Engineering Alumni News

June 2012 | A Newsletter for Engineering Alumni | Number 27

Defence’s Integration Authority Industrial Message from the Dean Advisory Board. Immediately prior to his As many of you will be aware the Faculty of joining the Faculty he was the Royal Academy Engineering has long been in need of of Engineering Visiting Professor at University refurbishment. The faculty has grown College London. substantially since its current buildings were constructed, mainly in the late 1960’s, and In March, The Institution of Professional many of the current facilities are outdated and Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) recognised inadequate. It was also hoped that if several of our academics and students. refurbishment took place the Faculty would be Supreme Technical Awards were presented to reunited - with the Departments of Electrical Distinguished Professor Debes Bhattacharyya and Computer Engineering and Engineering and Professor Bruce Melville. The awards Science, who have for a number of years been recognise those who have demonstrated housed in other buildings around the campus, excellence and leadership in engineering University of Alberta and the University of relocated into 20 Symonds Street. practice over their careers to benefit the California, Davis. Both institutions have engineering profession. It was also very engineering faculties very similar to ours and After a lot of hard work by a dedicated team of pleasing to see former engineering students are keen to form closer research links. I also academic and professional staff we were able, Heath Vinicombe and Andrew Li, from the attended the Group of Eight (GO8) Engineering in early April, to present a robust business case Department of Electrical and Computer Dean’s meeting in Sydney, which was an to the University Council, the University’s Engineering, who were supervised by Dr opportunity to update my Australian governing body, who went on to approve a Bernard Guillemin, awarded IPENZ’s Ray colleagues on what is happening within the $216 million dollar redevelopment and Meyer Medal for Excellence in Student Design. faculty and to share ideas. upgrade of our buildings and facilities. The Faculty awarded 31 top first year The Faculty continues to perform well at an The upgrade includes the creation of high-tech engineering students Kick Start Scholarships international level. We continue to be the only laboratories, a new engineering research this year. It was a pleasure to meet the New Zealand university invited to be an facility at the Tāmaki Innovation Campus and recipients and some of their families. Two of our associate member of the GO8 Dean of the redevelopment of our Symonds Street PhD graduates also recently received the Engineering Group and we have also buildings. Work has already started on the four Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for Best Doctoral Thesis. performed strongly in the QS World University year building project, which will transform our Rankings with the Faculty ranked 62nd in the teaching and research facilities and benefit the Only five prizes are awarded each year across world and the only New Zealand engineering entire University. The changes also allow the the University so I was delighted that Dr Jie faculty to make the top 100. Departments of Electrical and Computer Han from the Department of Chemical and Engineering and Engineering Science to be Materials Engineering, and Dr Peng Du from I am anticipating an even busier second relocated back to Symonds Street. the Department of Engineering Science and semester at the University as our building the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, were project gets underway and various events fill This year we have had an increase in first year recipients. the diary. As always I am looking forward very enrolments, the students are of an much to our Alumni Dinner on Saturday 22 exceptionally high calibre, and we have had an The first event in my Deans Lecture series, which September. It is an excellent opportunity to unprecedented number of postgraduate focused on our energy research theme, was a reconnect with alumni from around the globe, enquiries from New Zealand and abroad. We great success with more than a hundred and and to showcase recent innovations in the have also launched two new masters fifty people in attendance. A panel of experts, Faculty. In line with this, I am endeavouring to programmes; Engineering Studies in Yacht including Dr George Hooper, a senior consultant host as many overseas Alumni events as Engineering and Food Process Engineering. The with Transfield Worley, debated the Government possible this year and was delighted at the yacht engineering masters was launched to mandated target of producing a minimum of 90 warm feedback I received following an event coincide with the High Performance Yacht percent of New Zealand’s electricity from held in Sydney on 2 May. Next month I will Design conference and the Volvo Ocean Race, renewable resources by 2025. Prior to and after hosting events in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, making the occasion even more special. the event we had on show our research which Melbourne and Brisbane, and am hoping to generated a lot of interest and discussion. My travel to New York and Boston in September. I Our undergraduate programmes continue to next Deans Lecture event is scheduled for 2 look forward to catching up with as many of evolve, for example we are introducing more August and will be linked to the Faculty’s you as possible and have the opportunity to systems engineering elements into our technologies for health research theme. teaching programmes. Spearheading this bring you up to date with the exciting project is Professor Keith Robinson, who has University visits have been an important part developments in the Faculty. joined the Faculty following a distinguished of the first half of my year. Immediately after career in industry, which included being the getting the news that the engineering Managing Director for Lockheed Martin redevelopment had been approved, I travelled Professor Michael C. R. Davies UK and the Chairman of the UK Ministry of to North America for meetings with the Dean of Engineering Faculty News

Professor Andrew Pullan Professor Andrew Pullan, Dr David Bullivant and Professor Mike O’Sullivan

available…multiple configurations of cellular a champion of the Engineering Science degree. Andrew John Pullan activity can give rise to the same ECG signals”. I never thought to question him about this, but 1963 – 2012 I suspect that one reason was that he could The contribution of Andrew and his team was see the opportunity provided by the degree to Eulogy: Professor Andy Philpott made to use highly detailed mathematical students who are very clever but, like himself, Department of Engineering Science models of human anatomy to narrow down the come from less privileged backgrounds. possibilities. Presented at (University of As Head of Department from 2008-2010, Auckland) Senate. Andrew’s research began with the heart, but in Andrew committed himself to the task of later years focused on the stomach and promoting the Engineering Science degree Andrew Pullan was born in 1963. He was dux intestinal tract, winning him a James Cook throughout the country to maximise the of Aorere College in Mangere, won a University Fellowship in 2003, and a Fellowship of the potential for all students to benefit from the Scholarship, and completed a BSc at Auckland Royal Society of New Zealand in 2009 for his same opportunity that he had enjoyed. He with first class honours in mathematics. Andrew pioneering work in this area. It is clear that he created the “New Zealand’s Next Top joined the Engineering Science Department as was destined for even higher honours, and his Engineering Scientist” modelling competition, a PhD student of Ian Collins in 1985. After death is a great loss for the New Zealand which is carried out each year in over 100 New receiving his doctorate in 1988, he spent a brief scientific community. Zealand secondary schools. It offers period working for Winstones/Fletcher scholarships (now called the Pullan Prize) to the Andrew’s inaugural professorial lecture was a Challenge, before returning to the University as winners and serves to attract some of the tour-de-force. A large monitor displayed a lecturer in 1989. Andrew then moved quickly country’s brightest mathematical talents to our electrical body measurements of Andrew up the academic ranks culminating in a programme. Along with his research, I think himself, obtained in real time as he paced personal chair in 2006. that this will be remembered as one of around the lecture hall. I now regret that this Andrew’s great contributions to the University. Professor Mike O’Sullivan commented in his lecture was the only one of his that I saw in eulogy at Andrew’s memorial service that person, for he had a reputation with our Andrew was a fitness fanatic, and was Andrew never smoked cigarettes, nor drank students for being a fantastic teacher, extremely competitive. Way back in 1989, I alcohol, or coffee, or tea. Despite this virtuous engaging them with entertaining introduced Andrew to Ron Paterson from the existence, Andrew was an excellent demonstrations, often at his own expense. He Law Faculty, and the three of us used to run mathematician. He made many mathematical regularly appeared in the Engineering School’s together after work. We used to try and break contributions to bioengineering. In particular top 5 lecturer awards, and attracted the the record for a Hobson Bay pipeline run. After his research on inverse problems, “how can brightest graduates as PhD students. being told that Ron and I had done it in what one estimate values for the hidden electrical we thought was a spectacularly unbeatable 35 Andrew was an enthusiastic and generous PhD data inside the human body from minutes, Andrew went out the next evening on supervisor, and his students willingly repaid measurements taken on its surface?” This is not his own and proudly announced a time of 33 this generosity by helping him with his only a problem of instrumentation, but involved minutes, which was never bettered. some deep mathematics involving the legendary house renovations. estimation of under-determined systems. In Through Ron, Andrew established friendships Andrew was a hero of our Department, Andrew’s own words, “It is impossible to with a lot of the Law faculty in the University. Engineering Science. Although he did most of recreate the electrical state of each cell in the This might surprise some of you, as Andrew his research in the Bioengineering Institute, his heart from surface electrical recordings, no would not have been perceived as having loyalties were to the Department, and he was matter how many surface recordings are much in common with lawyers. But I think that

2 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering people like Mike Taggart and Julie Maxton remember that he stood up for what he believed cancer had mutated, and that the treatment could instinctively recognise Andrew’s was right, without concern for his reputation. would no longer work. He went into Mercy intellectual pedigree, and they all became Hospice and died on March 7. He was 48. Andrew’s close friends. Andrew died of a metastatic melanoma. He Andrew’s memorial service at the McLaurin was hopeful of the success of a new BRAF drug Chapel was attended by nearly 600 people, On top of this Andrew was very entertaining, discovery; his blog describing the ordeal of this and his death was mourned by many more, and great company. Andrew was a thoroughly treatment was called “Andrew’s recovery”. To from all around the globe. The Department, decent human being. He was a devoted help fund the treatment, David Ryan set up a School, University and country has lost a husband to Patti, and proud and supportive of trust which received contributions from brilliant mind and a unique personality. Patti, his children Zeke and Xanthe. Andrew showed Andrew’s friends from all around the world. Zeke and Xanthe have lost a loving husband great kindness and generosity towards his The treatment appeared to be working well, and father, and those of us who knew Andrew friends, colleagues and students. He was a very though Andrew was in considerable pain. have lost a true friend. We will all miss him courageous man in all respects. Senate will more than I can say. In early March, it was discovered that the

Engineering Science to relocate back to 20 faculty has grown substantially since its current Multi-million dollar Symonds Street and free up space for the Faculty buildings were constructed, mainly in the late makeover for of Science, where ECE is currently located. The 1960s, and that many of the current facilities Ray Meyer Building at the Tāmaki Innovation are outdated and inadequate, he says. “It also engineering Campus is also being refurbished, and adjacent recognises that there is continuing strong On the 16th April The University council, the to it a new engineering research facility is to be demand for engineering graduates and that university governing body, approved a built, providing an additional 5,000 m² of space the faculty has been very successful in growing redevelopment programme for The Faculty of for large scale research projects. its postgraduate numbers and external Engineering. The multi-million dollar research income, particularly in recent years.” redevelopment includes the creation of Faculty of Engineering Dean, Professor Michael high-tech laboratories, a new engineering Davies says the redevelopment will transform The University of Auckland’s Director of research facility and the expansion of an the faculty’s teaching and research facilities Property Services Peter Fehl says the building existing building. The upgrade, which is and benefit the entire University. “The building programme at the Tāmaki Innovation Campus estimated to cost $216 million and take four programme will bring two departments back to is expected to commence in the next few years to complete, is on a similar scale to the the heart of the faculty and create state-of-the- months while the refurbished and extended construction of the Owen G. Glenn Building, art teaching and learning spaces as well as buildings 403 and 404 on the City Campus which houses the Business School, and the providing facilities for research that are of an will be completed in time to be occupied for redevelopment of the Faculty of Medical and internationally-leading standard. All of this will the start of the 2016 academic year. Health Science’s Grafton Campus. be within an environment that has been designed to encourage interactions between We are always appreciative of any support. As part of the redevelopment, engineering students and staff from different disciplines. Should you wish to contribute to funds for the buildings 403 and 404 at 20 Symonds Street will This will strengthen the collegiality that has redevelopment please contact be completely refurbished and extended by always been a strong feature of the faculty and Sharon Anderson, External Relations Manager several floors creating 5,000 m² more useable encourage interdisciplinary research.” Ph: 64 9 373-7599 ext 88225 space. This will allow the Departments of or email [email protected] Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and The Council’s approval recognises that the

Render perspective of engineering building

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 3 Faculty News CONTINUED Faculty Promotions During the latest round of professional also effective from 1 February 2012. They are: Promotion to Professor at The University of promotions Vice-Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon Dr Iain Anderson, Engineering Science, Dr Kean Auckland is a mark of real academic distinction. announced the awarding of promotions to five Aw, Mechanical Engineering, and Dr Bryony I am sure you will join me in congratulating our staff from The Faculty of Engineering. James, Chemical & Materials Engineering. new professorial colleagues on their success.”

“I am delighted to advise that two of our Associate Professors have been promoted to Professor. Associate Professor Margaret Hyland, Chemical and Materials Engineering and Associate Professor Martyn Nash, Engineering Science, and Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Engineering.

I am also delighted to advise that, in their Professor Margaret Professor Martyn Nash Associate Professor Associate Professor Associate Professor promotions round, three of our Academic Staff Hyland Iain Anderson Kean Aw Bryony James have been promoted to Associate Professor,

Ten new arrivals discovered that their new our maritime industry and our well-known Yacht designer launches campus included the deck of a 50m super yacht. yachting success.” The class has a mix of students master’s course The perks of the Auckland campus became who are from France, Dubai, Norway, Iran, South immediately evident to the new students on Friday Africa and New Zealand. Expat Ron Holland, who has designed some of 9th March. Ron Holland took the students on a the world’s most highly regarded super yachts, tour of the Russian-owned Thalia, a massive Mr Holland hoped his unique course would give is one of the brains behind a new engineering steel-hulled ketch which was visiting Auckland for graduates the edge in this competitive job market. yacht design course at the Faculty. Mr Holland a refit. In the background to Auckland’s Viaduct, Unlike Europe, New Zealand’s boat-building worked with the Faculty’s yacht research the Volvo Ocean Race was in full swing. “It is a bit industry often builds a boat from start to finish, design director, Professor Richard Flay, for two of a unique course”, Mr Holland said. “It’s one from the hull design through to the light fittings. years to create the course. The inaugural thing sitting in a classroom, it’s another thing Mr Holland noted that students would enter the Master of Engineering Studies in Yacht being able to walk through a gigantic yacht and workplace as many of the original super yacht’s Engineering kicked off earlier this year in shipyards with boats at different stages of reach 15 or 20 years old and require expensive refits. March. construction. This is a very logical site because of A service for one of the mega-yachts which park in Auckland’s Viaduct can cost around $1 million, and make-overs can set an owner back $5 million.

The Master of Engineering Studies in Yacht Engineering is not all about basking on pleasure boats. It will be steeped in high-end theory and cover the design and construction of boats from wind-surfers to mega-yachts. The university’s graduates have a strong heritage in designing high-performance yachts. Physics graduate Tom Schnackenberg helped create the Twisted Wind-Flow Tunnel at Tamaki campus which simulates winds and allows scientists to observe how sails behave. He later co-ordinated the design for Americas Cup winner Black Magic.

Mr Holland was also involved in a number of America’s Cup designs, but his big claim to fame is the largest single-masted boat in the world, the 75m Mirabella V, which would tower 25m above the Auckland Harbour Bridge’s arch at high tide. He was raised in Auckland where he sailed P-Class from age seven and left high school to complete an apprenticeship in wood boat- building. He formed a boat design company in Ireland in the 1970s and recently shifted to Vancouver.

For more information on the Master of Engineering studies in Yacht Engineering visit Ron Holland www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/mengst-yacht

4 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Making computer Dr Mark Sagar animation more human Engineering Alumni and Academy Award winner Dr Mark Sagar is starting a new laboratory at The University of Auckland that is set to take computer animation to a new level.

“Imagine a machine that can not only express what is on its mind, but also allows you to glimpse the mental imagery that it is constantly changing in its mind,” says Dr Sagar.

The Laboratory for Animate Technologies, based in the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), will create interactive autonomously animated systems which “will help define the next generation of human-computer interaction and facial animation“.

Industries to benefit from research and technology created in Dr Sagar’s lab could include those where establishing emotional rapport is important such as education, advertising, and the entertainment industry.

Dr Sagar says his Lab will create an experience that will allow visitors to engage with “smart technology” that appears conscious, emotive and thinking. “One question we are pursuing is: can technology be made more appealing if it is more natural?”

Dr Sagar says the technology created in his lab will simulate the lifelike qualities and the observable natural reflexes and behaviour of someone engaging with another person.

”Our computational models of emotion, perception, learning and memory will generate highly expressive realistic – or fantastic – imagery which engages the user on a visceral, emotional level,“ he says.

The Lab will also develop advanced computer vision techniques to track facial expression and behaviour. These techniques will be used with other modes of sensory input to allow the smart machine to sense its world.

Visitors to the Lab will engage with expressive The Lab will be developed using state-of-the-art Avatar’s Na’vi people. His pioneering work in interfaces including realistic faces and also be projective computer graphics and brain-based computer-generated faces was recognised with able to see the inner workings or underlying computational models. Its foundations are two consecutive Oscars at the 2010 and 2011 “brain activity” generating the machines’ being built by Dr Sagar and others in The Sci-tech awards, a branch of the Academy responses. University with expertise in areas such as Awards that recognises movie science and “We are building a collaborative modular computer and the neural sciences, engineering, technological achievements. Dr Sagar will model of the face and brain, a brain and face architecture and the arts. The Lab will work on continue to work with Weta on selected Lego with swappable and re-shapable parts. both blue skies research and commercial projects. Both scientists and artists who want an applications. The former medical researcher started his interactive context to test and visualise their Dr Sagar previously worked for Weta Digital career building computer simulations of the work can design, combine, integrate, inspect, where he created technology for achieving the human eye for virtual surgery. He has a react, be reacted to, and redesign,” says Dr realistic appearance and performance capture Bachelor of Science and a PhD in Engineering Sagar. animation of digital characters such as from The University of Auckland.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 5 Faculty News CONTINUED His postgraduate research involved a Professor Peter Hunter, Director of the ABI, time and I expect that he will continue to excel landmark study in how to develop an says he feels very fortunate to have Dr Sagar here and abroad with his work at the anatomically correct virtual eye and realistic working at the Institute. Laboratory for Animate Technologies.” models of biomechanically simulated anatomy. It was one of the first examples of how lifelike “Mark is an exceptional researcher, scientist Dr Sagar is also a recipient of the University of human features could be created on a screen and artist with immense vision and passion. Auckland’s 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award. He by combining computer graphics with He has made a huge contribution to the was presented with the award at a dinner held at mathematics and human physiology. motion picture industry in a relatively short The University of Auckland on 9 March 2012.

Dr Xun Xu, a Professor in the Department of Rumble strips Collaboration leads Mechanical Engineering, led the team of staff to a road marking and students which set out to design a mechanism that could operate off Coastline revolution Marker’s existing fleet of vehicles. The Faculty of Engineering design and engineering expertise could help an Auckland They developed a number of prototypes before company treble the rate it can apply life-saving settling on a mechanism that is achieving rumble strips to busy New Zealand roads. speeds of 6 kilometres an hour in tests with an expectation that further work will make it go Rumble strips, those raised plastic ribs that even faster. can be heard and felt when your car wheels cross them, save lives by keeping drivers alert. Jaco Janse van Rensburg, who has experience in road marking technologies, has come on But applying the long-life strips - or Audio board to manage the transition from research Tactile Profiled (ATP) road markings - is neither to a commercial product. cheap nor quick. He says the innovation is also more efficient Coastline Markers Limited are experts in and environmentally friendly, and could be applying ATP road markings but, says used by contractors to apply different types of Operations Manager Chris Noble, the markings. Auckland company was frustrated by not being able to lay the strips faster. “The strips have to withstand a lot of force so they’re made from plastic combined with a “Normal road marking with paint is done at strong hardening agent. Using the old speeds of 15 to 20 kilometres an hour but we mechanism and with slow application speeds, could only cover 1.5 to 2 kilometres an hour the plastic sometimes set hard inside the Additionally, the University of Auckland project with the ATP technology we had. It wasn’t just machine and only an electric chisel could get it team will continue to innovate in the area and us losing time and money – there is also the off. We don’t have that problem with the new has plans on the drawing board for huge cost of traffic control and disruption to mechanism.” mechanisms that could revolutionise other motorists while the job is done.” aspects of road marking, positioning New Coastline Markers is excited about the results Zealand as a world leader in the field. The company set out to find a better system, of the collaboration. initially experimenting with modifications to the This work is being done through the Innovative existing equipment and asking suppliers in “It was invigorating working with highly Manufacturing and Materials Programme led New Zealand and overseas if they could help intelligent people and we had fantastic by Professor Xu which draws on expertise in the and then hiring research and development discussions. Having access to people of university’s engineering, science and business (R&D) expertise at the Faculty of Engineering. Professor Xun Xu’s stature gives a whole new faculties. The programme is a single point of dimension to our R&D,” says Chris. contact for industry needing research and Funding from the Ministry of Science and innovation and says, Professor Xu, “allows us to Innovation, through its Technology Transfer Through site visits and contact with Coastline take on cross-disciplinary projects like this one Voucher scheme, helped the project become a Markers staff, engineering students have had and solve more real-life problems for New reality. The voucher pays 50 percent of the real world experience of the costs, constraints Zealand industry”. costs of hiring R&D expertise. and timeframes in problem solving in business. It’s certainly worked for Coastline Markers Chris Noble says the company immediately Daniel O’Donoghue, who recently graduated which now has an appetite for more R&D. saw the advantage of getting top brains with first class honours, worked on the project involved in its problem. for 16 months. “It has given me an opportunity “We already have a couple more ideas in the to put the knowledge gained in my university back of our mind,” says Chris. “The project was “When you’re dealing with something every studies into something of real consequence. invaluable in demonstrating how seed funding and access to knowledge can create huge day, you tend to work within what you know. Seeing my own efforts and designs become a possibilities.” The guys from The University of Auckland reality, and one that will benefit many New came out with a clean sheet, had a look at our Zealanders, has been extremely valuable.” machinery, went away, and came up with something completely different.”

6 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Award winning $51 million Student Residence An ultra-modern hall of residence in Whitaker Place for 442 University of Auckland students opened earlier this year in February.

University Hall, with twin towers linked on a two-level podium, will boost fully catered accommodation at the University by 60 percent. There were 900 applications for the 442 beds.

The residents, all first-year students, come from as far away from Kaitaia down to Canterbury. Some have their home in distant parts of Greater Auckland, such as Pukekohe and Titirangi, an hour or more’s travel from the University. Fifteen percent are international students from Britain, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

There is a balance of male and female students with half of one floor reserved as female only. More or less gender-separate space will be put aside in future years depending on demand.

The hall, which cost $51 million, boasts a host of attractive and up-to-date features for residents to encourage informal networking and collaborative study. These include a wireless e-library, a study pod on each of 13 residential floors complete with a white board and internet connection, a lounge with a large television screen, and a spacious, well- equipped games room.

The large dining room at level one is shielded from the nearby motorway through Grafton Gully by extensive tree foliage. The special glass in wall-length windows blots out almost all the traffic noise. Vibrant colours brighten the public areas. NZ Property Councils Annual Awards. There are two wide decks outside where University Hall was one of five merit recipients Residents’ rooms, many commanding residents can eat and relax during downtime. in Coffey Projects Education & Arts Property spectacular harbour, Gulf, city and suburban Award category. (Michael Rengers attended views, use the same glass and are equally quiet. “A lot of thought has gone into making the the function with Head of Hall, Tahlia Tini). On each floor a common space with kitchen building aesthetically pleasing for residents as facilities links the north and south wings. well as functional,” says Tahlia. A record 82 properties made it to this year’s finals. However, less than half of the finalists The hall will have two alcohol-free floors where “Land on this site is at a premium and all the managed to secure an award –16 Excellence alcohol can neither be consumed nor stored. glass makes the interior light and attractive and 21 Merit awards were presented to Sunday to Wednesday will be non-drinking while giving a sense of space. It is possible to developments across the country. Entries went days throughout the hall. forget you are in central Auckland.” through a three-month judging process, including detailed review of the developments “There is plenty of scope to have fun but Tahlia will have the help of a small and and site visits by the judging panel. students have to focus on the academic side enthusiastic team who are experienced in early if they want to get on,” says Head of Hall, student accommodation including a live-in In determining the winning properties, the judges Tahlia Tini. “It is all part of striking a work-life Residential Assistant on each floor. A duty considered the economic viability of the property, balance which will help them succeed in the person will be available 24 hours a day. design and construction, efficiency of operation, outside world.” owner and user satisfaction, contribution to the “Everything is geared to support residents and community, potential cultural and social benefits, Residents will be encouraged to take the stairs help them in their transition from home to their degree of difficulty associated with the rather than the two lifts to save energy and keep new life at university,” she says. development and environmentally sustainable fit, and stair-climbing races will be organised. University Hall received a Merit Award at the features incorporated into the project.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 7 Research

Of particular interest for Professor Ingham is Expert to test buildings how to make parapets and canopies (or in Whanganui verandas) safe during earthquakes. “What we Whanganui will soon be part of the Faculty saw in the Christchurch earthquake in study of making heritage buildings safer during February 2011 was that people inside masonry earthquakes. Professor Jason Ingham, a buildings, or sitting in cars outside were killed structural engineer, was in Whanganui during when frontages started falling.” He said May to look at the city’s heritage buildings and securely tying back parapets and verandas see whether they would be suitable for his was one of the most cost-effective and latest research project. comparatively simple ways to make buildings safer. He would like to test some of his design Professor Ingham is an expert in the ideas in Whanganui, and he has already been assessment and strengthening of concrete and offered several suitable buildings – earmarked masonry buildings and bridges, particularly for demolition - for that purpose. Task force heritage brick buildings. He was invited to chairman Richard Thompson said it had been Whanganui by the Earthquake Prone Building a very valuable meeting. “Professor Ingham Taskforce, which was set up to look at the issue has such a wealth of knowledge and has of strengthening Whanganui’s heritage passed on some very practical ideas for us to buildings. He said some of the buildings he start considering,” Mr Thompson said. saw here during his visit would be ideal for his research, which focuses on safe connections between parts of buildings. “Some of my previous research has focused on, for example, strengthening parts of buildings like roofs and floors and so on. However, this research will look at the connections between parts and how they can be made stronger,” he said. Professor Jason Ingham

Dr Taberner says the device, which is being New Zealand tested in the lab, can be programmed to researchers develop deliver a range of doses to various depths and is an improvement over similar jet-injection needle-free jet systems currently commercially available.

injections “Jet injectors are not new but this is the first A jet-injection device that can administer drugs time that anyone has used a highly with less pain and more accuracy than syringes controllable linear motor to precisely jet-inject, and hypodermic needles has been developed by which allows the user to control drug injection researchers at the Faculty’s Auckland Bioengi- speed and makes it possible to rapidly repeat Jet-injection device neering Institute (ABI) and the Massachusetts injections,” says Dr Taberner. Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. Dr Taberner says since the device can The jet-injections are less painful than a automatically reload and deliver many The needle-free device delivers a tiny, hypodermic needle because they leave a hole injections over a short amount of time, it could high-pressure jet of medicine through the skin about the quarter of the size of a needle or have advantages in third-world countries without the use of a hypodermic needle. It’s about the diameter of a human hair. The where mass vaccinations are carried out. The capable of delivering doses of medication in device, which has been likened to a Star Trek device could also be used for diagnostic different quantities to various depths and can hypospray, uses a magnet and a tiny piston to purposes both in humans and animals because inject medication through the skin nearly as deliver the jet of medicine through the skin. it has a “drawback mechanism” that gives it quickly as the speed of sound. the ability to take liquid samples from patients. “The device could have many benefits including It also has potential applications in animal The jet-injection research was published in the increasing the compliance rates of diabetics care and in food production, he says. journal Medical Engineering & Physics and Dr who have to regularly inject themselves with Andrew Taberner, a Senior Research Fellow at medication. If you’re afraid of needles and Dr Taberner established a student exchange the Auckland Bioengineering Institute and a have to frequently self-inject, compliance can programme between the University and MIT Senior Lecturer in The Department of be an issue,” he says. which has been running for the past three years. Engineering Science, is leading the New Zealand Students on the exchange programme are research at ABI’s bioinstrumentation Laboratory. The technology’s benefits also include reducing currently working on the jet-injection research. The MIT team is led by New Zealander Ian the potential for needle-stick injuries and providing an alternative for those with needle Hunter, the George N. Hatsopoulos Professor of “Our students are highly-regarded at MIT phobias, he says. Mechanical Engineering. which is arguably the top technology University in the world.”

8 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering During their debrief with Professor John Engineers in Clinical Windsor the three were still synthesising the Residence: Department vast amount of information they had taken in through observation and what the practical of Surgery implications might be. Discussion bounced A discussion between Professor John Windsor from concepts of good design, personalised (Surgery) and Associate Professor Bruce medical devices, technology for the masses, MacDonald (Electrical and Computer issues of over-engineering as well as Engineering), who heads up the Technology for engineering solutions and new applications of Health research theme in The Faculty of existing technologies which might be readily Engineering, provided the catalyst for an initiative available and cost-effective. to “bridge the massive gap of Grafton Gully, the gap between medicine and engineering, and to PhD candidate Robert Dunn suggested “All it find a way to bring these cultures together”. would take would be to have an engineer “The Faculty of Engineering sees Technologies for Professor John Windsor says: “It became obvious sitting in surgery for a few days to observe how Health as a key research focus and it is just so that engineers wanting innovation in the health these things were used in practice” to identify important and critical that engineers and space are severely hampered by the lack of an array of potential improvements. clinicians talk regularly together, about all their opportunities to understand what happens in interests. If we are to create the innovative health and to regularly interface with clinicians.” “One thing that surprised me,” he said “was solutions that are both needed and very possible, the lack of cable management in surgery. All given the strength of the expertise in the two Within a month of John and Bruce’s meeting of the cords and tubes go everywhere – they fall faculties” says Associate Professor Bruce minds the Faculty of Medical and Health in the way, tangle up. In electrical engineering MacDonald. The success of the residence Sciences the first Engineers in Clinical Residence – you go into a container – every single cable programme is encouraging and the faculties will programme began. The one-week pilot is bolted to the wall, fixed and organised in a follow-up on potential ideas that emerged, and programme exposed three engineering students very rigorous fashion. Maybe you can’t get to the clinical work environment. The week long to promote additional and longer engagements. around that easily...” pilot was completed just prior to Easter. This need for ongoing engineering problem- Paul, who is completing his PhD in Doctoral students Paul Roberts, Robert Dunn solving through exposure to clinical hospital and final-year undergraduate Sarah Milsom Bioengineering noted one of the astounding setting will help define and develop what were chosen as the inaugural Engineers in things for him was the similarity of problems Engineers in Clinical Residence programmes Clinical Residence. The idea was to put them in between engineering disciplines and medicine might look like in the future and also deliver technology-dependent medical specialties and “For example, there is some very expensive to spend time with lead clinicians who see device’s such as an ECG or a ventilator but the subsequent practical and economic opportunities. problems and want solutions. They attended biggest functional problem is something small “In a broader sense,” Professor Windsor points sessions at Auckland City Hospital’s - a connector that always breaks, or a piece of out “the health sector is asked every year to Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Engineering, metal occluding the battery compartment.” General Surgery, Anaesthesia, Nutrition, save millions of dollars and find efficiency Critical Care, Interventional Radiology and Even the patient journey experienced through a gains while every year the population is Neurosurgery departments, as well as visits to systems engineering lens opened discussion on increasing. There is no doubt that we need to witness robotic surgery at Ascot Hospital and optimisation of people, ward and computer find new ways of doing things. This is an the Simulation Centre for Patient Safety at the systems management – as well as health and exciting initiation to work with engineers, to Tāmaki campus. safety. pool our expertise.”

the seismic performance of reinforced concrete project is focused on the tsunami resilience of Natural hazards walls. Dr Henry’s and Dr Ingham’s projects are New Zealand ports. research gets funded under the Government’s ‘Lessons Learned from Christchurch’ portfolio. Both projects are funded under the New government funding Zealand Natural Hazards portfolio, created in Four Faculty of Engineering projects have Professor George Ferguson from the 2009 for natural hazards research. received more than $1.1 million from the Department of Chemicals and Materials In total the Government funded 19 projects Government’s Natural Hazards Research Engineering and Associate Professor Charles from across New Zealand to the tune of $7 Funding Platform. Clifton from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering received a million. Associate Professor Jason Ingham from the $299,000 grant for a research project Department of Civil and Environmental investigating Eccentrically Braced Frame (EBR), The New Zealand Natural Hazards portfolio Engineering has received $300,000 to develop inelastic demand and repair in severe focuses on nationwide projects, including guidelines for effective retrofitting of earthquakes. research focused on tsunami risk and unreinforced masonry heritage buildings. mitigation, storm tides, tapping into Māori Professor Bruce Melville from the Department knowledge around volcanic risk and more Dr Rick Henry from the Department of Civil of Civil and Environmental Engineering was general earthquake forecasting models. and Environmental Engineering was awarded awarded $300,000 for a joint project with $230,000 for research focusing on improving GNS Science. Professor Melville’s part of the

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 9 Research CONTINUED

Revolution Fibres and CACM have signed a Building a new industry Memorandum of Understanding that will see for New Zealand them collaborate to meet growing international Combining leading-edge knowledge and demand for products made from composite equipment at the Faculty with smart business materials that include nano-fibres. thinking and development expertise within First off the drawing board is a proof-of- Revolution Fibres is propelling New Zealand to concept project in which CACM is testing how the forefront of a promising new industry in Revolution Fibre’s electro-spun nano-material nano-fibre composites. behaves when added to carbon fibre. Composite materials like carbon fibre are both “CACM has done considerable fundamental strong and light making them revolutionary in research into production processes for Scanning electron microscope image of many industries. Adding nano-fibre to composites composite materials and particularly carbon nano-fibre material has potential to make the material even stronger fibre. We benefit from their knowledge and, – it is, for example, beginning to replace steel in just as importantly, the huge range of testing machines may not be viable when you are cars which will ultimately result in vehicles which equipment at the Centre,” says Revolution producing larger quantities. We can test that are lighter, use less fuel and have fewer emissions. Fibre’s General Manager Albert McGhee. out using Revolution Fibre’s equipment.” Finding out more about how to add nano-fibre Revolution Fibres believes its nano-material can Just as exciting, he says, is working with a to composite materials and the results it maximise the strength and performance of company that can take developments to market. delivers is the focus of a research and carbon fibre and is also likely to suit new development partnership between Auckland production processes that will allow large “Revolution Fibres is already selling products company Revolution Fibres and The Centre for volumes to be produced at an affordable price. made from its nano-fibre – it has a track record Advanced Composite Materials at The and the experience and channels to get new University of Auckland. If that can be proved, says Albert, it could be products out there and that is very motivating worth gold in the commercial world. for staff and students.” Revolution Fibres uses innovative electro- spinning technology to convert various “People in composites want a high quality One of Revolution Fibre’s lead engineers is a materials, including collagen, cellulose and product that can be easily integrated. It’s not graduate of CACM and the Centre has a post nylon, into non woven mats of nano-fibres which about marketing - they want evidence that graduate student working on the first research are very fine (around 5,000 times thinner than what they’re buying will deliver benefits and project under the MOU. a human hair) but also tough and durable. CACM can provide that evidence. That, says Graeme, highlights another Its technology development has been supported “Testimony from CACM is all the more potential benefit of the collaboration. by investments totalling around NZ$500,000 powerful because it is an independent and from the Ministry of Science and Innovation. highly regarded agency.” “We have students coming through who want to get involved in high technology industries. The company has designed and built one of the Another draw card for Revolution Fibres are It’s encouraging for them to see a potential world’s first commercial scale electro-spinning the connections staff at CACM have to major pathway to employment and good for machines which can produce hundreds of players in the composites industry says Albert. companies which will be able to hire graduates metres of material an hour. A further with the knowledge they need.” advantage is the length of the nano-fibres it “Their networks and their big picture view of spins which are up to 200 metres long. where the industry is heading can give us an Graeme says the partnership with Revolution edge.” Fibres illustrates the potential for CACM to The Centre for Advanced Composite Materials help grow New Zealand industries. (CACM) is one of the world’s largest composite The partnership is also beneficial for The research groups with leading edge expertise and University of Auckland says CACM Business “Our intellectual property is highly regarded state-of-the-art equipment. The Centre attracts Development Manager Graeme Finch. around the world. It’s great to have a New students from around the world and is often Zealand company seeing the value in our approached by global companies such as BMW “It allows us to carry out larger scale activities. expertise and using it to create a high-tech and Du Pont, to undertake specialised research. What might be practical to do on lab size product.”

Lost alumni Lost alumni are graduates of The Faculty of Engineering whom we have lost touch with, and no longer hold a current address for. We would like to get back in touch with our lost alumni and we need your help. You can find a list of our lost alumni online at www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/lost-alumni

If you can provide information on an alumni listed on the webpage, please let us know by emailing Natalie Mason on [email protected] or phone +64 9 923 9930.

We would appreciate it if you could let us know the lost graduates name, faculty, graduation year, home address and email, or as much information as you have.

10 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Expert Opinion

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Fracking: Fast Producers (CAPP) has proposed new guidelines followers or slow for fracturing; these include baseline groundwater testing before wells are developed, learners? with subsequent monitoring during drilling and well completion operations. CAPP proposes that Associate Professor Rosalind Archer, this testing should be paid for by the companies Department of Engineering Science developing gas or oil fields. Baseline monitoring Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has become an studies are critical to clearly establishing cause/ emotive issue. Bans in France and Bulgaria effect relationships between observations of have arisen because of public pressure exerted elevated methane concentration in groundwater on their Governments, not in response to and fracturing operations. Some highly quoted environmental damage caused by fracturing studies on small numbers of wells in the US lack operations in either country. Should New these key baseline measurements. The Texas Zealand rush to follow France and Bulgaria Railroad Commission monitors oil and gas and place a moratorium on hydraulic activity in that state and recently noted that in fracturing? Or should New Zealand be a “slow an area where there is a significant amount of fracturing activity that “Years before any shale learner” and take a more considered approach gas drilling [or fracturing] activity, water well and learn from international best practice? drillers have recorded both intermittent and Associate Professor Rosalind Archer One source of concern is the so-called sustained natural gas production from some of “chemical cocktail” of fluids injected into the water wells drilled in the area.” The operation in the Radnor field (near Stratford). underground rock formations during fracturing. geological explanation for this finding is that No change in the frequency or intensity of These mixtures are 98 to 99 percent water natural gas already present in a shallow shale seismic events was observed. The GNS report with the remainder being chemical additives. formation (above the deeper reservoir formations carefully reviewed international data and Fracturing fluids are continually evolving and being targeted by gas drillers) was naturally considered local geology. The report concluded modern fracturing operations have many migrating into the shallow aquifer. “It is unlikely that any earthquakes that may be choices of fluids available. For example a major induced by hydraulic fracturing operations in Thorough understanding of geological oilfield service company has created a the Taranaki Region would have a significant conditions is also crucial for assessing whether formulation made from ingredients that are all effect.” In other regions it is important to note there is a risk that fracturing operations could that the oil/gas exploration process uses high food-grade materials. To demonstrate induce seismic (earthquake) activity. It is resolution imaging techniques which map the confidence in the safety of this fluid an important that relevant international presence of faults in the earth– faults which executive of that company drank a sample of experience is compared and contrasted to New may have been previously unknown. the fluid last year. [I have never undertaken Zealand conditions when this question is any contract work for this company]. If tackled. For example the 3.4 magnitude Basel Is a combination of appropriate technology, fracturing is permitted on an on-going basis in earthquake in Switzerland is often mentioned in monitoring and regulation the answer? The New Zealand, regulators could require that this context. This earthquake was triggered by head of the US Environmental Protection only the cleanest, most environmentally benign fracturing in an enhanced geothermal energy Agency, Lisa Jackson, recently said in a forum: fluids are used. project (i.e. a project to create a man-made “I think that fracking as a technology is geothermal system unlike development of New perfectly capable of being clean. I do. But it Isolation of groundwater from the much deeper Zealand’s naturally occurring geothermal requires people who are doing it and innovators zones being fractured is paramount. Gisborne resources). The geology of the Baselproject is who use the technology to take some time to District Council’s environmental services quite different to oil/gas projects being make sure that it’s done right. And it requires manager Trevor Freeman recently returned from undertaken in New Zealand. When New smart regulation, smart rules of the road.” Canada where he reviewed data from Alberta. Zealand considers overseas activities, care He noted that “175,000 fracturing operations needs to be taken to ensure that those activities New Zealand must do its own homework on have been carried out in the province without a are at similar depths and pressures, and in hydraulic fracturing. Taking a “slow learner” single case of aquifer contamination” and that comparable geologic settings. approach would leave scope to develop a “clear measures can be taken to prevent framework in which fracturing operations could contamination of groundwater”. Similarly the A key feature of New Zealand’s geology is its continue to be permitted - if they use practices US State of Ohio’s Department of Natural level of seismic activity which makes careful and technologies which are the very best the Resources has stated that there is no evidence consideration of seismic risk prudent. A recent world has to offer, as opposed to repeating the of groundwater contamination in 80,000 GNS Science report includes measured data mistakes made in a small number of fracturing fractured wells in Ohio. on seismic events before and after a fracturing operations which deserve a failing grade.

Email Alumni News In the interest of a sustainable future, the Faculty of Engineering produces this publication on eco-friendly paper and is available in electronic format. If you would like to receive this publication via email please confirm your preferred email address to Natalie Mason at [email protected]

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 11 Engineering Students

humanitarian aid and development for are a large number of amazing candidates Outstanding Scholar communities in underprivileged situations, and who are easily as excellent if not more so and choses Accelerated hence coupled with my love for the sciences, thoroughly deserve to be awarded. I’m super engineering was a natural and perfect choice excited to get stuck into university - it’s going to pathway at the for me. I’m truly humbled and feel very lucky to be a great few years ahead!” Faculty of Engineering have gained a Premier scholarship, as there St Cuthbert student Jade Leung was named one of only ten premier scholars in the country. The 18-year-old spent hours of hard work in her final year of high school to gain an Outstanding Scholarship in chemistry, geography, painting, physics and science and Scholarship in biology, english, spanish, statistics and modelling, capped off with the top subject award in chemistry.

Jade will receive $10,000 a year for up to three years of tertiary study for being among the ten top scholars in the country. This year Jade has started a Bachelor of Engineering Honours at the Faculty of Engineering through the Accelerated Pathways programme, which will see her complete the four-year degree in three years.

Jade chose engineering because “engineering is an outstanding discipline that makes a Education Minister the Honourable Hekia Parata, Jade Leung, recipient of the Prime Minister’s tangible difference to the lives of people from Award for Academic Excellence and Governor General Lt Gen Rt Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae. all walks of life. My ultimate goal is to work in Photo credit: Kent Blechynden, Fairfax

University dominates Imagine Cup finals An engineering student from the Faculty is a member of the winning team who will represent New Zealand at the 2012 Microsoft Imagine Cup worldwide finals in Sydney in July.

In-Hwan Kim, a fourth year software engineering student is a member of Team Mobile Eye who beat 15 other teams to win the New Zealand finals of the world’s largest technology competition.

Teams from The University of Auckland also took out second, third and fourth places at the student technology competition held at the Auckland Town Hall on 30th April.

In-Hwan and his teammates, AUT graphic design major Jade Tan, and AUT maths and Team Mobile Eye - Jade Tan Swea Phin, In-Hwan Kim and Aakash Polra engineering student Aakash Polra, impressed judges with their innovative project that aims to provide assistance to blind New Zealanders. thought out solution to address the issues faced The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s by people who are blind. The team is now premier student technology competition, “This year was an extremely exciting and aiming for the worldwide finals and we expect challenging students from around the globe to intense competition with more than 400 entries the international judges will be very impressed develop technologies that help solve the world’s – the most New Zealand entries to date,” says with this New Zealand team’s work.” toughest problems. Now in its 10th year, it is a Scott Wylie, Director of the Developer and global competition with more than 358,000 Platform Group for Microsoft New Zealand. New Zealand has done well at the previous students from 183 countries participating. worldwide finals, with students from the “Team Mobile Eye stood out with their Faculty finishing in the top six last year and imagination, passion, creativity and a well third in 2010.

12 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering being controlled part of the time by software is also an avenue for encouraging high school Team Auckland and part of the time by the students. The students to pursue studies in science, technology, University Robotics object was for the robots to pick up coloured engineering and maths at tertiary level.” balls and barrels and place them in circular Association (AURA) goals of different heights. AURA is expanding each season with more university students joining. compete at the VEX Andrew says AURA team members also Robotics World volunteer as mentors to eight high school VEX “Our growth is largely attributed to the teams in the Auckland region. continued support of the Electrical and Championship Computer Engineering Department from the “The mentoring programme allows AURA Faculty,” says Andrew. A team of students from the Faculty have come members to take the skills developed in their second at the world robotics championships in science and engineering degrees to provide AURA are currently running workshops to America. sound technical support to high school teams. It introduce new members to the VEX competition. Two AURA teams competed at the world champs; its other team AURA2 made the top 16.

Team spokesman Andrew Chen says for just their second season at the international competition it was a competitive showing, which had capped off a successful season.

“Before leaving for the world champs we won the 2012 Autodesk Inventor Digital Prototyping (Computer-Aided Design) Challenge for creating a full-sized humanoid robot in autodesk inventor.”

VEX Robotics is an international competition with middle school, high school and university divisions. More than 10 000 students from 40 countries compete at the robotics championships. Each season the competition game is different, requiring teams to design, build and programme new robots while also mastering a new set of rules and strategies. Team Auckland University Robotics Association (AURA) compete at the VEX Robotics World This year’s game gateway involved the robots Championship

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Inaugural Structures day The inaugural Structures Day was held recently at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The day was full of hands-on experiments designed for the entire second year cohort. The experiments demonstrated practical aspects of structural engineering as well as supporting the structural mechanics theory taught in class.

Experiments that took place on the day included, designing, optimising and testing a beam for strength, creating concrete and conducting slump tests, tying reinforcing, as well as looking at the effects of inelastic damage in columns, building cable stayed and truss bridges to explore different structural form, and many more. Judging by the smiles on the students faces, the day was a great success.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 13 Engineering Students CONTINUED Students look for winning formula V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy has been teaching 30 university students about competitive motorsport teams. The Auckland University engineering and commerce students are gearing up to compete in the Formula SAE Australasia competition later this year.

Formula SAE is a worldwide competition where students create teams to design and build motorsport vehicles. The completion is organised by automotive global network company SAE International and students are given a fictional contact to develop a small race car.

The team is expected to design, build and test prototype cars based on a series of rules and then race the cars. Murphy is pleased with what the design team has come up with this year. “I was really impressed with the innovation the guys showed along with a strong team spirit. They have managed to combine a wide set of skills with some creative thinking to produce a really strong entry. I reckon they have a top chance at taking out the Australasian leg of the competition this year.”

The University has been entering the competition since 2004 and is preparing for the Australasian competition in December.

