IUAPC Global Women's Breakfast

The IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast was held on 10 February 2026 and attended by some 35 people who enjoyed a breakfast of filled croissants and a presentation by speaker Professor Lucy Johnston (Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, University of Canterbury).

 PhD completions

Congratulations to Hunter Douglas for successfully defending his PhD thesis, "Emergence and de-emergence of climate change at regional scale in coupled climate models" this morning. Hunter was supervised by Dave Frame and Laura Revell. Hunter was examined by Professor Peter Cox (Exeter University) and Dr Peter Gibson (Earth Sciences New Zealand) and performed exceptionally well in his oral, addressing all the queries in a well-considered manner highlighting his exceptional understanding of climate science.

Congratulations also to Alex Aves on the successful defense of her PhD thesis on “Analytical insights and remote observations of airborne and cryospheric micro- and nanoplastics”, work that was supervised by Laura Revell in conjunction with Sally Gaw. Alex was examined by Joel Rindelaub from the University of Auckland, and the second examiner was Fay Couceiro from the University of Portsmouth in the UK. Alex gave an excellent presentation at the start of the oral exam and then answered the questions and engaged in the broader discussion of her work in a knowledgeable and professional manner. Congratulations Alex, and we wish you the very best for your future.

Department

Professor Ian Shaw has indicated his intention to retire from his continuing University of Canterbury position in the school. Ian’s last day of employment will be 30 June 2026. A popular lecturer, he will be missed.