AUT PhD candidate to represent NZ at prestigious Commonwealth Science Conference
AUT University PhD candidate Gardette Valmonte will represent New Zealand at the Royal Society’s Commonwealth Science Conference in Bangalore this week.
Gardette is one of just two New Zealand students selected to attend. She will join 70 PhD students from around world who have received coveted invitations to the conference, which takes place 25-28 November 2014.
Gardette says, “I’m so grateful and appreciative of this wonderful opportunity to attend the conference, especially as a PhD student. This year’s conference theme, ‘Science for the Common Good’, really resonates with me. It’s very inspiring when initiatives like this conference allow science and technology to meet and marry with the fast growing demands of society.”
Gardette’s research at AUT University’s Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand (AENZ) explores genes that influence plants’ responses to environmental stress and infections. “Some plants are naturally more resistant and I’m interested in why,” she says.
“Identifying target genes in plants may give rise to novel approaches to solving the decline of the world’s agricultural productivity and food security. Research on how to improve plant stress tolerance, disease resistance and crop productivity is paramount in preparing for future agro-environmental difficulties brought about by a changing world.”
The Commonwealth Science Conference celebrates excellence in Commonwealth science, and aims to inspire young scientists, provide opportunities for collaboration, and build scientific capacity in the Commonwealth’s developing nations.
Gardette’s co-supervisor, Dr Colleen Higgins says, “I think Gardette’s nomination is a real recognition of her abilities and the projects she has been working on. She will be a fantastic ambassador for AUT University and for the country.”