In a new feature, we’re introducing some of the freshwater scientists and technicians who have recently joined NIWA. First up is Kristy Hogsden, a freshwater ecologist in Christchurch.
What is your area of specialty at NIWA?
K: My focus is investigating the effects that different environmental pressures have on the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems. This could be due to human activities such as farming or mining, or from invasive species.
One of the projects I’m currently working on is how changes in river flow and substrate affect invertebrates (the food available for fish) and periphyton (the mixture of algae and bacteria that grow on rocks and other submerged surfaces on stream beds). Another project is looking at the design and effectiveness of riparian buffers for restoring water quality and habitat in rivers that have been degraded by erosion, nutrient enrichment and other land-use effects.
What made you made you want to become a freshwater scientist?
K: Growing up in Canada, I spent most of my childhood playing outside in the stream and forest in our backyard – very similar to a lot of Kiwi kids I imagine.
Splashing round and catching bugs and frogs sparked my interest and curiosity about the natural world, so I knew early on I wanted to work in science and take an active part in helping the environment.
In high school I worked on a freshwater wetland restoration project with local scientists. I got to experience first-hand how scientific tools and decision-making processes could be used to improve water quality and habitat, and to engage the community – and I was hooked! Being able to work outside a lot of the time was a bonus.
What’s the most rewarding thing you’ve done in your career so far?
K: I love to connect communities with science through outreach events. I especially enjoy creating activities and seeing kids of all ages (including us big kids) get excited as they learn more about our amazing fresh waters. We’ve done scavenger hunts in waterways and wetlands, building stream food webs and making observations like scientists would.
What do you like to do outside of your work at NIWA?
K: Living in Christchurch means I get to spend a time with my husband and our two awesome kids exploring the diverse environments in the region. I particularly love to walk in the hills. Closer to home I enjoy knitting, baking and growing beautiful food in our garden.
Back to Freshwater Update 83, April 2020
