scots College, with an immense passion for science - chemistry in particular! Beyond the classroom, my involvement with school life includes our school choir, environmental council, and voluntarily tutoring younger students. I am also a strong advocate for empowering youth, often campaigning in my free time and being a member of our Premier A debating team. Hence, Eureka has been an amazing opportunity to combine my love of public speaking and science together.
Rohit Guthpe
Hi, my name is Rohit Guthpe. I'm currently studying at Scots College, in year 11. I entered Eureka because I have a keen interest in the sciences, and am a strong believer in the organisation's mission statement; how the application of science and technology can benefit New Zealand. I am an avid debater and cricketer, and I hope you enjoy my presentation.
Kunli Zhang
An avid participant in a wide range of activities, from chamber music to tramping to debating, Kunli is passionate in a wide variety of topics; however, Kunli has always been particularly interested in how scientists could use their knowledge to benefit our natural environment, our taiao. Kunli has a breadth of leadership experience within the school and in the wider community, and is currently serving as the Deputy Head Boy at Kristin School in Auckland. Kunli hopes to one day use his public speaking, communication skills, and interest in science for the betterment of society. He is looking to study computer science and engineering at university to combine his interest for the sciences and technology to design practical and efficient solutions to the problems of the 21st century.
Ethan McCormick
I'm Ethan McCormick, a Year 13 student from Howick College, Auckland. I have a keen interest in New Zealand's environment and am involved with restoration and pest-free initiatives in my local community. I am also part of the debating, student leadership, and running groups within my school. Next year, I plan to attend Auckland University, studying history, law, or science, aiming to improve our environment through leadership while also pursing interests in writing and communication. I'm excited to present my Kauri Dieback presentation which I have been investigating for some time, as I believe it could be significant in protecting New Zealand's natural heritage.
Sophie Mance
Kia ora, I'm a first year Physics student who started the year at the University of Otago but am currently working at Victoria University of Wellington's Robinson Research Institute until I move to England in mid September. There I will be studying Physical Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge thanks to the 2020 Girdlers Scholarship. I have always loved science and am especially interested in applying scientific concepts to tackle sustainability issues. I have represented New Zealand at the 2019 International Young Physicists Tournament and as a member of the under 20 Women's Ultimate Frisbee team, Kāhu. I competed in the 2018 Eureka awards and, in 2019, was first equal in my class at the Wellington NIWA science fair. I'm passionate about the environment so, when I'm not in a lab working on an extra project or out on the frisbee field, I'll be volunteering with groups like Climate Challenge (organising climate change conferences for high school students) or Generation Zero.
Robbie Maris
I am a second-year student at the University of Waikato. Currently, I am working towards a conjoint Bachelor's of Business (majoring in economics and minoring in agribusiness) and Bachelor's of Science (majoring in chemistry) degree and I have an avid interest in integrating these areas to solve global issues. I am also a proud Football referee and spend a significant proportion of my time training and on the field refereeing.
Isla Day
Kia Ora! My name is Isla and I am in my second year studying Biomedical Science and Physical Geography at Victoria University of Wellington. My interest in science has been strongly influenced by my love of the outdoors and motivation to protect the environment. I was a key organiser for the School Strike 4 Climate movement in New Zealand and am now coordinating the Wellington branch of the Vote Climate 2020 campaign. I am also a keen mountain biker and race and instruct as well as ride for fun.
Shalin Shah
Studying Engineering Science & Global Studies at the University of Auckland, I have always been ever-curious about science & technology. That, alongside my interests in public speaking have created a special interest in me for science communication. I also have a keen interest in commerce and major in International Business & Relations for my Global Studies degree. Outside my studies, I love acquiring more knowledge (about literally anything!) and enjoy exploring Aotearoa's beautiful nature by going on hikes.
Karan Banker
Kia ora, my name is Karan! I am a fourth-year medical student based at Auckland City Hospital. Prior to medical school, I completed a degree in Neuroscience at the University of Otago. I find the field of medicine extremely fascinating. Within medicine, there are so many opportunities to be innovative and think outside the box. I am particularly interested in surgery as you are able to make large differences in people's lives in a short amount of time which is hugely satisfying. In my free time, I am often playing cricket or hiking the stunning New Zealand landscape.
2020 Eureka Judges
Prof Margaret Hyland
VICE-PROVOST (RESEARCH) VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON
Margaret Hyland is Vice-Provost (Research) at Victoria University of Wellington. She has responsibility for developing and implementing strategies and processes to achieve the University’s strategic research objectives.
Originally from Canada, Margaret holds a PhD from the University of Western Ontario and has spent her research career specialising in aluminium technology, and the chemistry and engineering of material surfaces. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. She was the first woman awarded the prestigious Pickering Medal for excellence in technology by the Royal Society Te Apārangi in 2015 and the first woman to chair the Metals Minerals and Materials Society’s Aluminium Committee.
