scigest - Bioeconomy Science Institute podcasts

University of Auckland Ph. D. student, Tom Saunders, recounts his experiences of diversity in science, love at first sight (with a parasitoid wasp), and the importance of following your passions and creating your own opportunities. He also discusses why he thinks it is important to have an online profile to assist you in the early stages of your career in science.

This week seafood is on the menu as we drop a line to fish scientist Dr Esme Robinson in Lincoln to find out if snapper have bubbly personalities, how you get a fish on a treadmill and the ancient art of flounder tickling.

Chief scientist at Plant & Food Research, Richard Newcomb, talks about his science career journey from a young bug collector to leading the science. Richard also talks about his role as Chief Scientist and the general challenges in working in science.

In this episode we talk to entomologist Gonzalo Avila about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. This bug that has been intercepted at New Zealand ports catching rides on inbound ships and could do major damage to our horticultural crops in New Zealand if they ever established.

We talk this week to Dr Edward Walker one of the lead scientists involved in discovering Amarasate™. Amarasate is a natural extract of New Zealand hops, that has been clinically demonstrated to regulate eating behaviour. An early stage clinical trial suggested that taking Amarasate before a meal can reduce the amount of food eaten and therefore reduce calorie intake.

Molecular biology postdoctoral scientist and new mum Dr Jessica Rodrigues, talks about her journey into science, the choices and opportunities that are available early in your science career, and Brad Pitt. Jessica was recently awarded a Rutherford Foundation New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Dr William 'Kiwifruit' Laing discusses the many powers of enzymes and describes some of the enzyme actions that we may come across in our kitchen

In pursuit of perfectly ripe produce - what is ripeness anyway?

Research associate, Scigester and mini monster truck enthusiast Blue Plunkett talks about his journey into science, the importance of science communications and some advice on heading towards a science career.

In this episode we talk to insect scientist Dr Sam Brown about the never ending battle to keep NZ fruit exports free of insect hitchhikers. We also delve into Sam's past and the shadowy underworld of "The Weevil Empire"

Bio-protection postdoctoral scientist, Jay Jayaraman, discusses his science journey and the 'bang for buck' potential of plant science discoveries

Swapping microphones for this podcast, research associate and scigester Brogan McGreal talks about her journey into science and some tips for those thinking about a career in science.

Research Technologist and 'scigester' Di Brewster discusses her career path, the opportunities available to budding scientists, and the thrill of unlocking mysteries and making your mark.

It's not all about the lab. A science career can mean finding new business opportunities for science and managing science projects. As Business Analyst and Molecular Biologist Nitish Anand has found.

Dr Ian Horner discusses Kauri dieback disease and his research to help save the iconic, taonga species.

Weapons, surveillance, covert operations and sabotage. Hear from Dr Jo Bowen on how her research is helping the plant outfox the pathogen.

A short trailer on the Scigest podcast channel

Manufacturing electronic sensors that harness the super-sensory capacity of insects: Dr Andrew Kralicek is designing new sensing equipment for biosecurity, medical diagnosis and workplace safety from cloned insect protein receptors.

A chatty introduction to the scigest team - who we are, the science we do, what we think about science in society, and a bit about Blue's car.