Team leader Som Sharma says it has been a great experience to meet someone successful in motorsport. “Knowing we are doing things along similar lines to professional teams and the skills we are gaining and developing during out time in Forumla SAE is truly rewarding”.

Article from Auckland City Harbour News Greg Murphy and Team FSAE members

during the race…I try to keep focused on what Mechanical I am doing and enjoy it.” Engineering Student Toni completed the race, which includes a wins Coast to Coast 58km cycle and 33km mountain run on day one and 82km kayak and 70km cycle on day Toni Keeling has grown up with the Coast to two, in a time of 14 hours and 20 minutes. Coast endurance race. During her early teenage years she was a part of the crews Toni, who lives in Bayswater, trains around her helping her parents Peter and Christine to studies in Mechanical Engineering and Sports complete the course. Then four years ago she Science degrees using North Head and Mt completed her first race as a part of a team, Victoria in Devonport. “It’s great running round followed by another team finish a year later. the rocks from Takapuna to Devonport” Toni says. Last year she entered the two day individual event and came eighth. The next step for Toni is the Godzone Adventure Race in Queenstown – a four to five In 2012 she entered the individual two-day day race over 450km. race hoping for a podium finish and she came first. “I did not have any expectations of myself Toni Keeling

14 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Fuelled by a driving Kayla Craig passion As a five year old girl, Kayla Craig loved motorsport and told anyone who would listen that she wanted to be a race car driver. Some years later, and in her third year of a Mechanical Engineering degree, Kayla is on the way to achieving her dream of working in Motorsport.

Even before enrolling for her course, she had heard about the Faculty’s Formula SAE Team, a project that students work on over and above their studies and based at Tāmaki Innovation Campus. That, coupled with the chance to indulge a passion for motorsport, engines and all things fast, as well as studying “anything Mechanical”, got the dream underway.

Formula SAE is an internationally renowned design competition, attracting teams from around the world in the ‘design it, build it, race it’ event.

Financial constraints mean The FSAE team tend to focus on the Australasian event. Since their debut in 2004, where the team bagged the Best Rookie Award, the 30-40 strong team has consistently placed in the top ten.

This year, the team managed its best placing ever, with a creditable fourth, and Kayla got to partially fulfil a childhood dream of driving by being one of the five drivers on the team. Her official title is Race Engineer which sees her collect and analyse data, but her main contribution is in suspension design and making changes to the car during sessions to improve the handling and performance. “That work draws a lot from my undergraduate study, but also a huge amount from the rest of the team. I’ve also learned the importance of time management, trying to fit my life into working over 40 hours a week at the workshop (at Tāmaki), as well as studying and a part-time job.”

Kayla admits her passion for cars sees her virtually living at the workshop, along with around ten other die-hard enthusiasts. Despite the time are always the jokes, however becoming a At this point, Kayla has few plans to further her commitment, it benefits her studies by bringing driver meant I could silence the ones about education beyond her undergraduate degree. the theory to life in the most exciting way possible. women drivers, which is nice. A few of them She’s understandably keen to get to work and are like brothers to me. There are also four when she finishes, will be looking for a job in Working in a predominantly male environment other girls in the team and we get on well. It’s the motor industry in New Zealand. She says has no fears for Kayla. “I think it’s great; I have a huge improvement on previous years, where she’d like to end up working in the Australian a lot in common with them all so it works well, the team would be lucky to have one or two V8 Supercars series, “but of course, I wouldn’t and they treat me like one of the boys. We all women. We are hoping to increase these turn down a job in Formula One.” have a lot of fun together and of course there numbers again this year.”

Courses and Careers Day - 25 August 2012 Come along to 20 Symonds Street, on the 25 August and you can introduce your family and friends to the Faculty. Our open day - aimed at potential undergraduate students - will feature department displays and tours of our labs. For more information visit www.coursesandcareersday.ac.nz

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 15 Graduation

Leon Evans and mother Gaye Evans Dr Rainer Seidel and Manuel Seidel Emily Voyde

Faculty of Engineering A day to remember Her PhD in Civil Engineering investigates the “I feel very good, it has been a long road but ability of an extensive living roof (or green roof) to provide onsite source control for stormwater April Graduation it’s definitely been worthwhile,” says Manuel mitigation. This is a relatively new stormwater Seidel who graduated on Monday 30 April In his own words management technology internationally, which with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Leon Evans, who graduated Master of has never before been studied under New Engineering in Medical Devices and Manuel explains: “It’s really exciting because it Zealand climate conditions. Technology, describes the path that took him wasn’t a traditional PhD, where you’d be sitting Emily is now working at Auckland Council as a through his new programme, offered for the in the lab or in front of the computer; it was Stormwater Technical Specialist and is first time in 2011. more practically orientated, which is really researching new stormwater management fantastic.” The story begins at the beginning of 2011. guidelines for the city. She is also working part time at the Faculty of Engineering as a research After being with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for Standing next to proud father Dr Rainer Seidel assistant investigating storm hydrology. three years as a graduate mechanical engineer from the Faculty of Engineering, Manuel is (from Canterbury) the company offered to fund excited about his chosen career path. Some 6862 graduates, across the University me through the newly created programme. This received a total of 7048 qualifications at ten sounded like just the challenge I was looking for. “I am very passionate about my work. I love to ceremonies in the last week of April. see organisations flourish when they adopt I was fairly certain I wanted to continue sustainability principles.” Each ceremony was webcast live, enabling growing my career in the field of medical relatives and friends to watch proceedings devices, and the programme really confirmed While studying, Manuel worked closely with from anywhere in the world. this and stimulated my interest in the industry. companies helping them to overcome the challenges that they face moving along the University Chancellor Roger France personally I enjoyed the great selection of lecturers and path towards sustainability. And, along with conferred 5069 degrees and diplomas, guest speakers, each presenting his or her his father’s PhD students and with help from bestowing the rest (1979) “in absentia” on success or failings in the field, allowing the Spark Entrepreneurship Challenge, he set those not attending. students to gain real-life insights and learn up the environmental management from their experiences. We had stimulating consultancy KBS Sustainable Innovation Speakers at the ceremonies include debates on common dilemmas faced during Partners, and developed the web-based the design, manufacture and implementation Engineering alumnus Dr Mark Sagar, who sustainability management software called has won two Oscars for his pioneering work of medical devices. We also had plenty of ecoPortal. classroom time to learn from presenters and in computer-generated faces, Kerrin Vautier, a from our class mates. In addition, half of the Director of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand “ecoPortal is now being used by some of New programme consists of a research project in and chair of Auckland City Mission, Jonathan Zealand’s best known organisations. It is really conjunction with industry. Mine was concerned Mason, Fonterra’s Chief Financial Officer, rewarding to know that my work is contributing with optimising vent holes in adult CPAP Professor David Skegg, distinguished former to improving the way businesses manage interfaces (machines for sleep therapy, which Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago and sustainability.” help with breathing difficulties). The purpose Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Chief Science was to increase patient comfort and make Adviser to the Prime Minister of New Zealand First women of Mäori descent to them more relaxed about using the machines. and founding director of The University of receive a PhD in Engineering Auckland’s Liggins Institute. The course has spurred me on to seek a Emily Voyde, 28, became the first woman of greater understanding of the market place our Māori descent to receive a PhD in Engineering devices are being used in. After four years of at The University of Auckland’s Autumn engineering design I am now sales Graduation. representative for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in Victoria Australia, where I am gaining Emily was among the 541 engineering insights to our customers, users and patients graduands who graduated at a ceremony held that I could never get sitting behind a desk. at the Aotea Centre on 30th April.

16 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Scholarships and Awards in 2010 for outstanding contributions by a Supreme Engineering person of Bengali origin. Recently Professor Honours for Academics Bhattacharyya also received a ‘Doctor of Distinguished Professor Debes Bhattacharyya Engineering’ degree (honoris causa) from the and Professor Bruce Melville from the Faculty University of South Queensland in Australia and received Supreme Technical Awards from the was the graduation speaker for the session on Institution of Professional Engineers New Arts and Engineering. Zealand (IPENZ) in March. Professor Bhattacharyya has also taken an active and leading role in organisations set up Professor Debes Battacharya and Professor Professor Bhattacharyya was awarded the John Bruce Melville Cranko award in the mechanical and to advance the technology of composite manufacturing category and Professor Melville materials and has been called on to assist in Professor Melville is the author of the book was awarded the Dobson Award in the the review of composite research organisations Bridge Scour, published in 2000, and widely transportation infrastructure category. internationally. Through working with a range acknowledged as one of the leading references of New Zealand and international companies, in the field. He was awarded the American IPENZ’s biennial awards recognise those who he has built the Centre for Advanced Society of Civil Engineers Hydraulic Structures have demonstrated excellence and leadership Composite Materials into a major enterprise in Medal in 2002 in recognition of his advances in engineering practice over their career to the which a number of staff and postgraduate to knowledge in the field. He also received the benefit of the engineering profession. students undertake research linked to the Royal Society of New Zealand R.J. Scott Medal needs of industry. His work has led to the in 2007 and is a Fellow of the Society. The John Cranko Award was established in development of new industries for New 1979 as a memorial to the late John Eardley Zealand in the aviation and marine sectors. Professor Melville was chairperson of the former Cranko, consulting mechanical engineer of National Roads Board, Scour Committee and a Christchurch. Professor Bhattacharyya is a Fellow of The member of the NRB Structures Committee. He Royal Society of New Zealand and a has been a member of the US Transportation Professor Bhattacharyya, the Director of the Distinguished Fellow of IPENZ. He was also Research Board Committee since 1999. Centre for Advanced Composite Materials, awarded the prestigious German Science Professor Melville was also secretary of the joined the University’s Department of Foundation (DFG) Fellowship and a Testimonial International Committee on Scour of Mechanical Engineering in 1980. His work in of Excellence by the Institute for Composite Foundations, under the International Society of composite materials is world leading and he has Materials, Germany. Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, been the recipient of many international awards and an engaged member of that committee including India’s highly prestigious ‘Glory of Professor Melville, from the Department of Civil since 1998. His contributions and research have India’ award. He is the only New Zealander of and Environmental Engineering, has been at the led to an international change in the way Indian origin to receive a Gold Medal at the global forefront of the development of research practical countermeasures are developed and House of Lords (London) and Nav Rattan (nine based methodologies for prediction of scour implemented, and his work is embodied in jewels) award from New Delhi, both in 2011. He depths at bridge foundations for more than 20 international standards, guidelines and research was also awarded the Hind Rattan (jewel of years. He has practised and been consulted papers, in particular by the American Transport India) at New Delhi in 2010 and was a recipient widely in the implementation of bridge scour Research Board, and the American Association of the ‘Glory of Bengal’ award from Doha, Qatar solutions, by practitioners and researchers alike. of State Highway and Transport Officials.

Local achievement The LMD Technology (Light Metals Division of TMS) Award recognised The second award recognises an individual who internationally has demonstrated outstanding long-term service to the world’s light metal industry by consistently Professor Mark Taylor, the Director of the Light providing technical/operating knowledge of Metals Research Centre, is to be awarded two information to the industry and by doing so has prestigious international awards at The entered the competitiveness of the industry.” Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, USA 2012, 141st Annual Meeting & Exhibition, in Mark Taylor graduated from The University of Orlando, Florida. Auckland in 1984 with a PhD in Chemical and Materials Engineering. He spent 20 years in Professor Mark Taylor The Application to Practice Award industry before returning to the Faculty in from TMS January 2003 as Director of the Light Metals and development, and provided technical Research Centre, which over the past nine support to Comalco’s three operational The first award is presented to an individual years has become the leading research centre smelters. In 2000, he was appointed GM who has demonstrated outstanding in its field globally. Operations to Comalco’s largest smelting achievement in transferring research results or operation, Boyne Smelters Ltd, in Queensland. findings in some aspect of the fields of Whilst working in plant management at NZ metallurgy and materials into commercial Aluminium Smelters, he was implementation Professor Taylor has published over 130 papers production and practical use as a manager for the $450 million smelter upgrade. and has written more than 300 technical representative of an industrial, academic, Subsequently, as GM Technical for Comalco, reports. He was appointed Deputy Director of governmental or technical organisation. he directed the company’s reduction research the Materials Accelerator in 2009.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 17 Scholarships and Awards CONTINUED Students get a kick- start in engineering Thirty-one top engineering students have been awarded Kick Start Scholarships from The University of Auckland. The scholarships, worth $2000 each, are awarded to outstanding first-year students studying at the Faculty of Engineering.

