New Role Brings Cawthron Science to the Community

For the first time, Cawthron has created the role of 'Community Educator' to link the community directly with the science and scientists at the nationally recognised institute.

Marine Biologist and science educator Jo Thompson has been appointed to the role. Jo will be engaging the community through school and community education programmes, interactive activities and promotions based around what Cawthron does.

Jo says she’s been really impressed by the range of work that Cawthron does and also the expertise of its scientists.

"Cawthron is New Zealand's largest independent science institute. Their science is coming up with all sorts of amazing solutions for New Zealand and overseas. I really want people to know that so that they can be proud of Cawthron as their asset and be inspired by what can be achieved."

The Community Educator role has key objectives set by the Cawthron Trustees. Secretary of the Trust, Judene Edgar says the role heralds a new era of awareness and education about the great science that’s going on at Cawthron.

"This role effectively opens the doors of the institute to allow learning and interaction for young children and the wider community about what’s going on here. We are very pleased to have Jo on board to develop and deliver this exciting new role that will enable Cawthron to develop an interface between our world class science and the community."

Jo Thompson is a marine biologist with a background that includes working as an educator at the London Aquarium and the Environment Agency in the UK before she came to New Zealand and worked in marketing and product development for Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin and Albatross tours).

"My passions are very much the marine environment and educating children about the environment they are living in and what they can do to improve it. I feel very excited about this brand new role as I can create endless opportunities for the community to learn about the exciting research that the Cawthron Institute is involved in," says Jo.

Cawthron’s Chief Financial Officer Daryl Wehner says Jo’s appointment comes at an auspicious time for Cawthron as they celebrate their 90 year anniversary.

“Generations to come will benefit from this exciting new initiative from Cawthron. Through Jo, Cawthron’s scientific endeavours and desire to make a difference for New Zealanders will be communicated. We’ve been involved with land and sea-based developments and stewardship of New Zealand for over 90 years and it's something we're immensely proud of." says Daryl Wehner.

Jo already has a schedule of activities planned which involve the community and the first of these is the Open Day to be held at Cawthron’s research facility at The Glen on Sunday 27 March, 2011, from 11am – 3pm. Plans are also well underway for the Cawthron Nelson Museum exhibition which starts in November, National Primary Science Week, and the annual Science and Technology fair.

"I can't wait to help children learn about science from a young age. A lot of people think that science is really only available to older students but I want young children see how exciting and fun it can be."

I'm also looking forward to meeting Heads of Department and science teachers from the schools. I’m keen to hear from them what they’d like from us so it’s a two-way street. The door’s always open."

Judene Edgar says the Trust hopes the whole community will benefit from this new role.

"While children are a key focus, it’s also about educating people of any age about the science we undertake. There’s so much knowledge we can share and Jo is keen to instigate that learning process. "

Judene Edgar says the local business community is also right behind the new role, and Bowater Motors Group and Cawthron have worked collaboratively to organise a sign-written car for community education.

"Jo will be a regular sight in the car out and about in the community and based at Cawthron, with an open door approach. She’s an important link for Cawthron and we hope her activities will help promote a new generation of would-be scientists from our region and support for Cawthron through Friends of Cawthron".

For more information:

Judene Edgar
Community Institute Trust Board
Phone: +64 3 548 2319 ext 390
Mobile: 021 54 1927
E:

Jo Thompson
Cawthron Community Educator
Phone: +64 3 548 2319 ext 217
E: