SCANZ 2026 scholarship recipients

Congratulations to the four recipients of scholarships who will attend our SCANZ 2026 conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch!

Ngā mihi nui to our conference sponsors and SCANZ members whose support allows us to extend this opportunity to our up-and-coming science communicators.

Connal Mclean

Connal (he/they) has a background in behavioral and evolutionary ecology, working across a broad range of animal groups, but their passion burns most for insects, bugs, and other under-sung crawlies (creepy or not!). Connal’s MSc in Zoology looked at associative flexibility and cognition in bumble bees, during which they fell in love with science communication, adapting protocols he used in research for outreach. Since then, he has organized a variety of outreach and education events in the Otago region. When not training his traveling bee circus, Connal enjoys trying out new recipes and exploring the nature around NZ.

Jade Wilson

Jade Wilson is a science communicator in her final year of a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Political Science. As a Science Communication and Outreach Lead for the University of Canterbury iGEM team, NanoBrew, she combines marketing, design, and storytelling to make complex science accessible and meaningful for our diverse communities. 

Jade aims to work at the intersection of science policy and community-led outreach, building Pacific representation in scientific conversation and decision-making across Aotearoa. She is grateful to SCANZ for this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Nethmie Jayasooriya

Nethmie is a recent PhD graduate specializing in bioproducts and advanced characterization. She is currently the Co-founder and the lead scientist of an emerging science-tech venture developing biodegradable sensor systems for precision agriculture. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between high-level research and practical, circular-economy solutions. Apart from her entrepreneurial work, Nethmie is a passionate educator and science communicator. She is currently working on a STEM-focused children's book series aimed at making novel scientific concepts accessible to young Kiwi students. Through these stories, she hopes to spark the curiosity of the next generation of scientists to solve global environmental challenges.

Tate Agnew

At Otago University, Tate Agnew (Ngāpuhi/Tainui) majors in ecology and minors in history and zoology. She is currently publishing research on pollinators produced during internships at the Bioeconomy Science Institute and her home university. She presented her findings at the AUS/NZ Entomological Conference 2025 and will be travelling to Utah this year for the American Ecological Conference. Tate has worked as a youth representative for COP, The Ministry for the Environment, climate ministers, and local boards. As an exec member for multiple clubs she organises events including plantings and cleanups. Tate has shown her art in over 10 exhibitions across the US and NZ, illustrated books, magazines, and recieved the Audrey Eagle Botanical Illustration award.