Faculty of Engineering Dean Professor Michael Davies says the scholarships, awarded to students of academic excellence, are designed to help first-year engineering students get established. “The scholarships were set up to help alleviate some of the financial pressure for the students, in particular to help them pay for their textbooks, fees and accommodation costs.”

There are four types of Kick Start scholarships: Affirmative Action, City of Sails, Edward Connelly, and Merit.

Four students received Kick Start Affirmative Action scholarships this year. These scholarships are open to top academic students of Māori or Pacific Island heritage. The scholarships are awarded based on an applicant’s academic merit, personality and drive to make a difference.

Ten students were awarded Kick Start City of Sails scholarships. To be eligible students have to be from outside the Auckland metropolitan area. The scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their final year of study and outstanding all-round ability.

Nine Edward Connelly Kick Start scholarships were awarded this year. These are given to students who demonstrate academic merit and all-round ability. The scholarships were established in memory of the late Edward Connelly, a former Faculty of Engineering employee, who made a significant request of his estate to the Faculty. Edward began his career as a janitor and moved his way up to store steward. College; Jenny Sahng, Riccarton High School, Raimalwala, Lynfield College, Auckland; Eight students received Kick Start Merit Christchurch; Millie Alexander, St Hilda’s Marcelle Hecker, Waimea College, Nelson; scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to Collegiate, Dunedin; Kieran Brennan, Zhen Yi Lim, Macleans College, Auckland; the top scholarship applicants based on academic Palmerston North Boys’ High School; John Anna Northey, Carmel College, Auckland; marks achieved in the final year of secondary McIvor, Napier Boys’ High School; Abel Nicholas Glucina, St Peter’s College, Auckland). school and their personal achievements. Leenders, ACG Strathallan, Papakura; Ray Chang, Wellington College; Callum Munster, Merit: Nicholas Finch, Glendowie College, Doha College, Wellington; Tepine Joyce Ariu, Auckland; Alyssa Develter, Epsom Girls Kick Start Scholarship winners Tawa College, Porirua; Blair Eastwood, Hutt Grammar School, Auckland; Liam Fisher, Affirmative Action: Emma McMillan, Wanganui International Boys’ School, Upper Hutt. Glendowie College, Auckland; Sanelle Van Wyk, High School; Ariah-Bella Peters, Kaitaia College; Macleans College, Auckland; Ryan Lim-Yip, Daniel Matetaka-Ormsby, Mangere College, Edward Connelly: Sarah Lowe, Botany Downs Massey High School, Auckland; Angus Cheng, Auckland; Morgan Teepa McCauley, Western Secondary College, Auckland; Richa Patel, St Kentigern College, Auckland; Cameron Heights High School, Rotorua. Lynfield College, Auckland; Arshin Zaman, Lawrence, ACG Strathallan College, Papakura; Westlake Girls High School, Auckland; Elliot Tushar Garg, Auckland Grammar School. City of Sails: Louis Olsen-Stahl, Wellington Buckley, Tauranga Boy’s College; Vaspan

18 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering The Royal Institution maritime organisations in over 90 countries. of Naval Architects Earlier this year Professor Richard Flay from the Department of Mechanical Engineering was Medal of Distinction awarded the prestigious Medal of Distinction The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) for co-authoring the paper ‘Upwind sail is an internationally renowned professional aerodynamics: a pressure distribution institution whose members are involved at all database for the validation of numerical levels in the design, construction, maintenance codes’, published in the 2011 Transactions. and operation of marine vessels and structures. Richard was presented with the medal at the Members of RINA are widely represented in annual RINA general meeting in April this year industry, universities and colleges, and by the President of RINA, Peter French. Professor Richard Flay, Linda Flay and Peter French

The remainder of this time will be spent visiting collaborations with Imperial College and Dr Liam Wotherspoon Imperial College and Cambridge, both of Cambridge, both with a long history of awarded Geotechnical which have strong links with GCG through geotechnical engineering excellence.” current and former staff. While there he will Consulting Group develop linkages with academics, present Fellowship University of Auckland research, and outline the work done by the staff following the 2010 Liam Wotherspoon, EQC Research Fellow in the Darfield and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Civil and Environmental Engineering This work also coincides with large Department has been awarded the international conferences that he will present Geotechnical Consulting Group (GCG) at in Italy and Portugal. Fellowship, allowing him to travel to the UK for six months to stay in England to carry out Liam says “It is an honour to have received this geotechnical engineering research. He will fellowship. It will be an invaluable experience spend half of this time working alongside GCG working as part of a well-respected geotechnical staff on a range of projects related to his consultancy and is an amazing opportunity to research interests, which include aspects of increase my knowledge and in my professional geotechnical earthquake engineering and development. I am looking forward to the soil-foundation structure interaction. The experience of challenging geotechnical University of Auckland has a good link with engineering projects across Europe and further GCG through Tony Bracegirdle, an engineering afield. This fellowship will provide an excellent alumni and one of the directors of the company. opportunity for the development of research Dr Liam Wotherspoon

Two Degrees Chief Executive Eric Hertz says The scholarships, ranged from $500 to $5,000. Engineering students today is an important step forward for the receive inaugural Two programme. Mr Hertz says the scholarship winners will act as role models in Accelerating Aotearoa’s Degrees Hei Rere Mai “We’re very excited about this initiative as not Talent Programme, visiting Auckland schools to only are we able to give these talented young inspire younger Māori students. They will also scholarship people a helping hand to learn and excel in their have the opportunity to undertake internships Eight talented young Māori students from The chosen career paths, but we’re also hoping their with 2degrees while studying as part of the University of Auckland have become the first progress will inspire other young Māori to work wider Hei Rere Mai initiative. recipients of the Two Degrees Mobile Limited in our industry as well. Thanks to our founding Hei Rere Mai scholarship programme. Three of shareholder, the Hautaki Trust, this initiative is “We pride ourselves on our award winning these students are studying in the Faculty of providing young Māori with a real chance to be customer service and, through our structured Engineering. a part of an exciting industry and, more careers programme, young Māori candidates will importantly, part of our journey within it.” get the chance to experience first-hand just how The scholarship was launched last year by Two we value our customers and are focussed on Degrees and its founding shareholder, the The recipients of the inaugural 2012 delivering great customer care,” says Mr Hertz. Hautaki Trust, and aims to increase Māori scholarship include Part III Engineering student participation in the telecommunications industry. Grace Ngapo (Chemical and Materials Under the programme, those who are Engineering), Part IV Engineering students customer focused then learn about the The scholarship, which is one of three key Jamie Pye and Xian Rare-Lee (both Electical business and the technology will then get the initiatives under the Hei Rere Mai programme, and Computer Engineering) and Science opportunity to study on-the-job towards further is open to Māori students studying towards ICT students David Pene, L’Rey Renata, Leon ICT qualifications. qualifications at The University of Auckland. Hayward, Julius Bennett and Frederick Blucher.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 19 Scholarships and Awards CONTINUED

takes a lot of ambition. It’s very competitive. paid a visit to Pakuranga College, where he Success scores It’s not just about getting in, it’s about getting was dux in 2008, to give students tips for scholarship a scholarship as well.” university success. Having completed Robert Hoye has been awarded a scholarship secondary school in four years, including For his PhD, he’s pitching to continue working to undertake an engineering doctorate at the taking university papers while at college, then in the material science field, specifically on illustrious Cambridge University. The taking an accelerated pathway to finish the solar cells and with an entrepreneurial bent. 20-year-old finished his bachelor of Engineering normal four-year degree in three years, Mr “I’m keen on doing innovation and in Chemical and Materials Science at the Hoye is well-placed to provide hints on getting commercialising it. You need to keep the Faculty last year with first-class honours, which ahead. “Some students go to university not application of your research at the back of was part of a long-term goal. “When I went to knowing what to expect. Giving them an idea your mind,” he says. Before he leaves for the university I always had the ambition to go to of what it involves will really help them to do famed grounds on the River Cam, Mr Hoye Cambridge,” he says. “To get into Cambridge better,” he says.

Alumni

representative, Mohammad Rahman, hosted If you would like to hear more about the AUEA AUEA Alumni and the event in the beautifully crafted Council Alumni and Friends Programme and how you Friends meet out west Chamber where alumni had the chance to can be involved, please contact On the 3rd of April, alumni from a number of catch up with former classmates and Matt Thomson [email protected] or engineering companies around Auckland colleagues. Natalie Mason [email protected]. gathered in the Auckland Council Chamber in Mohammad welcomed guests, and President Henderson for the first AUEA Alumni and of AUEA, Dean Kimpton, reflected on the goals Friends meeting of 2012. of AUEA and the latest news within the Meetings like these are held every few months organisation. Daniel Sansbury from Auckland and their aim is to bring the Auckland Council spoke about how he came to be an University Engineers Association (AUEA) and engineer and what his role as Team Leader - the Faculty, together with friends and alumni of Development Engineer at the Council involves. the University, at the hosting company’s Canute Chandrakumaran, Principal Engineer workplace. This helps raise awareness of the – West, Investigation and Design at Auckland AUEA, drives engagement with the Faculty and Transport gave an informative talk on builds the profile for the hosting company, their Auckland Transport and the major projects workplace and their staff. they have in progress. The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies spoke Auckland Council’s AUEA Alumni and Friends about the most recent developments at the AUEA President Dean Kimpton, Mohammad Faculty, in particular the latest building plans. Rahman, Matt Thomson

Beaufords and guests were offered a variety of colleagues and classmates. Alumni catch up on finger-food and drinks. As the seating was Ardmore days spread over a wide area and there were no If you’re interested in attending next year’s function, please be in touch with Natalie Mason The annual Auckland University Engineers allocated seats, everyone was able to mix and – [email protected] and we’ll ensure an Association (AUEA) Luncheon took place on the mingle much more freely and make the most invitation is sent to you in due course. 21st March at Beaufords in Totora Park, of the chance to catch up with former Auckland. It was attended by over 85 Alumni and friends, many of whom graduated when the campus was still based at Ardmore.

AUEA President, Dean Kimpton and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Michael Davies also attended the event and welcomed the attendees. Staff members from Opus and Watercare were also present, as well as members of the AUEA Committee.

