A highlight of Gemma’s study was working on a project using dag wool to develop fertiliser seedling covers – a design selected as a finalist in the 2019 Wool-ovation Competition. Another highlight was working with mechanical engineering and science students to pioneer a new concept of “blue carbon credits” – a floating structure to grow seaweed and store carbon at the bottom of the ocean.
However, she is proudest of her master’s thesis project – the development of a long-life lure dispenser for Department of Conservation traps.
“The long-life lure dispenser is designed to contain and release a highly attractive substance over an extended period of time, which would drastically reduce the labour required for conservation efforts. My final design is a simple concept which is compatible with nearly all existing traps and is extremely low-cost, simple to manufacture and uses off-the-shelf materials. The project is looking to be continued with another student to test and refine before the lure can be taken to market.”
Currently, Gemma is working as a teaching assistant at theҕl School of Product Designbefore starting an environmental internship at furniture design company Resero in Hawkes Bay in January.
“The internship is perfect for me, because I will be helping to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to current packaging and logistics methods. Long-term I would like to start my own company, as I believe product designers have the knowledge and tools to innovate solutions to reduce a product’s impact on the environment – we just need to show that the most sustainable solutions are often the most economical in the long run.”
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