I have 30+ years experience working in the primary industries including sheep and beef, forestry, fibre biomaterials and ginseng. My Bachelors and Masters degrees at Massey University together with PhD coursework at Colorado State University all had an emphasis on beef cattle genetics, production systems, economics, statistics and population genetics. I have delivered dozens of woolshed talks to farmer groups and authored more than 100 articles for farming audiences. My most recent corporate role was as a Science Communicator at Scion in Rotorua. I was responsible for communicating Scion’s science forestry science, biosecurity, fire risk, biomaterials and sustainability expertise to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders both online, in print and in person. I led the communications related to genetic modification research, an area that attracted significant national attention.While some of the past 13 years of my life has been devoted to building a business, the Tarawera Ultramarathon, the people, business ownership and stakeholder engagement skills are translatable to working and achieving in a research team environment. On the back of extraordinary customer service and genuinely connecting with people, I grew the event exponentially and attracted $600k of Government investment from MBIE. Now a globally recognised brand, I sold the business to Ironman Corporation in 2019. As the company owner, I was responsible for strategy, revenue, budgets, product offerings, risk management, customer care, sales and all marketing, media and communications.

- Founder / Co-owner NZ Trail Runs Ltd.- Founder: The Tarawera Ultramarathon, Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50km and Waitomo Trail Run- Foundation Member: Ultra-Trail World Tour. - Finalist Best NZ owned Major Event. - 2x Recipient. NZ Major Events Development Fund investment (MBIE). Total $600k - Sale of the event to IRONMAN NZ Ltd in 2019. The Tarawera Ultramarathon is among the world’s most prestigious trail ultra distance runs. A world-leader in many aspects, it is recognised as the most competitive trail ultra in the Southern Hemisphere, the most welcoming, producing the best race programme and quality media. Held in Rotorua annually, a 20, 50, 102 and 160k run. International best practice combined with world-class local assets such as: Rotorua visitor destination, Maori culture, lakes, DoC tracks and a progressive regional events strategy, helped catapult the event to the world stage. First run in 2009 with 67 participants, the event has grown in year 11 with 2500 runners with 38% being international. By invitation, Tarawera is in the Ultra-Trail World Tour, a series of the highest profile events. With the most competitive long distance field in New Zealand. It has attracted the world #1, champions of several nations and world record holders. In 2019, the event generated $2.1 million GDP for Rotorua and $2.0 million in GDP for the rest of New Zealand. Media includes global TV coverage and free photos viewed 10+ million times. Tarawera created the market for ultra running in New Zealand and provided opportunities for other event professionals to create similar events.

- Created five trail running events with more than 15,000 participants from 100+ countries. - Coordinated a team of a dozen core staff, 50+ contractors, 500+ volunteers.- Successfully gained investment from MBIE valued at $600k.Communication with 40+ landowner stakeholders.- Founder of the Tarawera Ultramarathon. A long-distance off-road ultra-running event. http://www.taraweraultra.co.nz/

Technical writing, science writing, plain English report writing, editing. Preparing and writing articles, technology transfer and translation of science. Bid writing and editing. Clear communication of scientific and technical concepts to industry and non-technical audiences. Areas include forestry science, sustainability sciences, biomaterials and bioenergy.

Participated in the development and patent of a SNP-based bovine selection tool developed on behalf of a major US-based food company. Development of the MMI Genomics Inc. Canine Heritage Test. Technical advice, and customer support for the Canine Heritage Test and Canine Parentage Test.

Studying in the Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO, USA. Animal genetics, genetic evaluation, breeding programme design, beef cattle production, statistics, quantitative genetics, agricultural economics, complex adaptive systems.

Research and extension related to beef cattle genetic improvement in New Zealand. This included the economic evaluation of genetic improvement programmes, selection for carcass and meat quality traits, progeny testing, customer analysis, report writing, website development and talks to more than 100 farmer and industry groups nationwide and Australia. As part of this role, I established the first beef industry website in New Zealand.