It was a rainy autumn day but this certainly didn’t dampen the jovial mood of the crowd. Peter McGregor, Terry Cammell, Rod Melville- Des Mataga, Russell Bullen, Peter Bassett, The lunch was held in a marque attached to Smith, Russell Watt Norman Hobbs

20 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering Alumni CONTINUED

As a former Aucklander, the book brings to life Book Review my own experiences of many of the “Evolving Auckland – The City’s developments. Anyone who was in Auckland in November 1958, as I was, will remember Engineering Heritage” the collective holding of breath as the Edited by John La Roche “pick-a-back” operation took place – span C Review by Rob Aspden – January 2012 sitting on the diminutive part of span F was floated out and placed in position. As an The infrastructure of a city is something noted aside, there is a good video clip of this for its absence rather than its presence and yet operation in the IPENZ Heritage website there is nothing more important for the life and (www.ipenz.org.nz/heritage). health of the city. This book brings to not only the people of Auckland but also to the rest of the Then there is the story of the water supply. For country a fascinating description of the growth so long the marvellous dams and supply lines of the country’s largest city. More than that, it is in the Waitakeres were off limits to the public brought to them by the people, most of whom but the book gives a graphic account of the have been immersed in the development work struggle to bring water to the people. And of over the last 50 years. I believe that the reader course the Rain Forest Express is now available should start the book (as I did) by reading the to bring it all to vivid life. Even more of a biographic notes of the contributors included as challenge was the waste disposal – the book an appendix at the back provides real insight into the battle to find a treatment plant site. It is a privilege to have The book, in 13 very readable chapters, and such history recorded by someone so closely foundations on which Auckland is built.” All has contributions from 18 people who bring to involved. Likewise the story of the motorway contributors are to be thanked for creating this life the vital stories of each sector of the city’s system is very relevant to the current major excellent record. services. The information is presented in a work programme. Evolving Auckland - Chapters very logical way starting with the first 1 People and engineering requirement of the inhabitants, the supply and But where do I stop? Most of these chapters 2 Water and waste water disposal of water. Then it continues, describing are heavily autobiographical, and are an 3 Harbour development the harbour development, roads, ferries, trams, invaluable record of the city’s development 4 Roads and motorways railways, bridges, telecommunications, and the achievements made. 5 Ferries and trams aviation, defence installations, energy supplies, This is a book that should be in every Auckland 6 Railways industry and buildings. It is a full list with a home and on every engineer’s bookshelf. I see 7 Bridges very good balance between describing the it being not just an account of the city’s 8 Telecommunications basic story of each facet and then providing a development, but also a valuable reference 9 Aviation good list of references for further reading. And book used whenever questions of infrastructure 10 Military protection the photo collection is amazing. John La Roche arise. Sir Ron Carter sums it up well in his 11 Energy supplies in particular has scoured the various public foreword by saying that “the value of this 12 Industrial development and private photo collections to bring together record is to enable future generations to look 13 Buildings a fascinating and valuable set of illustrations. back with respect for those who created the

then the Auckland City Council when the two Auckland to help others achieve something he Scholarship named in areas merged. Before he retired he was could not. honour of Bill Miller retrained as a building inspector and continued The Faculty is forever grateful to Bill Miller for The memory of an engineering advocate has working for the Council into his seventies. his vision and overwhelming generosity. been immortalised in the naming of a new Bill always regretted that he had not stayed at scholarship. Bill Miller left his estate with the university and completed the degree in commitment that it be used for providing Engineering. A life-long hobby from his bursaries and scholarships for engineering university days was race motoring and students. restoring and motoring vintage cars. He also Bill was born in Ashburton on 22nd December joined the local scout movement and through 1928 and educated at the local High School. his community work in Otahuhu and He went on to Canterbury University where he involvement with cars he had a wide circle of studied engineering for one year. His father friends. If someone told him of a young person pressured him to leave university to pursue a who wanted to go to University he would assist career in plumbing so he could take over the with tuition fees and support costs. On his family business. Bill went on to qualify as a death in 2011 his desire was to continue to master plumber. In the early 1970s Bill moved support young people into a professional to Auckland. He was a plumber and drainage engineering career. He has left his estate to the Faculty of Engineering at The University of inspector for the Otahuhu Borough Council and Bill Miller

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 21 Alumni Profile

was a founding partner of engineering firm involved with A rewarding career Murray North, which is now URS. most of the Graham Darlow, one of the major It was also Bob who encouraged his son to infrastructure divisional Chief Executives at New study engineering. “When I was at school, I was projects Zealand’s largest listed company, quite keen to become a school teacher - it was completed in Fletcher Building, talks to Vaneesa something that kind of grabbed me. He said to New Zealand. Bellew about his university days, his me, ‘look, if you do an engineering degree you He’s also could become a school teacher and teach vision for Christchurch and why he chuffed that virtually any subject you like with that degree his peers chose engineering over teaching. but who knows, you might want to become an recently engineer as well.’ Ha! So he was pretty clever. Graham can make a four and a half thousand elected him President of tonne piece of engineering equipment sound “Once I got into engineering school there was the Institution like the most interesting thing in the world. no going back; I was always going to be an of Professional He’s talking about a tunnel boring machine engineer after that.” Lectures on projects Engineers Graham Darlow that will be assembled in China, imported from involving impressive bridge structures, major New Zealand. Germany and used in the $1.4 billion dams, and two videos he watched at university Waterview tunnel project - New Zealand’s - the building of the Bosphorus Bridge in Turkey The Mangere treatment plant upgrade, the largest ever transport project. and the failure of the Tacoma Narrows bridge, biggest environmental project ever completed impressed on him what engineers could do. “We are going to be drilling two very large in the country, and one which has won tunnels,” he enthuses. “When complete they Graham is involved in three areas of the numerous environmental and engineering will be the tenth biggest tunnels in the world. Canterbury rebuild: The Earthquake awards, is among the projects Graham is most It’s the final link in the Western Ring Route Commission’s repair of 100,000 homes, the proud of. “We took water quality in the which will be an alternative transport link infrastructure alliance responsible for Manukau from being really bad to almost skirting around Auckland rather than just rebuilding Christchurch’s urban infrastructure, drinking water standard and returned 500 relying on the central motorway junction. and the construction of the city’s CBD and hectares of mud flat back to its natural state.” associated strengthening of the ground. “We’ve got design engineers, tunnel engineers Graham says there has been a dramatic shift in and tunnelling companies from just about “It is huge. On the earthquake recovery work, the public perception of engineers since his every nation in the world here at the moment. which is for house repairs, we started from university days. “There was an emergence of an It’s very exciting.” nothing and now employ 800 people there environmental movement at that time and I was with 2,000 contracting firms working on that very conscious of being the scourge of those Graham, a University of Auckland graduate (BE project. Just the logistics and complexity of it, people, that engineers were seen as the ones 1976) joined Fletcher Building in 1988 and was it’s enormous.” that razed the forests to the ground and built appointed Chief Executive of the Construction these huge structures that were ruining the Group in December last year. Helping people is the most rewarding part of his environment. I was a bit of an environmentalist work in Christchurch. “People’s lives have been myself so I kind of felt that I was in conflict but He recalls his university days as fun but very affected quite badly by the earthquake and yet now it’s clear, the people know, our community hard work. “Looking back I remember working we are in there trying to get their lives back to knows, its engineers who provide the solutions to much harder than my friends who were normal. That is very satisfying. I have nothing but our environmental problems and that we aren’t studying other subjects. admiration for the people of Christchurch. Their the creators of them. And that has been really resilience, their spirit is incredible.” satisfying for me, I’ve really loved that.” “The education I got at Auckland I think was second to none and it has served me really Graham, who has a 15 year vision for the city, Away from work Graham surfs, something well. University gave me grounding in a broad says it’s a great opportunity. “In a small way you which has become a life-long pursuit. “My dad range of subjects and the opportunity to have can see what the earthquake did for Napier. gave me a surfboard when I was 12 and I’ve a wide and varied career,” he says. Napier has a real spirit and culture to it that is surfed all my life.” geared around the art deco style that was Geotechnical engineering is one university subject fashionable when it was rebuilt. There is no Some of Graham’s other spare time is spent with he has used throughout his career. “The University reason why we can’t do that in Christchurch and family and friends, playing golf, skiing and of Auckland, at the time, was a place of excellence have a really amazing city built, but I think it won’t working in the community. He is involved with his for geotechnical engineering so although I didn’t look anything like it did. It will have a whole new local surf club and spent 15 years on boards of major in it, I learnt an awful lot and I’ve been able appearance, shape and spatial plan to it.” trustees of both primary and secondary schools. to apply much of that knowledge in what I do now. It is around understanding risk and a great Graham has played a significant role in many “I find being busy is invigorating but to be this deal of the risk that we encounter in a of New Zealand‘s largest infrastructure busy you have to be extremely well-organised. construction business is around geotechnical risk. projects including the construction of Te Papa, It is very useful now because I do so much in in Wellington, the Manapouri tailrace tunnel in “When I was at university, I was very untidy Christchurch, for example.” Southland, and most of Auckland‘s major and quite tardy. Rowing (at university) taught transport projects. me to be on time and then through my career His father Bob Darlow, who died in February, I’ve learned to be well-organised. was “extremely inspirational” and a major Not one to boast when pushed to talk about influence on Graham’s life. An Auckland his achievements, Graham says he is very “Engineering, it’s been a fantastic career. I engineering graduate of the class of 1945, Bob satisfied that over his career he has been would recommend it to anyone.”

22 | The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering From the AUEA President

Once again many thanks to all alumni for your Committee approved the launch of two new Scholarships support and interest. The challenge remains – scholarships, both with $10,000 prizes presentation to that is, bringing the benefits of being connected associated. They are for the Top Emerging students receiving to each other, in supporting the Faculty, and Faculty Researcher and the Top Teacher in the these awards. We promoting engineering as a career of choice. Faculty. This reinforces our commitment on will be doing the behalf of the alumni to encourage academic same this year, In 2012, we continue to be grateful for the staff and the Faculty as it strives for ongoing another good ongoing support of the Associates (special recognition as a global leading provider of reason to join us. thanks to AECOM, Beca, Electrix, Fletchers, engineering education and research. Fulton Hogan, Watercare, McConnell Dowell, Opus, SKM, Synergine, Tonkin and Taylor). We The 2012 Annual AUEA Dinner is confirmed for To alumni who wish also welcome newcomers in Fisher and Paykel. Saturday 22nd September. Like every other to support AUEA The Associates programme is making a year, this is the highlight in our alumni and the Faculty Dean Kimpton fundamental difference in our ability as alumni calendar. If you are interested, please fill out there is a giving to champion the needs of the Faculty and the form enclosed to book your tickets now. form at the back of this Alumni News, or feel engineering as a key driver in NZ’s economy. free to contact Natalie Mason directly (n. Remember, membership of the AUEA is free to [email protected]). Please make your Special thanks to Auckland Council who last all graduates of the Faculty, faculty staff and donation to AUEA Charitable Trust or the month hosted our most recent alumni event at friends. If you know of alumni who did not AUEA Endowment Fund to ensure full tax their offices in Henderson. If you have the receive this copy of Alumni News, please deductibility. chance, please feel free to get along and join encourage them to register their email address in, meet colleagues and hear about some of with AUEA Membership Secretary Finally it is with many thanks that we the challenges being addressed by your peers. Matt Thomson at [email protected] acknowledge the generosity and support of Additional alumni events continue to be held in or with Sharon Andersen at donors to our Charitable Trust as this year it has Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Tauranga. [email protected]. (I encourage you to go to our website been admitted as a member of the Sir Douglas www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/auea At this time a special thanks goes to the Robb Society (part of the Chancellors Circle) in to keep up with what is going on). Committee who give generously of their time. I recognition of the donations it has made. also note that our Annual General Meeting will The Annual Luncheon at Beaufords (Totara be held on 10 July 2012 at the Faculty of We look forward to meeting with you in the Park) was held on 21 March, and was a great Engineering. Please join us to celebrate future at our many upcoming events. event, as always and unimpeded by inclement another year as an alumni organisation, or weather! Thanks to the organising team and to even better, consider standing for the Dean Kimpton Opus who sponsored the drinks. Committee – if you are interested please President, AUEA contact me ([email protected]). Last At our December meeting in 2011, the year we also had a highly successful AUEA www.engineering.ac.nz/auea Upcoming Events

To attend the dinner and tours please complete reserve a table of ten or more, please contact 2012 Alumni Dinner the enclosed registration form. If you would like Natalie Mason at [email protected] or This year the Faculty of Engineering will be help putting together a table of friends or to phone +64 9 923 9930. celebrating as we mark the significant achievement of all alumni who graduated in a year ending in 2: 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002.

The 2012 Alumni Dinner is booked for Saturday 22nd September at the Pullman Hotel Auckland at the corner of Princes Street and Waterloo Quadrant, near the University campus. The black tie event will take place from 6:30pm to midnight at a cost of $105 per person.

