Akika graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Conservation and Ecology, and seeks to solve environmental issues using the power of data.
She has secured a role with the Ministry for the Environment as a data analyst.
“After working for about three years, I decided to change my career as I wanted to work for my passion. During my time as an auditor, I noticed various environmental issues around the world and wanted to contribute, but I found that my job at that time was not relevant to what I really care about.”
She didn’t see accounting as being able to include environmental impacts into financial reporting.
“It means people may not be able to notice that the negative environmental impacts caused by the business and supported them by investing in the business.”
“I wanted to work at the frontline which is directly relevant to environmental issues. So, I decided to come to New Zealand to study ecology, as New Zealand is famous in protecting its environment and I think the most important issue in this field is how we (human) interact with nature, which falls under ecology.”
“I chose Lincoln because Lincoln provides lots of practical courses compared to other universities. Another reason is it’s away from the city as I wanted to experience more nature.”
“I have applied extensive ecological knowledge and wide experience after conducting research on invertebrates, birds and plants through collaboration with lecturers from Lincoln University and external organisations."
Her lecturers described her as an outstanding student, scoring very high grades in many of her subjects, and presenting her undergraduate research project at a national scientific conference.
She is now an analyst in the Data and Intelligence team in the Strategy and Stewardship division at the Ministry.
“Broadly speaking, my job is using my data analytic skills to support Ministry work such as policy development and production of environmental reports.”
My degree equipped me with the scientific research and data analytic skills I needed, she said.
“I learned how to apply critical thinking in science, gained training in how to perform research, and how to write reports and analyse data. The practical courses allowed me to understand how data are collected from nature, which provides important context for analysing and exploring data."
“At a higher level, I have a comprehensive understanding of the New Zealand environment, ecology and environmental management through courses at Lincoln. These all contribute to my current job by either providing me context or tools to tackle environmental issues.”
Congratulations again Akika, on your degree and following your passion.