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Meet our awesome STEMChampions!
We are a team of passionate diverse individuals who all share one common trait: we all embrace STEM is some way.
Our remit is to set the tone of STEMChallenge day, to design and also deliver some of the challenges that will be at the event. We want to truly inspire young people into considering opportunities in STEM.
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Regi Medina
I am an ICT Consultant for the University of Waikato. I have interests in technology and leadership. Particularly, project management in the information technology industry. Outside of this, I enjoy playing music and watching boxing matches.
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Courageous, Good-hearted, Resourceful
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
A Computer Engineer and Singer
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
I can play the piano
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Marvin Gaye. Because i’d love to have a jam with him.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
“pika pika, pikachu, pika pika, pika pi, pikachu” -Pikachu[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1484″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Clare Gooswilligen
My homesick Irish mother named me after the place she came from, county Clare on the west coast of Ireland. I have worked in a variety of fields. Initially I did draughting and quantity survey both as an employee and as a self employed contractor. I have also been a veterinary assistant, an events coordinator, and a security guard. I hit the books again in 2001 and decided to do a BSocSc. I chose a Psychology major and was most excited about the statistics component. After that I have been a property manager, a tutor, and a sales representative. The greatest role I ever had was rehabilitating oiled wildlife after the Rena oil spill. Working on that project sparked an interest in science and the environment. Now it’s 2019 and, again, I am a part-time university student. This time I’m doing a science degree and have a passion for freshwater systems and habitat preservation. I suspect I will be a student for life.
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Never too busy
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
Vet
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
I haven’t discovered it yet
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Nikola Tesla. I want to know where fresh ideas really come from.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you will be able to see further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1489″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Qi-Wern Lim
I’ve always been interested in science and maths. At high school, in my final year I was the “Science Prefect” and organized activities to promote science. I then went on to study engineering at the University of Auckland and decided to specialize in Biomedical Engineering as I was interested in biology and physiology, as well as engineering and mathematics. After university I was keen to enter the workforce and found a job at Orion Health, implementing healthcare software. I then made the move to sunny Mount Maunganui and now work as a consultant on software projects for Datacom. I also play ultimate frisbee and enjoy taking my puppy for walks along the beach.
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Friendly, conscientious, sporty.
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
Circus performer.
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
I can do a flip.
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Sir David Attenborough – there’s something very special about how he has showcased the world around us in such an engaging, inspiring way, used cutting-edge technologies to do this, and works to raise awareness of environmental issues.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
““You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
― Dr. Seuss”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1487″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Peter Randrup
I am a Marine Biologist and Edmund Hillary Fellow with a drive to solve environmental problems with entrepreneurship. I spent three years running Anteater, a Christchurch based start-up mainstreaming the idea of insects as a food group & sustainable protein. Anteater started at a Christchurch Startup Weekend and was featured on TV3 Story, RNZ National, and Nigel Latta’s ‘What Next?’, before closing down at the start of 2019. After closing the business, I appeared as a guest on the ‘What Next?’ panel to discuss environmental solutions. I moved to Tauranga recently to become part of the Algae Team at Waikato University, who are investing $13 Million into new freshwater & marine algae technologies to reduce cattle methane emissions, limit nutrient run-off, and fight agricultural and horticultural diseases. I’m looking forward to being part of the STEMFest experience, adding value where possible, and learning lots along the way!
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Yes-man. Creative. Critical.
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
Cricket – opening fast bowler, like Shane Bond
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
I can dance Modern Jive, a form of partner dancing done to modern music
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Richard Feynman. He had a beautiful & amazing perspective on the natural world, and had the communication skills to share it.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
“Do something today, that your future self will thank you for”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1491″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Thamires (Tammy) De Paula
I was born and raised in Minas Gerais- Brazil, where I graduated in Environmental Management, just before leaving my home country to live new adventures in Canada, in 2015. Two years later I decided to explore the other side of the world, and New Zealand was the chosen destination. I currently studies Business Level 7 in Tauranga and am always keen to live new experiences and challenge myself. Being outdoors, playing instruments and traveling are some of my passions.
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Adventurous. Kind. Trustworthy.
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
A band leader.
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
Whistling like a bird.
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
My mom’s dad passed away years before I was born. I would love to have the chance to meet him and hear so many of his stories in person.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind- C. S. Lewis[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1488″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Cielito (Pops) Ana Cadoy
In a parallel universe, I am a crazy Scientist who aims to understand how the world works and thinks about countless of ideas to make the world a better place. The problem is… They remain in my head… In this one, I am a book nerd, daydreamer, music enthusiast, writer wannabe and a creative cook. Ooops! And yes, I also teach! ”
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Curious, Weird, Intuitive.
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
I wanted to be an Astronomer.
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
I consider it more of a ralent than a skill 🙂 My Intuition.
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Marie Curie.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1485″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Hanse Gomes
I am currently working as a Business Tutor at Aspire2 Tauranga. I have an MBA from Cardiff metropolitan University UK. I am also an experienced professional in customer service and banking and finance, have extensive experience in Offshore Banking and Corporate Banking. I completed the Innovation and Enterprise Skills Development Programme by e-centre University of Massey. I am also an Associate Member of The Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka and a Life Member of The Trade Finance Association of Bankers. And now I am also a STEM champion!
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Fun, Bubbly and accountable
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
To be a theatre actress.
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
Ability to see through the song lyrics and understand what really it is written about.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
Anything in life worth having worth working for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1486″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
Mai Larkin
Hi I’m Mai, I’m excited to help and support STEMfest in any way I can. I’m interested in business studies/ enterprise and anything cat related! I look forward to bringing a young persons perspective into view about STEM.
Which giphy best represents you?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]What are three words that describe you?
Cat-mad.
What did you want to be (job) when you were 10 years old?
A Cat Cafe Owner (Still do aha!).
What’s the most unique/interesting talent that you have?
Not blinking for 2-3 minutes aha 😂
If you had the chance to meet any one person (living or past), who would it be and why?
Kim Jong-Un to uncover the truth behind the media coverage of North Korea.
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
“Time spent with cats is never wasted.” – Sigmund Freud[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]