Congratulations to Heidi Allan who is our Club’s Zonta Women in STEM Award recipient.
Heidi receives a club award of $1000 and her application is forwarded for consideration for a national award, and a Zonta International award of US$10,000.
Heidi is studying at Lincoln University towards a Master of Science in Conservation and Ecology focusing on forest insect ecology. Her study examines the vertical stratification of beetles on red beech trees in New Zealand, and is the first comparison of beetle stratification and microclimatic variation in New Zealand beech forests. Heidi’s monetary reward provides assistance with equipment costs and field trip expenses. The equipment required includes 108 flight-intercept traps, 36 climate sensors and purchasing a small drone and controller to use for setting the traps in the canopy.
Heidi has a strong and busy involvement in many extracurricular activities. Her roles have included Co-President of the Lincoln University Ecological Society and Lincoln University Soil Society; a volunteer for the Lincoln University Children’s University programme and Christchurch Envirokids; and a member of the Lincoln University soil judging team for national and Australasian soil competitions. She is an active member of six clubs including Student Volunteer Army and run club. Outside of her Lincoln life she is a volunteer at the South Island Wildlife Hospital, a member of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Entomological Society, and a member of Birds NZ.
We look forward to hearing from Heidi at an upcoming meeting, and wish her the very best with her studies and with the national and international Zonta Women in STEM selection.
Contributed by Priscilla Read
Chair, Advocacy Committee