OUR SCHOLARS
Nishamani Weerasinghe
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University: Massey University – Manawatū Campus
The qualification you are working towards: PhD in Agriculture and Horticulture
What you are studying/project? I am assessing nitrogen leaching through the soil profile and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions in sheep production systems and implications for water quality and global climate change
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? Pastoral grazing systems play a crucial role in global agriculture, providing a significant portion of the world’s food supply. However, these systems also contribute to water quality degradation and climate change particularly through nitrate leaching and the emission of greenhouse gases. In New Zealand, where pastoral farming underpins the economy, addressing these challenges is crucial for both environmental sustainability and long-term
resilience in agricultural sector. I find it especially interesting to work in sheep grazing settings due to their key role in New Zealand farming and the potential to improve sustainability through science-based solutions.
What made you want to study Ag? Growing up in a country traditionally based on agriculture, I have always been aware of the sector’s importance. However, my academic background in environmental science and my experience working on research projects aimed at reducing environmental impacts and finding solutions for climate change inspired me to focus on the integration of agriculture and environmental sustainability. Since agriculture is a major contributor to environmental change and resilience, this focus is important. I believe New Zealand’s unique pastoral systems, with their extensive grazing practices and international significance, provide an ideal setting.
What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to contribute to developing more sustainable livestock production systems in New Zealand and worldwide. My goal is to work in research and education to reduce environmental impacts in agriculture, without compromising its long-term sustainability. Ultimately, I want my work to help the agricultural sector meet environmental targets while maintaining its vital role in global food security.
PhD
Charuka Chandrasekara
PhD
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University: Massey University, New Zealand.
What is the qualification you are working towards? A doctorate in Plant Science.
What you are studying/project? I am focusing on understanding the morphological and physiologicalfactors of diverse pastures species.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? I have a strong academic background. My bachelor’s study helped me develop an interest in research into pasture management. Pursuing a PhD in this field is important to deepen my expertise and contribute to developing sustainable, science-based solutions that enhance pasture quality.
What made you want to study Ag? Agriculture plays a vital role in the food security and economic development of a country. My country, Sri Lanka is an agricultural country that has witnessed both the challenges and the potential of this sector. It inspired me to study agriculture in New Zealand where advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and research-driven innovation are integrated into the agricultural system
What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to become a researcher in pasture management, applying my knowledge in dairy farming to ensure sustainable production and availability of high-quality pasture for improved livestock productivity.
Pabodi Wijenayake
PhD
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University: Massey University
What qualification you are working towards? PhD
What you are studying/project? I am evaluating plant root growth and distribution in diverse versus conventional pasture systems under the Whenua Haumanu Programme. My project investigates how regenerative management practices influence root traits such as biomass, length, density and distribution, and how these affect soil health and ecosystem resilience.Why you find it interesting and why it is important? I find this research important because plant roots play a key role in farming but are often not given enough attention. By understanding how different farming methods affect roots, we can find better ways to improve soil health, store more carbon in the soil, and recycle nutrients. This is especially helpful for making farming more sustainable and better prepared for climate change.
What made you want to study Ag? My passion for agriculture began during my undergraduate studies, where I was drawn to plant biology, soil science, and sustainable land use. My hands-on experience in research projects focusing on soil and plant health in Sri Lanka deepened my interest in this field.
What do you hope to do in the future? In the future, I hope to contribute to global efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture through research, policy development, and extension.
Luke Robb
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University: Lincoln University
Qualification you are working towards: Doctorate
What you are studying/project: Sheep production under regenerative and conventional agricultural management (on the RADE project).
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: New Zealand’s primary industries contribute significantly to our countries economy, and market trends indicate that producing economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable products is becoming more and more important. Regenerative agricultural management is being posed as a potential solution to the ever-persisting pressures being placed on farmers though policy, and consumer demands. This however has not been supported by holistic, comparative, and quantitative research to validate the use of regenerative agriculture over our current best standard practice in New Zealand. It Is exciting to be part of research that will be able to validate the claims of this alternative management and compare it to what is already being done in conventional dryland sheep production.
What made you want to study ag: I was born and raised in Christchurch city, so had no true rural connection. I was fortunate enough to have a grandfather who owned a small flower nursery who encouraged a passion for plants and the land. Connection to the land, and a love for animals encouraged me (along with a passionate high school teacher) to give agriculture a go. The amount of opportunity, and variety of study areas led me to pursue agricultural science at Lincoln University.
