A highlight of Gemmas 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 masters 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泭UC School of Product Design泭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 products impact on the environment we just need to show that the most sustainable solutions are often the most economical in the long run.
.jpg)
