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Supervising research that strengthens biosecurity, biodiversity, and global ecological resilience

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鈥淭o me, helping the next generation is the most satisfying part of my job.鈥�

A mentor devoted to nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists
Associate Professor Hazel Chapman is a conservation ecologist whose supervision style is rooted in collaboration, trust, and mutual respect. With extensive experience supervising both domestic and international postgraduate students, Hazel is passionate about empowering her students to take the lead in their research and shape their own scientific voices.

Her dedication to mentorship is deeply personal鈥攁nd profoundly impactful.

鈥淚 see it as a collaboration. I love to work with my students, but I never like to dominate them. If they want to take the lead, I鈥檓 very open to that.鈥�

Students making a difference, from New Zealand to Nigeria
Hazel鈥檚 students are making an impressive impact across a wide range of sectors and regions. Many of her New Zealand-based graduates are working for Crown Research Institutes like Landcare and Plant & Food Research, or in roles with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and environmental consultancies. One former student is now contributing to biosecurity research at the Ministry for Primary Industries, with a focus on wilding pine control.

鈥淚 feel that they are all making a difference to New Zealand, particularly to biosecurity.鈥�

Internationally, many of her students have returned to academic careers in their home countries鈥攅specially in Nigeria, where Hazel maintains a strong connection.

鈥淢ost of my international students are now in academia. I鈥檓 really pleased, because they are now in charge of the next generation. I hope their interest in ecology, conservation, and environmental science will help shape Nigeria鈥檚 future.鈥�

A trusted supervisor and scientific sounding board
Hazel supports her students not only as a scientist but as a compassionate mentor who listens carefully and guides with empathy.

鈥淢ost importantly, I listen. I help them in technical ways, with ideas, and I also help smooth the road in other ways鈥攂y giving advice and being there when they need it.鈥�

Whether refining hypotheses or navigating the emotional challenges of the PhD journey, Hazel is known for fostering close, friendly relationships with her students, grounded in shared purpose and regular, open conversations.

Scholarships as stepping stones to influence and leadership
Hazel is a strong advocate for scholarship opportunities and has seen firsthand how transformative they can be.

鈥淪cholarships have been invaluable for the students I work with. For example,听Aaron Millar听wouldn鈥檛 be doing his PhD if it weren鈥檛 for his UC scholarship鈥攁nd I鈥檓 convinced he will become a major player in NZ plant science.鈥�

Internationally, scholarships have enabled her students to return home as leaders in ecological research, helping to raise standards and inspire change in their communities.

A supportive, well-resourced research environment
Hazel recognises the importance of practical research support and acknowledges UC鈥檚 strong facilities and systems for field-based and laboratory-based biological science research.

She also credits the university鈥檚 scale and community as a key strength:.

鈥淲e have frequent meetings, mostly we鈥檙e good friends and we talk about our science a lot. It鈥檚 a really supportive environment.鈥�

A message to prospective research students
Hazel welcomes students who are curious, committed, and ready to contribute to urgent global and local challenges in biodiversity and conservation.

鈥淚f you want a supervisor who will listen, support your ideas, and treat your journey as a collaboration, I鈥檇 love to hear from you.鈥�

Open to supervising students in:

• Conservation biology
• Ecology and biodiversity
• Plant science and biosecurity
• Tropical ecology and environmental sustainability
• International conservation practice and education

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