Meet Kate Neill

Meet Kate Neill

What is your job title?

Marine macroalgal phycologist (seaweed researcher).

What do you study and why is it important?

My main speciality is seaweeds, however recently I have also begun working with sea stars which is the reason for my involvement on these sea trips. I am learning to identify sea stars - as one of the most common groups found on the ocean floor it is important that we can work out how many different species we have in different habitats.

What will you be doing on the Graveyard voyage?

I am part of the biological team onboard so will be one of the two shifts deploying and emptying the sampling gear, and processing the samples that we get. The rest of the time I will help out where I am needed.

Where were you educated?

I did a BSc in ecology and zoology at Victoria University in Wellington, followed by a BSc Honours in ecology. I then completed an MSc in marine science at Otago University in Dunedin.

How did you become interested in the ocean?

I grew up around the ocean and have always been happiest near the sea. So I realised that my perfect job would involve being paid to go to the beach!

Do you get seasick? And if so, any tips on how not to?

Ah yes, unfortunately I do! Car sick too! Being outside in the fresh air and being able to see the horizon are the best things for me, but obviously I can’t stay outside all the time. So lying down when you can is another option – or else it is the anti seasick pills for me!

What do you enjoy about your work?

Most things actually . . . . I am lucky enough to really enjoy my job. My job is a mix of field work, lab work and office work and is always very varied. I get to travel a lot and work on a variety of jobs with a whole lot of different, interesting and fun people.

What are some of the challenges you face?

What have you learned/discovered? What do you hope to learn?

That nature never behaves as we might expect. But it is always fun trying to work it out anyway, and I hope to keep doing that and learning as I go along.

How do you spend your spare time?

Hanging out with friends and family and doing up my house.