What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to be part of meaningful, evidence-based research which is targeted towards helping drive the quality, and sustainability of agriculture in New Zealand and around the globe.
PhD
Dylan Laverell
PhD
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University: Lincoln University
What qualification you are working towards? PhD
What you are studying/project?
The influence of pasture botanical diversity on sheep liveweight gain, feed efficiency, methane emissions, and physiological stress.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important:?
Consistent and/or greater sheep liveweight gain is important for farm productivity and thus economic viability, sustainability and societal credibility in NZ’s landscape. However, the influence of increasingly variable climatic conditions on soil moisture conditions during the growing season is affecting the delivery of a sustained high plain of nutrition for livestock. In addition, the growing societal scrutiny of GHG emissions from grazed livestock systems is forcing both pasture and livestock science research to adapt and/or identify novel ways to grow and manage forage resources for, and deliver livestock products from, these grazing systems.
What made you want to study ag:
My upbringing on a small, diversified farm in the U.S. sparked a passion for agriculture, particularly sheep production. During my master’s research, I quantified serum energy metabolites and minerals in ewes during the periparturient period. The team of scientists who I had the pleasure to work with, helped shape my foundation in animal science. That experience deepened my commitment to research that delivers meaningful, producer-driven outcomes. Over the past year, I’ve worked with a sheep extension program at a U.S. university, supporting producers state-wide while continuing applied research.
What do you hope to do in the future?
I aspire to become a sheep extension specialist in the Western U.S. at a land-grant institution. In this role, I would bridge the gap between seminal knowledge learned through scientific research and helping producers implement innovative strategies to ensure industry sustainability and viability.
Anil Bashyal
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University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project?
My project investigates the effects of sheep grazing behaviour and diet selection on the productivity and persistence of multispecies pastures.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? Diverse pastures are increasingly promoted as a regenerative agricultural practice that can enhance forage production, animal performance, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. However, maintaining sown species diversity under grazing management remains a major challenge. My research project explores the effect of grazing behaviour and diet selection on the yield, species composition and persistence of diverse pastures. I find it particularly interesting to integrate animal grazing behaviour analysis, botanical composition surveys, and soil-plant interaction assessments to examine how grazing shapes pasture composition and persistence over time within New Zealand’s unique pastoral farming systems. Advancing the understanding of how animals select and utilise diverse pastures will help to design strategies to optimise pasture mixtures and grazing management to enhance both productive livestock systems and long-term pasture sustainability
What made you want to study Ag?
I hold an undergraduate degree in Forestry from Nepal and a master’s degree in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and Bangor University (United Kingdom). During my master’s studies, I specialised in Conservation Biology and Land Management, where modules such as “Agriculture and the Environment” sparked my interest in pasture-based livestock production systems and their sustainability challenges. For my master’s dissertation, I investigated how changes in pasture composition through increasing plant functional and species diversity influence soil structural and hydrological properties in temperate pastures in the United Kingdom. During the research, I was particularly intrigued by the observed decline in certain species and the challenges of maintaining desirable pasture composition. This research experiences fuelled my passion for studying the intricate interactions between soil, pasture species and grazing animals that drive pasture dynamics and ecosystem processes.
Something personal about yourself? I aspire to pursue an academic career and develop as an independent researcher conducting interdisciplinary research that supports evidence-driven solutions for sustainable pasture management. My long-term goal is to contribute to the advancement of resilient pastoral farming systems in New Zealand and beyond through research and extension.
PhD
Obaka Josiah Ikani
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University: Lincoln University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD Pasture Science
What you are studying/project: Impacts of Regenerative Agriculture on Dryland Sheep Production in New Zealand. Animal responses with regards to performance (weight gain, wool output, feed intake and conversion) and methane output.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: Regenerative Agriculture claims to produce feed with land and environmental restoration in view. Is a practice promoted in New Zealand without any formal research assessment or empirical data of the total farm impact relating to soil, plant and animal. It would be interesting to know and validate claims of increased resource use efficiency when compared to conventional agriculture. This is imperative as it will provide relevant data and procedure to extension organisations and farmers to substantiate the use of RA. This will also set the tone for future explorations or further research on other livestock animals of interest to farmers.
What made you want to study ag: Food insecurity (unsustainable food production) – I have industry experience working with smallholder farmers in the crop and livestock value chains across Africa. I understand their challenges to an extent and I am passionate about creating a change by supporting them with the right skills, knowledge and information that will help them produce sustainably and attain higher yields and profit. There are gaps in policy formulations by government and institutions – I want to also provide support needed support to governments and institutions in the area of policy formulations and reviews that will directly or indirectly affect farmers. Inadequate human resource – I endeavour to volunteer with research organisations or NGOs interested in sustainable agricultural production.
