Mema Te Apārangi | Member profile: Louise Hennessy
In this month's Member profile, we hear from Louise Hennessy, who is one of three co-chairs on the Committee for the Society’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Forum.
Tell us about your role and the organisation you are employed at.
I am a Scientist at AgResearch, based at the Ruakura campus in Hamilton. I have been associated with AgResearch for quite some time, having initially started on a Māori Summer Internship after my Bachelors’ degree. I am now a researcher in the Māori Research and Partnerships Group, where I split my time across research projects, leading our Te Puāwaitanga programme (supporting pathways for Rangatahi) and co-leading our early-career researcher community.
How long have you been a member of Royal Society Te Apārangi and what has your involvement been?
I have been a member since joining the Committee for the Society’s Early Career Researcher Forum as co-chair in 2022. I became interested in the Society after attending the He Pito Mata hui in Wellington in 2021. I had an awesome experience and was inspired by the other researchers, and their drive and passion to have a positive impact on the science system.
Tell us about the ECR Forum.
Early-career researchers are an essential part of our science system and bring energy, enthusiasm, diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, adaptability, and an eagerness to collaborate. Our role as the Forum Committee is to engage and support early-career researchers. We are currently advertising for people to join our Committee! Please get in touch if you are interested.
What has been a defining highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career so far is helping rangatahi to achieve their goals and aspirations in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Working with the next generation brings me a lot of joy in my mahi.
What were the contributing factors for choosing to work in science?
I am addicted to learning new things and skills and I love working with people – so working in science is a great fit!
When not working, I enjoy...
Spending time with my family and friends, walking, running, and mountain biking. My 'happy place' is spending time in the lakes and forests around Rotorua.
View more information on the ECR Forum.