Our top research graduates were recognised at the Chief Executive’s Awards for Research Excellence event last week, hosted by our Tūāpapa Rangahau Research Centre.
The event was a celebration of the success of our top performing postgraduate research students, who graduated from our highest degrees in 2019.
In addition to acknowledging the graduates, the event was also an opportunity to recognise whānau, supervisors and other supporters for the outstanding support they’ve given the students over their years of study.
The awards were presented by Mary Johnston, Executive Director – People and Infrastructure and Associate Professor Marcus Williams, Director Tūāpapa Rangahau, partnering research and enterprise.
Marcus said it is important to acknowledge such an outstanding performance in our highest level students.
“Their research thesis is a substantive piece involving 6 – 15 thousand words or a major creative output, depending on the degree. The work is published by Unitec on Research Bank and available to the world, presenting a considerable body of knowledge toward improving society, the environment or our cultural capital”.
Annaliese Mirus (centre) with her sister (left) and supervisor Min Hall, Lecturer in our School of Architecture
Following the presentation of the awards, the graduates shared kai and a kōrero with their whānau and guests, including some of our Heads of School and other academic staff. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate excellence not only in academia, but also in resilience and determination.
Our five top research graduates for 2019 were:
Annaliese Mirus who completed her Master of Architecture (Professional).
Annaliese’s thesis title was ‘Shedding Light on the out of Sight…the design for a sustainable community that investigates the physical environment impacts of the average New Zealand household.’ She received an A+ Distinction for Architectural Design. Annaliese’s Principal Supervisor was Min Hall, and Associate Supervisor was Dr Hamish Foote.
Sianne Smith (centre) with Mary Johnston and Marcus Williams
Sianne Smith, who completed her Master of Architecture (Professional).
Sianne’s thesis title was ‘Architecture of Perception Communicating meaning through phenomenological and multisensory-driven design’. She received an A+ Distinction for Architectural Design. Sianne’s Principal Supervisor was Associate Professor Christoph Schnoor and Associate Supervisor was Annabel Pretty. She was also supported by Magda Garbarczyk.
Tira Walsh (second from left), with Head of Creative Industries Vanessa Byrnes (left), Tira’s sister, and her Associate Supervisor, Lecturer Emma Smith
Tira Walsh, who completed her Master of Creative Practice.
Tira’s thesis title was ‘Urbanize’. She received an A+ grade. Tira’s Principal Supervisor was Richard Fahey and Associate Supervisor was Emma Smith.
Nerissa Baker with her son
Nerissa Baker, who completed her Master of Osteopathy
Nerissa’s thesis title was ‘The Effect of Embodied Historical Trauma on Musculoskeletal Pain in a Group of Urban Māori Adults’. She received an A+ grade. Nerissa’s Principal Supervisor was Dr Elizabeth Niven, and Associate Supervisor was Dr Josie Keelan.
Esme Michael-Anna with Dr Saeideh Aminian, Lecturer and Head of Research in our School of Community Studies
Esme Michael-Anna, who completed her Master of Osteopathy
Esme’s thesis title was ‘Osteopathy and Patients who have Experienced Sexual Violence: Management, Treatment and Self-Care’. Esme received an A+ grade. Her Principal Supervisor was Dr Alexandra Hart and Associate Supervisor was Dr Julia Hollis.
Congratulations to these outstanding graduates and their supervisors who helped them to achieve such a high standard, and had a huge impact on their time at Unitec.
Our five top research graduates
Congratulations to all these students!