What do you hope to do in the future? The outcome of the research will greatly determine or predict my future. A post-doctoral degree may ensue to further explore the practice of RA in other regions or countries with different weather conditions.
PhD
PhD
Tom Wilson
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University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD Agricultural Science
What you are studying/project?
I am looking into alternative nutrient input strategies farmers can employ during times of economic hardship, instead of ceasing nutrient use altogether and sacrificing future sustainability.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? Fertiliser prices have risen dramatically in recent history, leading to many farmers withholding usual applications. However nutrient inputs are demanded by systems which inherently export protein and fibre which has been produced on the land. Therefore, understanding whether targeted applications of nutrient can save farmers money without sacrificing future profitability is of vital importance. I enjoy conducting research with practical, tangible outcomes. Helping a farmer maximise nutrient efficiency all while minimising environmental losses is exactly that.
What made you want to study Ag?
I am passionate about sustainable food and fibre production as evidenced by my rural Hawkes Bay upbringing and past industry experience as a rural professional. The applied nature of the subject intrigues me due to the complex relationships and interactions between multiple systems (e.g. soil, pasture and animal), meaning what actually occurs rarely translates directly from theory.
What do you hope to do in the future? A PhD will give me the skills to conduct and derive meaning from scientific studies that could form the basis of product development or industry advice. I hope to use these skills to positively impact farmer uptake of novel science and associated technology.
Zane Coates
PhD
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University: Lincoln University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project? The effect of sowing date, sowing rate and grazing with sheep on the yield, tiller cohort contribution to yield, water extraction/root exploration and water use efficiency of winter wheat crops.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: The integration of animals into New Zealand cropping farms sets them apart from the rest of the world. Currently, sheep graze grass and clover seed crops along with dedicated cereal greenfeed or forage brassica crops. This research aims to increase the flexibility of grazing winter wheat in New Zealand through an understanding of how sowing rate and date affects the timing and quantity of feed available for grazing. Current literature indicates this can be done with minimal loss in grain yield. I find this research especially interesting after my exchange to the Netherlands where I observed conventional western European cropping systems which are largely livestock free. The integration of livestock into these systems could increase output and profitability while benefiting soil health. Therefore, this research will quantify the physiological plant responses along with agronomic metrics such as water extraction and water use efficiency. An unconventionally late (mid-June) sowing date will be drilled. This will allow an exploration of wheats viability as an alternative ‘catch crop’ to oats for use in sowing after winter forage crops are grazed.
What made you want to study Ag? I had an excellent agriculture teacher at high school that kickstarted my ag journey. Throughout this time, I worked on dairy farms and enjoyed the comparison of in-class and on-farm learnings. I focused on plant science throughout my bachelor’s of agricultural science and appreciate the insights gained from well conducted applied scientific research.
What do you hope to do in the future? Thus far, I’ve found the academic process rewarding. I enjoy the variety of field work, data analysis and writing. As such, I’ve begun to consider potential further applied research into maximising water use efficiency on farm, the adoption of legume dominant pastures (lucerne) for dairy farms in the face of the 190 N cap or even further research specifically aimed at the integration of livestock into conventional cropping systems overseas.
PhD
Misara Bandara
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University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project? I am working on a project related to greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based agricultural systems. Investigating how climate factors, as well as farm practices, influence soil and pasture greenhouse gas emissions.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? I wanted to study agriculture because I come from Sri Lanka, a small island rich in natural resources and beauty, much like New Zealand. At the same time, there are many challenges and unanswered questions in agriculture that need to be addressed. Seeing both the potential of natural systems and the areas where farming practices could be improved sparked my interest in studying agriculture. I was especially drawn to environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, as I believe they are essential for protecting natural resources while improving productivity
What made you want to study Ag? I wanted to study agriculture because I come from Sri Lanka, a small island rich in natural resources and beauty, much like New Zealand. At the same time, there are many challenges and unanswered questions in agriculture that need to be addressed. Seeing both the potential of natural systems and the areas where farming practices could be improved sparked my interest in studying agriculture. I was especially drawn to environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, as I believe they are essential for protecting natural resources while improving productivity
What do you hope to do in the future? In the future, I hope to become someone who can contribute to and disseminate knowledge about sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture to future generations. I would like to use my research and academic experience to help farmers, students, and communities better understand the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
PhD
Jacob Urlich
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University: Lincoln University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project?Sheep production and behaviour under regenerative and conventional management philosophies (Part of the RADE project)
Why you find it interesting and why it is important?Agriculture in New Zealand is under increasing societal pressures to reduce environmental impact. Internationally, regenerative agriculture poses a possibility of mitigating this. However, in New Zealand, there is a lack of quantified, sound, scientific research to demonstrate the efficacy of these philosophies. Additionally, New Zealand pastoral agricultural systems already employ parts of regenerative agriculture in current ‘best practice’ management. Therefore, international research is of little use to New Zealand farmers in demonstrating the potential benefits of regenerative agriculture for their existing farm systems. The ability to quantify this and then articulate and implement the resulting knowledge for New Zealand farmers is exciting and a major motivator for my desire to conduct research.
