We may have had to postpone the ceremony, but we are still celebrating, and congratulating, our new graduates.
Bachelor of Science, with a double major in Conservation and Ecology and Environmental Management, graduate Jodanne Aitken is climbing the academic ladder, now tackling a Master in International Nature Conservation at Lincoln.
However, it’s not the only thing she’s climbing.
“One of the reasons I chose to study at Lincoln was its proximity to the alps. It has been a great base for me to develop my hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing skills,” she said.
“Where I grew up backed onto the Tararua ranges, and during my teen years I discovered this and pretty much fell in love with them. Being in the bush or on top of a mountain lit a spark in me that I didn’t get anywhere else.
“I decided in my final year of high school, waking up each day and doing work for the native flora and fauna of New Zealand was something I could get excited about.”
“I chose Lincoln because it offered a hand’s on degree in conservation that was holistic and well rounded. I was able to gain an understanding of many of the interests that are competing for land use, such as farming and development, and learn practical fieldwork skills that are vital in the field of conservation.
‘That other factor that helped me chose Lincoln was the fact that it felt homely. I came to the Open Day in 2015 and was amazed by how friendly and down to earth everyone was. “
She has been awarded the Lady Diana Isaac Scholarship in Nature Conservation which funds her tuition and living costs.
“My time at Lincoln, and interactions with exchange students from all round the world, has also sparked an interest in how they do conservation in other countries. This is the reason for my chosen master’s programme.”
The degree is jointly taught and awarded with the University of Göttingen, Germany, and involves spending a semester there.
She has undertaken research with the Bioheritage National Science Challenge on the project, ‘Empowering the Local Voice in a Graphical Representation of New Zealand’s Biological Heritage (Flora & Fauna)’.
It aimed to provide a viable way to retain and empower local indigenous bio-heritage terms.
“I started on this project back in November 2018 as a summer student research position alongside another student and it has taken us far further than I even thought it would.
“At the end of the summer we both got the opportunity to remain on the project parttime as we had realised towards the end of the scholarship period that this project was far bigger than creating a resource for a kaumatua for preserve his words.
“We realised that we actually had a process, that with some additional work, would be an excellent framework for preserving more bio-heritage terms from different ecosystems and from different iwi and their dialects.
“My co-worker and I also got the opportunity to present our work at the New Zealand Ecological Society conference at the end of 2019.
“It was an amazing experience to have considering we were only undergraduates. We have since written up a manuscript of our research and it is currently with an international journal in the peer review process. I feel very fortunate to be able to participate in this research, given that I have no Māori ancestry.
“This project would have to be one of the most scary yet wonderfully fulfilling things I have done during my undergraduate studies at Lincoln Uni. “
She has also had the opportunity to work for the Kea Conservation Trust.
“In the beginning I was just doing odd jobs and little bits of research for them as required as a volunteer. Last year I started doing paid work for the trust sorting through sightings data from down in Fiordland. I also get invited out for field work trips, and my when my schedule allows, I have done fieldwork around Canterbury.”
Reflecting on her time so far spent studying she said Lincoln was like a family.
“I have absolutely loved doing my undergraduate degree and I think that is down to the people here. Everyone I have come across seems to be so genuine and passionate about what they do, and that stuff is infectious to be around.”
Congratulations Jodanne.