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 the UC School of Product Design before 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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