What made you want to study Ag? Growing up on a dairy farm in Northland, agriculture has been a major part of my entire life and the prominent factor for my choice to study it. With my upbringing, I always wanted to give back and improve the agricultural industry, which has contributed heavily to my life thus far. This drew me to Lincoln for study, where I finished my bachelor's and am now undertaking my PhD.
What do you hope to do in the future? After completing my PhD, I hope to continue to benefit the New Zealand agricultural industry, whether in research or extension; I have yet to decide.
Maria Jose Bidegain Umpierrez
PhD
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University: Lincoln University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project? My PhD research focuses on the "Evaluation and design of silvopastoral integrated wool-beef and dairy production systems as a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture in New Zealand". I am using emergy analysis —a holistic environmental accounting method— and other modelling approaches to assess the long-term sustainability and environmental performance of these integrated systems.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? Traditional specialized livestock systems often lack the diversity and resilience needed to meet modern environmental and societal demands. My research moves beyond narrow disciplinary approaches, combining biophysical and social methods to design agricultural systems that enhance ecosystem services and health. By using emergy as a "currency," and other environmental, productive and health indices we can better understand how human society and nature can co-evolve sustainably within pastoral farming context in a climate that is changing drastically.
What made you want to study Ag? My passion for agriculture began in Uruguay, where I spent 15 years as a Dairy Agronomy Consultant, working closely with farmers to achieve their physical and financial goals. Seeing first-hand how farm data analysis and strategic planning can transform a business inspired me to pursue higher research. I have always been fascinated by the intersection of farm systems and the people who run them, which led me to complete both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Agronomy before moving to New Zealand.
What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to transfer the extensive experience I gained in Uruguay to the New Zealand agricultural sector. My goal is to progress professionally as a consultant or researcher, helping farmers adopt nature-based solutions and innovative practices that ensure their farms are profitable, sustainable, and resilient for future generations.
Something personal about yourself? Outside of my research, I live in Southbridge and enjoy being part of the local community. I am a lifelong learner and am currently teaching myself Python to enhance my data analysis skills. I also have a deep appreciation for the hands-on aspects of farming, from milking to calf rearing, which keeps me grounded in the practical realities of the industry.
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University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD in Agriculture and Horticulture
What you are studying/project? My I am part of the Whenua Haumanu programme, where my research focuses on understanding regenerative pasture management through a system-level approach. My work investigates how different pasture management practices influence soil nutrient dynamics, plant physiology, and animal performance. The project integrates data from multiple levels of the agricultural system to better understand pasture quality, environmental impacts, and climate resilience
Why you find it interesting and why it is important? I find it particularly interesting because it is highly interdisciplinary and combines ecology, plant science, soil science, animal science, and data analysis. Agriculture is both highly vulnerable to climate change and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so improving pasture systems is important for both food production and environmental sustainability. I am especially interested in moving beyond traditional measures of pasture quality to consider animal health and wellbeing, nutrient cycling, emissions, resilience, and long-term ecosystem functioning.
What made you want to study Ag?
I have always been interested in plant biology and environmental systems, particularly how plants interact with microbes and respond to environmental stresses. Through my previous research in crop science and regenerative agriculture, I became increasingly interested in how agricultural systems can be redesigned to work more sustainably with natural processes.
What do you hope to do in the future? In the future, I hope to contribute to making agriculture more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable through research and innovation. I would like to continue working at the interface between science and its practical applications, potentially combining research with data science and emerging technologies to support more sustainable farming practices and informed decision-making.
PhD
Yuyi (Anna) Li
Diana Naw
PhD
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University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project?
Why you find it interesting and why it is important?
What made you want to study Ag?
What do you hope to do in the future?
