Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, March 28, 2023
With a sea captain as a grandfather and childhood summers spent around the sea, it is no surprise that Professor Karin Bryan was drawn to studying the deep blue.
A passion for Mathematics and Physics led the University of Waikato Professor to physical oceanography.
Professor Bryan is one of the new Royal Society Te Apārangi Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellows. She has been honoured for her research on Estuarine Processes, Coastal Morpho Dynamics, and Climate-driven variability in waves, which has gained international recognition over a period of more than 20 years.
In a Media Release, Professor Bryan said, “I like to think it is the most challenging because of the complexity of our coastline and the immediate impact on coastal communities, and in turn, our impact on coastal ecosystems.”
Professor Bryan said that climate change is a game changer for an already complex discipline. “It is really hard to provide useful information in such an uncertain environment. The focus was first on the slow onset hazard of sea level rise, but these massive events of the last few months are making it even harder to visualise the future. There is no time to perfect a theory or model anymore, we need to learn and improve quickly to be able to help.”
Professor Bryan’s work
Beaches and estuaries are affected by sediments and nutrients carried into them by rivers, as well as the impact of waves, tidal currents and wind. Professor Bryan has dedicated almost two decades to understanding these drivers and how they vary with climate cycles and events. The research that she has overseen forms the foundation of consent assessments and management plans for all of Waikato’s key coastal environments and has earned her international acclaim. This has led to her participation in several international research collaborations and has also drawn renowned environmental researchers to New Zealand, bringing new techniques to address local issues.
Currently, Professor Bryan is the Dean of Te Mata Kairangi, The School of Graduate Research at the University of Waikato where she splits her time between that role and being a professor in Earth and Environmental Science.
Recognition and a Reminder
The recognition that comes with the Fellowship also comes with a reminder for Professor Bryan.
“I think for my research it will remind me to focus on fewer but higher quality (and most importantly, more useful) outcomes,” she said.
It is also a prompt to keep working with the next generation.
As Dean of Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research, Professor Bryan is committed to demonstrating the value of graduate study in creating useful knowledge for society.
“This year I want to focus on helping students get real value out of their University experience. It sounds corny, but to show that universities still have a place in creating useful knowledge for societies,” she said.
Her world-leading work in the oceanography of the coastal ocean and the recent announcement following the rigorous selection process for Royal Society Fellows are a testament to that value.
Ngā Ahurei Fellows
Ngā Ahurei a Te Apārangi Fellows are recognised by the Royal Society Te Apārangi for their distinction in research and advancement of science, technology or the humanities. They are world leaders in their areas of research and scholarship.
Being made a Fellow is an honour that recognises distinction in research, scholarship or the advancement of knowledge at the highest international standards.
Fellows can use the post-nominal ‘FRSNZ’ after their name to indicate this honour.
Professor Charlotte Macdonald FRSNZ, Chair of the Academy Executive Committee, said it was impressive to see the strength of Aotearoa New Zealand’s research communities in the cohort of new Fellows.
“The newly-elected Ngā Ahurei Fellows have made contributions to knowledge at the highest levels in their different fields and across disciplinary boundaries. Their election adds significantly to the breadth of knowledge held within the Academy and will support Te Apārangi to engage and inform New Zealanders on a diverse range of important topics.”
“The election process is rigorous and new Fellows can be rightfully proud to be recognised by their peers in this way. On behalf of the Academy and Society, I heartily congratulate all the new Fellows.”
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