The annual dinner is a unique opportunity for members of the Faculty, University and old friends to reconnect and share experiences. We warmly encourage all alumni to attend and look forward to hosting you. We will also hold our Faculty tours on the same weekend. There will be a tour of The University of Auckland and of the Faculty of Engineering Labs for alumni on Saturday 22nd September.

The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering | 23 FoundationsFoundations forfor thethe futurefuture When you provide a gift to the Faculty of Donations can be made by completing the between 1950-1970, many of whom have gone Engineering, you are supporting New formway sbelow in whi orch ify ouyou w ifould would like like to assito talkst pleas to use haonv toe gonebecome on tinternationalo become inter leadersnational in industryleaders Thank you donors contact our External Relations Manager Sharon Zealand’sWe would leading like to research thank Alumni university. and Fr iends of about other ways in which you would like to and research, making significant economic and assist,Ander pleasesen con contacttact det ourails Externalbelow. Relations economicsocial contribution and social in cont theirributions home countries in their and Thanksthe Facul to thety whogenerosity have g eneandr ouscommitmently support edof our Manager Sharon Andersen, homethroughout count rtheies world.and thr Theseoughout Scholarships the world . will distinguishedfunds for the alumni, future, industrywe are ver partnersy grateful and for The Cecil Segedin Endowment Fund [email protected] Thesego to assistingScholarships applications will go to from assis participatingting friends.your i nvolvThe impactement. of the Faculty is felt around applicantscountries in fr omthe paColomborticipating plan. count In 2012ries inthe the theEnginee world r’–s throughskills are ground-breaking essential for main research,taining a contribution of Cecil Segedin’s work to the AUEA Cecil Segedin Endowment Fund ColomboFaculty will plan be. awarding the first Colombo and graduates who become leaders in their Was established to recognise the significant Scholarships. professionsour economic and p communities.rosperity. Des piThete tFacultyhis, ther ofe contribution to Cecil Segedin’s work in the The Engineering Endowment Fund Engineeringexists in Ne requiresw Zealand their and loyal around support the wor andld a fieldssuppo roft fEngineeringor undergradua Sciencete s tudentsand Applied. The Engineering Endowment Fund critical shortage of skilled engineers. financial involvement to reach our goals. Mathematics. The fund will provide financial helpingHas been fund established much of t hewith specialised the specific equi pmpurposeent As the country’s leader in engineering education The Ardmore Fund Monetary assistance helps to ease the support for undergraduate students. neededof helping for fundresea muchrch pu ofrposes. the specialised For the Sch ool to and research it is the Faculty of Engineering’s was established by students from the Auckland financial burden of countless engineering beequipment at the foref neededront of for Enginee researchring purposes.we need to For AUEAUniver siArdmorety School of Fund Enginee ring at Ardmore, students. It also empowers us to continue our investhe Facultyt heavi ltoy in be our at future.the forefront Researc ofh pengineeringrojects, we charged with attracting greater numbers of Wasclass established of 1957-59, by a ftstudentser their successfulfrom the School reunio n tradition of excellence in research innovation upwegr needading to and invest expansions heavily inof ourour future,physica l undergraduate and postgraduate students, we ofin Engineering April 2000. in The Ardmore, awards classare made of 1957-59, to and assists us in providing students’ with a fresearchacilities and projects, suppo upgradingrt for select anded aca expansionsdemic of must also equip them with the best skills and afterstudents their who successful have ex reunioncelled academical in April 2000.ly an d world-class education, thus building bridges to positions.our physical This facilities Fund will and help support us to a forchi evselectede our knowledge available. Thewho awards exemplify are tmadehe cama to rstudentsaderie, s whochool have spirit a better future for us all. goalsacademic in these positions. more t hanThis cofundmpe willtitiv helpe time uss ,to and This is becoming increasingly expensive for the excelledand values academically representati andve whoof “The exemplify Ardmor e seeachieve us continue our goals to mainin thesetain competitiveour position times,as a Thisstudents year the themse AUEAlv Charitablees and for t Trusthe Facul hasty. been theYea camaraderie,rs”. Special conside schoolr ationspirit isand giv valuesen to worandld see wide us leadercontinue in Engineeto maintainring. our position as admittedGovernment as a memberfunding noof thelong Sirer Douglascovers the Robb costs representative of “The Ardmore Years”. Special a worldwide leader in engineering. Society,of study in andrecognition independent of the and donations private it resea has rch consideration is given to students experiencing AUEA Endowment Fund made. This society forms part of the financialColombo hardship. Plan Scholarships grants and scholarships are becoming hasAUEA been Endowment established by FundAUEA, a committed Chancellorsincreasingl Circley impo andrtant recognises. donors who The Colombo Plan was formed in 1950 to funding partner of the Faculty of Engineering, Colombo Plan Scholarships Has been established by AUEA, a committed haveWe givenhope ayou total will of pl betweenay your pa $100,000rt and ma andke a assist economic development in South and to support the need to attract and retain the The Colombo Plan was formed in 1950 to funding partner of the Faculty of Engineering, to $1millionreal cont toribution The University to the future of Auckland. of the Facul ty. Southeast Asia. It enabled students from the most talented staff and students possible. The assist economic development in South and support the need to attract and retain the most You can make donations into any one of four region to train in more developed countries in fund’s main focus is on providing With our students and your generous support Southeast Asia. It enabled students from the talented staff and students possible. The Fund’s funds listed below. Your contribution will be areas such as dentistry, agriculture, food undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral you can be proud that you are making an region to train in more developed countries main focus is on providing undergraduate, channeled directly into that fund. Donations processing and engineering. We have had investment in the future of Engineering and in areas such as dentistry, agriculture, food postgraduate and doctoral scholarships. The over 220 Colombo Plan students join the growth of the faculty is in need of your havecan helped be made The b yUniversity completing of tAucklandhe attached form processing and engineering. We have had over significant and projected growth of the Faculty Faculty between 1950-1970, many of whom generous support. becomeor if you one w ouldof the lik World’se to talk leadingto us about universities. other 220 Colombo Plan students join the Faculty is in need of your generous support.

YES, I would like to support YES,THE I w oulARDMOREd like to FUND support UNDE RGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP THE ENGINEERING ENDOWMENT FUND THE ARDMORE FUND UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP THETHE C CEECILCIL SEGEDIN SEGEDIN END ENDOWMOWMENTENT FUN FUNDD AUEA ENDOWMENT FUND COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS If you are making a donation from the United States, please make cheque payable to Friends of COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS The University of Auckland and send to: Friends of The University of Auckland, c/- Gift Processing, THE ENGINEERING ENDOWMENT FUND External Relations, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. NAME: NAME: ADDRESS: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: EM AIL: YOUR DONATION: $ TELEPHONE: EMAIL: CHEQUE made payable to The University of Auckland Foundation YOUR DONATION: $ If you are making a donation from the United States, please make or cheque payable to Friends of The University of Auckland and CHEQUE made payable to The University of Auckland Foundation send to Friends of The University of Auckland, c/- Angela orCREDIT CARD Ca rd Type: VISA / MASTERCARD / AMEX Card Number: Rosati, 1209 G Street N.E., Washington DC 20002. (CIRCLE ONE) CREDIT CARD Card Type: VISA MASTERCARD AMEX (CIRCLE ONE) Expiry Date: Name on Card: Signature: Card Number: Please complete this form and return it to Sharon Andersen. Thank you for your generosity. You can be proud of your commitment to making a diffe re Expincer yin Da ourte: youn g st udents’ lives. Name on Card: Signature: Please complete form and return to Sharon Andersen. Thank you for your generosity. You can be proud of your commitment to making a difference in our young students’ lives.

Contact Postal Address: Sharon Andersen Faculty of Engineering ContacExternalt Relations Manager Postal AddressThe: University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering Private Bag 92019 SharonPhone: Ande +64rsen 9 373 7599 ext 88225 Faculty of EngineeAucklandring ExterEmail:nal Relations [email protected] Manager The UniversityNew of Auc Zealandkland Faculwww.engineering.auckland.ac.nzty of Engineering Private Bag 92019 Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225 Auckland Email: [email protected] New Zealand www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz auea ( auckland University Engineers Association) FACULTY OF ENGINEERING '...2' REUNION WEEKEND AND A uckland University ANNUAL ALUMNI DINNER Engineers Association Inc.

Registration Form Originating Office P O Box 74 551 Auckland Please tick events you would like to attend: Saturday 22 September 1543 Saturday 22 September Tour of The University of Auckland - 9am - 10.30am Annual Alumni Dinner - 6.30pm - midnight Number attending: Cost: $105.00 Morning Tea - 10.30am - 11am hotel Pullman Auckland Number attending: Cnr Princes St and Waterloo Quadrant Tour of the Faculty of Engineering Labs - 11am - 12.15pm Auckland Number attending: Notice of 55th Dress code: Black tie Number attending: Annual General Meeting If possible, we wish to be seated with of AUEA to be held at The Faculty of Engineering Name Title: First Name: Surname: Dean’s Suite, Level 5, 20 Symonds St, Auckland Partner’s Name at 6.00pm Tuesday 10th of July 2012. Title: First Name: Surname:

BE Degree Specialisation (Civil, Mechanical, etc) Year of Graduation: Light refreshments will be served

Mailing Address: from 5.30pm.

Home Phone: Business Phone: Mobile: Email: For further information, please contact Special Requirements (Dietary, Medical, Other)

MEthod of Payment (Please tick your preferred option of payment) Dean Kimpton, President, AUEA Inc. Cheque Total Amount $ at [email protected] Make cheques payable to: The Faculty of Engineering Please post to: Sharon Andersen Faculty of Engineering The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland

Credit Card Total Amount $ Visa Mastercard

Card Number: Expiry Date:

Name On Card: Signature:

An official receipt will be issued confirming your registration and activities selected. Note: All prices are quoted in $NZ, per person and include GST.

If you would like further information please contact Sharon Andersen, External Relations Manager on +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225 or at [email protected] P.T.O. P.T.O. auea ( auckland University Engineers Association) FACULTY OF ENGINEERING '...2' REUNION WEEKEND AND A uckland University ANNUAL ALUMNI DINNER Engineers Association Inc.

Registration Form Faculty of Engineering The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019 Please tick events you would like to attend: Saturday 22 September Auckland Mail Centre Saturday 22 September Tour of The University of Auckland - 9am - 10.30am Auckland 1142 Annual Alumni Dinner - 6.30pm - midnight Number attending: New Zealand Cost: $105.00 Morning Tea - 10.30am - 11am hotel Pullman Auckland Number attending: Cnr Princes St and Waterloo Quadrant Tour of the Faculty of Engineering Labs - 11am - 12.15pm Auckland Number attending: Notice of 55th Dress code: Black tie Number attending: Annual General Meeting If possible, we wish to be seated with of AUEA to be held at The Faculty of Engineering Name Title: First Name: Surname: Dean’s Suite, Level 5, 20 Symonds St, Auckland Partner’s Name at 6.00pm Tuesday 10th of July 2012. Title: First Name: Surname:

BE Degree Specialisation (Civil, Mechanical, etc) Year of Graduation: Light refreshments will be served

Mailing Address: from 5.30pm.

Home Phone: Business Phone: Mobile: Email: For further information, please contact Special Requirements (Dietary, Medical, Other)

MEthod of Payment (Please tick your preferred option of payment) Dean Kimpton, President, AUEA Inc. Cheque Total Amount $ at [email protected] Make cheques payable to: The Faculty of Engineering Please post to: Sharon Andersen Faculty of Engineering The University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland

Credit Card Total Amount $ Visa Mastercard

Card Number: Expiry Date:

Name On Card: Signature:

An official receipt will be issued confirming your registration and activities selected. Note: All prices are quoted in $NZ, per person and include GST.

If you would like further information please contact Sharon Andersen, External Relations Manager on +64 9 373 7599 ext 88225 or at [email protected] P.T.O. P.T.O.