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Showcasing innovation in the Bay

Thursday 25 August 2016, 11:18AM

By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

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BAY OF PLENTY

More than 60 researchers, academics and members of the public enjoyed the recent Curiosity Research Symposium, held at the Windermere campus on Friday.
 
The biennial event showcased staff research projects from across Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and partner organisations through a series of short presentations with question-and-answer sessions. 
 
This year the theme of “Innovation in the Bay” was especially insightful, with many of the research projects contributing to new understanding, practice and technology. 
 
Tina Jenner, CEO for the Plus Group of Horticultural Companies based in Te Puna, started the day with a provocative keynote address, questioning what we do with our creative energies, sharing some fascinating examples of drones, robotics, soil science and pollination which are currently transforming the kiwifruit industry.
 
Science was also to the fore in several other presentations: Amanda Heaphy’s study of the most effective recovery treatments for ultra-distance marathons; Tracey Clissold’s work on jumping to build bone density in premenopausal women; and Julian Ketel’s examination of the anti-bacterial qualities of Manuka honey and a new cyclopower powdered derivative.
 
Commercial interests were represented in a study of the Visiting Friends and Relatives sector of Tourism (Jenny Cave, Koshla Renton and Cath Fraser), and Albert Kuruvila’s investigation into the perilous state of Non-Government Organisations in New Zealand.
 
Anne Shirley and Mary Stewart’s account of the Creative Arts team’s ‘Project Room’ showed how students were engaging with the re-invigoration of the downtown city centre, learning essential exhibition and curating skills while engaging with the community.
 
Learning and teaching inside the classroom through the use of video was addressed by both Dave Guccione, sharing his ‘flipped classroom’ experience, and Jayne White and Clive Pope introducing the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research’s new Video Lab, supported by several of their post graduate students currently using video to explore new educational methods.
 
Moving from digital tools to bricks and mortar, Shawn Dawson described his findings to date, tracking the “Mass 2” building currently under construction at the Windermere campus. His interest is in waste minimisation, and the level of recycling and re-use evident in the materials coming off site, contributing to understanding of sustainable building design.
 
Finally, Malcolm Hardy and Brian Dillon shared two studies of professional development – covering staff preferences and institutional benefit.
 
Heather Hamerton and the team of Research Leaders from the Taiorangahau Centre of Applied Research were pleased with both the range and quality of presentations.
 
“The audience was very enagaged,” says Heather. “It was a stimulating and enjoyable day and another successful Curiosity Symposium.”
 
Presenters included:
Tina Jennen: Plus Group
Anne Shirley: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member - Graphic Design
Mary Stewart: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Group Leader - Culture, Design & Humanities
Malcolm Hardy: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Head of School – Applied Technology
Brian Dillon: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Group Leader – Carpentry
Shawn Dawson: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Architectural Technology
Amanda Heaphy: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Sport & Health Science
Tracey Clissold: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Sport & Recreation
Albert Kuruvila: University of Waikato, Tauranga
Jenny Cave: University of Waikato
Koshla Renton: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Tourism & Travel
Cath Fraser: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Research Leader
Dave Guccione: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Marine Studies
Julian Ketel: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member - Nursing
Jayne White: University of Waikato
Clive Pope: University of Waikato
Bridgette Redder: University of Waikato
Anne-Marie Simon: Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Academic Staff Member – Fashion
Ronel Morgan: University of Waikato
Rene Novak: University of Waikato