PHD STUDENTS
Current Primary and Co-Supervision
DANIEL REASON
Investigating the extraction and purification of various cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa L.
Supervisors: Megan Grainger (primary), Joseph Lane
AMBER BELL
Investigation of the effect of heavy metals on bees
Supervisors: Megan Grainger (Primary), Linda Peters
Started March 2022
SEBASTIAN HOEPKER
Trace metals in stalagmites as quantitative proxies of palaeoclimatic cave drip rates.
Supervisors: Associate Prof. Adam Hartland, Dr. Megan Grainger, Dr. Bedartha Goswami (University of Tübingen, Germany)
Started March 2019
My PhD is focussed on the development of a novel tool to study past climate. Stalagmites grow as calcium carbonate precipitates from cave dripwaters, and their structure and chemical composition often reflect environmental or climatic processes within and above the cave. Specifically, we analyse trace metals, such as nickel and cobalt, that are incorporated into the crystal fabric of stalagmites. Based on the interactions of these metals with organic matter present in the dripwaters, we aim to develop a new method to quantify past drip rates, and ultimately rainfall, to better understand drivers and mechanisms of rainfall variability.
This project combines fieldwork to monitor cave environments with lab experiments that simulate stalagmite growth, and the development of climate records from stalagmites covering the last ca. 10,000 years. Our fieldwork is based in various caves stretching from the Waikato region to the Southern Alps of New Zealand, and the small island of Niue in the South Pacific.
When above ground, I particularly love travelling, hiking, fencing (the sport…!), playing soccer, and cooking.
YANAN LEE
Development of a novel cyanide-free method for analysis of vitamin B12 in milk
Supervisors: Merilyn Manley-Harris (primary), Megan Grainger, Brendon Gill (Fonterra)
ANYA NOBLE
The Biogeography and Functional Roles of the Leptospermum Scoparium (Mānuka) Phyllosphere Microbiome
Supervisors: Charles Lee (primary), Mike Clearwater, Megan Grainger
Details coming soon!
KAVITHA HARSHANI
Construction and demolition waste as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater
Supervisors: A/Professor. Michael Mucalo (Primary), Dr. Megan Grainger, and Dr. Amanda French
Waste management and water pollution are global challenges faced by the modern world. The use of adsorbents derived from waste materials for water treatment can be considered as a winning strategy as it contributes to both environmental remediation and waste minimization. My research under the supervision of A/Professor. Michael Mucalo, Dr. Megan Grainger, and Dr. Amanda French has focused on evaluating the potential of construction and demolition waste to be used as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of major heavy metal contaminants in New Zealand water. Further, I hope to investigate the regeneration methods for the treated adsorbents and the adsorption efficacy of the identified adsorbents with high adsorption potential in actual industrial wastewater streams. My studies are supported by the University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship. Apart from my academic interests, I also enjoy gardening and watching films.
CURRENT MSC STUDENTS
Primary and Co-supervisions
JADE TE BOGT
Investigation of extraction techniques for olive oil
Supervisor: Megan Grainger
BRITTANY JAINE
The effect of heavy metals on bee cells
Supervisors: Megan Grainger and Linda Peters
EDIE THOMAS
Flavour compound of NZ monofloral honeys
EMMA CARROL
Method improvement for honey analysis