In 2017, Margaret was seconded to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in the role of Chief Scientist.
Ms Kim Hill
BROADCASTER AND COLLEAGUE OF SIR PAUL CALLAGHAN
In April 2002 Hill began hosting the Saturday Morning programme. Since the 1990s she has also worked in television (on the consumer affairs show Fair Go, and Counterpoint -both with TVNZ) and in 2003 she began hosting the interview programme Face to Face With Kim Hill.
In 2012 Hill was awarded "2012 International Radio Personality of the Year" by the association for international broadcasting, describing her as "an experienced and warm broadcaster exercising full control of her content whilst coaxing her guests" to reveal more of themselves; really enjoyable live and sparky content that demonstrates what is great about radio and illustrates how important lightness of touch is in speech content. "
Kim Hill also won two awards at the 2013 NZ Radio Industry Awards. She won an "Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting" Award and won the "Best Talk or Current Affairs Host" category. "Saturday Morning with Kim Hill" also won the award for "Best Weekly Series" in the Spoken Programme category for the third year in a row.
Dr Michelle Dickinson
DR MICHELLE DICKINSON IS A PASSIONATE ENGINEER ON A MISSION TO INCREASE STEM ACCESS FOR ALL.
Author of bestselling books No 8 Recharged and The Kitchen Science Cookbook, Michelle has made it her life mission to help everyone develop a meaningful relationship with science and engineering.
With a PhD in biomedical materials engineering, Michelle has worked all over the world helping to create some of the smartdevices many of you use today. After two decades of working in industry and academia, Michelle was motivated to help increase diversity in the STEM space and founded Nanogirl Labs, a social enterprise focussed on increasing STEM access across the world.
Dr Russ Ballard
FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF WELLINGTON EUREKA! TRUST (INC)
Dr Russ Ballard is the former Chancellor Of Massey University and continues his association with Massey University as Chairman of its Foundation. Russ has extensive experience in governance and in managing government agencies, educational bodies and research organisations. He has been Chief Executive of five government departments and was an inaugural member of the e-Government Advisory Board. He was Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries in the early 1990's where he was responsible for driving the agricultural part of the GATT trade negotiations. He is a past Chairman of the Crown Research Institute, SCION.
William Rolleston
SCIENCE ADVOCATE, FARMER AND BIOTECHNOLOGIST
William farms in the South Island of New Zealand and is Production Director, co-founder and co-owner of South Pacific Sera, a biological manufacturing business supplying biologicals to pharmaceutical, diagnostic and research industries around the world. William has held board and government positions relating to agriculture, science and economic development.
He chairs the national science capability platform, Genomics Aotearoa and science advocacy group, the Life Sciences Network. He was the founding chairman of New Zealand's Biotechnology Industry and is a former president of Federated Farmers and a former acting president Of The World Farmers Organisation. He has a degree in medicine, and in 2009 was awarded the Distinguished Biotechnologist of the Year for services to the biotechnology industry and this year was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the farming industry.
Willy-John Martin
CONNECTOR SCIENTISTS, INDUSTRY AND MĀORI.
Willy-John Martin is the Manager Vision Mātauranga and Capacity Development for the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge, based at Callaghan Innovation. He oversees a programme that provides professional development for more than 400 scientists across NZ, enabling scientists to connect, communicate and collaborate more effectively with other scientists, industry and Māori.
Willy-John’s expertise is to bring together Māori/Indigenous perspectives with the tools of the science sector. He holds a PhD from Victoria University of Wellington for his work at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in Wellington. He went on to establish, in Melbourne, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research’s first Indigenous-focused biomedical research. More recently, he was a founding member and Dep. Chair of Rauika Māngai, a collaboration of 12 national research organisations improving the science sector interface with Māori people and Māori knowledge.
Iwi: Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Porou
Jennifer Palmer
RESEARCH STUDENT, SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR AND PREVIOUS EUREKA PREMIER AWARD WINNER
Jennifer was the Premier Award winner for Eureka in 2015 and has recently become the Alumni representative on the Eureka board. As a previous entrant, Jennifer knows what it is like to present in front of the judging panel and audience. She will be providing constructive feedback to the entrants on their presentations to help them develop as science communicators.
Currently, Jennifer is completing a BSc(hons) degree at the University of Otago, investigating the regulation of the cellular recycling system in brain cells and neurodegenerative diseases. This research has shown her the importance of clear communication between patients, families, funders, clinicians and scientists of a variety of disciplines. She strongly believes that greater communication between researchers and the public benefits both science and society and is necessary for the translation of research to benefit New Zealand.
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