School of Environmental and Animal Sciences Research Groups

Explore research groups from Unitec’s School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, where experts work to advance animal wellbeing, biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and the science that supports them.

Veterinary Nursing

Group Leader: TBC

Two women in medical scrubs and blue gloves work at a cluttered lab table with microscope, centrifuge, and supplies, surrounded by equipment and potted plants.

Research Focus:

The aim of our Research Group is to investigate veterinary nursing practices to improve outcomes for the health of companion animals, investigate the understanding of companion animal guardians pertaining to the health of their animals to improve education and behavioural outcomes, and to investigate the mental health of veterinary workers to develop strategies which improve industry sustainability. We are keen to work with the veterinary industry on projects, particularly in analysing clinical data and practices, demonstrating how research can be incorporated into the industry to benefit all stakeholders.

 

Animal Behaviour & Welfare

Group Leaders: Caralyn Kemp Kristie Cameron Nigel Adams

Person in white shirt with headphones observes monkeys near wooden structures in a lush green rocky landscape.

Research Focus:

The aim of our Research Group is to have positive impacts on the welfare, management, husbandry, and handling of captive and wild animals by informing management policies, creating educational resources, and working closely with community, partners, and industry stakeholders. Our research includes the behaviour of human and nonhuman animals, the design of captive environments, animal preferences, feeding ecology, human-animal interactions and relationships, behavioural modification, enrichment, sensory ecology, welfare needs, and behavioural plasticity.

 

Applied Molecular Solutions

Group Leader: Sarah Wells

A bright green gecko with brown spots clings to leafy branches, its orange-red eyes gazing sideways amidst lush green foliage.

Research Focus:  

The aim of our Research Group is to apply ecological genetics to inform knowledge of species ecology, demographics and evolutionary adaptations, and utilise morphological approaches to resolve the taxonomic and conservation status of Aotearoa New Zealand’s flora and fauna. We work with industry stakeholders and other partners to provide services and expertise to conduct Te Tiriti-informed Kaupapa o te taiao.

 

Biodiversity, Applied Ecology & Taxonomy

Group Leaders: Glenn Aguilar, Marleen Baling

Unitec EAS lecture is checking a dirt-covered container in a leaf-strewn outdoor setting.

Research Focus:

The Biodiversity Applied Ecology & Taxonomy Research Group aims to contribute to the kaitiakitanga of our biological diversity, particularly in Aotearoa / New Zealand. We work to improve the knowledge of whakapapa, ecology and adaptation of Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s biodiversity by developing tools and approaches to reduce biodiversity loss, and tackle climate change and introduced species.