ALUMNI
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Name: Sam Wilson
University: Massey University, Palmerston North
Qualification you are working towards: PhD in Plant Science
What you are studying/project: My project title is investigating the impact of abiotic stresses on the ability of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to persist and grow within perennial ryegrass-based grazed pastures.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: Since the beginning of my undergraduate degree, I’ve loved plant science and pasture agronomy – probably due to the inspirational lecturers I had during that time. To be able to apply what I’ve learnt, in a context that could potentially help the New Zealand pastoral industry and community, is an opportunity that I am extremely grateful for. I also get a real kick out of knowing that I am continually in a search for knowledge that no other human being has ever held.
What made you want to study ag: I grew up on a family farm and always felt that I would do something within the agricultural sector. Then, when I went to high school, I discovered that I enjoyed, and was good at science. Studying agricultural science was probably the best way to bring these two together.
What do you hope to do in the future? There are a number of roles that I’d like to have a go at and there are many things I that want to achieve in the science and research space. I am looking forward to gaining experience in lecturing agriculture in the near future. As long as I am contributing useful scientific knowledge to society, I will be happy! You can see Sam talking about his scholarship here.
PhD
Sam Wilson
Bia Oliveira
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Name: Bia Anchao Oliveira
University: School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: Doctorate
What you are studying/project: Diverse pastures of complementary species as a tool to increase production stability and temporal persistence in New Zealand pastoral systems.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: Within the current climate change scenario, in addition to an ever-increasing global population, food security is a subject of concern for countries. Pasture-based systems are a potential solution to partially mitigate environmental impacts caused by the livestock industry (confinements, degraded grasslands). However, climate change threatens pasture-based systems’ continued success, such as New Zealand ones. Resilient pasture alternatives (multi-functional species allied to grazing management) to contribute to the New Zealand grazing systems are the subject of my research and have been my interest since before coming to New Zealand, within the Brazilian pastoral livestock systems.
What made you want to study ag: My parents. They are farmers and ag researchers.
What do you hope to do in the future? Work as a pasture scientist in New Zealand. You can see Bia talking about her scholarship here.
Doctorate
Rebekah Wood
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Name: Rebekah Wood
University: Massey University
Qualification you are working towards: Masters of Agricultural Science
What you are studying/project: My masters is a part of the Whenua Haumanu Project; looking into multispecies pastures and how differing management affects its production, composition and quality.
Why you find it interesting and why it is important: I always found the papers that I took in undergrad on plants and agronomy really interesting, especially toward the end of my degree. I had also worked on a farm with multispecies pastures right before my masters, which made me particularly interested in research around this topic. There is a large focus at the moment on research with multispecies pastures and the benefits in terms of production and quality for farm systems. However, there is limited information on the appropriate management of these pastures. Management has a large impact on production, quality and other factors of the pasture, which is why this research is important.
What made you want to study ag: Well, initially I came to Massey to study vet. When I didn’t get into the course in my first year, I decided to switch to the agricultural science degree to improve my grades. After a semester of studying ag, and spending the summer working my first job on a farm, I decided to continue the degree. I didn’t try to get into vet again, as I really enjoyed the topics covered, and how there was more than just an animal focus.
What do you hope to do in the future? I have been really enjoying research so far, and hope to continue it in the future. Whether that be doing a PHD, or a job in a relevant field.
Masters
Sivanandarajah Komahan
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Name: Komahan Sivanandarajah (Komahan)
University: Massey University, Palmerston North
Qualification you are working towards: PhD
What you are studying/project: My research is focused on evaluating soil nitrogen losses and the potential of Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in pastoral dairy production systems. Specifically, I am investigating the effectiveness of Plantain on a paddock scale in reducing greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide emissions and groundwater nitrogen leaching.
What made you want to study ag? Why do you find it interesting?: I am originally from Sri Lanka. In 2019, my wife Shanika and I came to New Zealand after she secured a PhD opportunity at Massey University. Before coming to New Zealand, I had completed both my bachelors and masters’ degrees in Sri Lanka. While in New Zealand, I intentionally chose to work in the Dairy sector. My first full-time position was on a dairy farm near Bulls, approximately 50 km from Palmerston North. After almost a year there, I joined Massey Dairy 4 farm. My motivation for making these choices was driven by a desire to acquire practical experience in New Zealand’s farming practices. I anticipated that this hands-on experience would potentially lead to opportunities for a PhD position.
What do you hope to do in the future? After completing my PhD, I am eager to continue learning, staying up to date with advancements in my field, and connecting with like-minded individuals for future collaborations and challenges.
PhD