29 September 2008 Lincoln masters graduate now NZ 'science diplomat' in USA

"Looking forward to the challenge," is how Lincoln University masters graduate Lesley McConnell describes the position she has taken up representing New Zealand science in Washington DC.

Lesley, who graduated Master of Environmental Policy with Honours from Lincoln University in 2003, works for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST).

In October she began a posting as US Science and Technology Counsellor for MoRST at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC.

She will be only the second incumbent in this relatively new position and one of only two such "science diplomats" that MoRST has overseas. The other, based in Brussells, covers the European Union. Essentially the job entails servicing and enhancing the science linkages New Zealand has with the wider world.

It's work Lesley is already acquainted with as for some of the past foμr years with MoRST half of her job has been with its international linkages team, more recently responsible for science relationships with the Pacific and the Republic of Korea.

Lesley is delighted with the Washington appointment as she has a strong interest in promoting New Zealand's science capabilities off-shore.

Reflecting on science in New Zealand, Lesley says her personal opinion is that the small scale of systems here is a big advantage in terms of giving Kiwi scientists plenty of scope for creativity, innovation and flexibility.

Originally from Whangarei, Lesley studied for her Master of Environmental Management degree at Lincoln University under the supervision of Professor of Environmental Management Ken Hughey. Her research dissertation concerned the decision-making framework for local government transport policy. Postgraduate study at Lincoln University provided a very useful and portable combination of specific and generic research and analytical skills, she says.

Lesley remembers Lincoln University as academically very supportive. The academic staff were always very accessible and willing to help and advise, she says, and postgraduate students such as herself were well looked after. In addition, the campus itself is a lovely environment in which to study.

The international character of the new position is a bonus, she says, and she has maintained social links with several South American scholars she met at Lincoln University during her student days.

For details of all Lincoln University's programmes see www.lincoln.ac.nz