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Meet Craig Stevens

Job: 

A scientist in the Marine Physics Group at NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

Job description: 

To think up new ways of understanding and sampling ocean systems. 

Work background: 

I have worked in oceanography looking at questions such as;

  • How do giant kelps manage to hold fast under crashing waves?
  • Where do you look for a missing diver who’s drifted away?
  • How can you extract energy from ocean currents?

My work on biomechanics and boundary-layer physics allows me to work on many very different projects such as marine ecology, climate, aquaculture, oceanography, and energy. I trained in engineering departments in Australia and Canada.

Favourite part of job: 

Going to interesting places, meeting interesting people and doing science with them. There’s nothing quite like being in the field doing something that not many people do. For example, developing a picture of seawater salinity beneath sea ice by following (not too closely) in the footsteps of Scott’s first Antarctic voyage, except we are able to use skidoos!

Least favourite part of job: 

Dealing with email.

What I am working on now: 

Developing ways for physicists and ecologists to work together on Antarctic problems. Our team will also be working with Gabby O'Connor, an artist who will help gather data and create art to share our work in a different way. I am also writing papers and a book on the ocean.

A quick story about a job well done: 

For me it is developing new ideas and convincing people to fund them.

Qualifications: 

PhD, B.Eng and a sense of humour combined with mild ambition to do something worthwhile!

Interests outside work: 

Music and sound, guitar (playing and building), swimming.


Craig Stevens at work in Antarctica as a NIWA scientist. Image: Brett Grant.

Craig Stevens beside a sculpture made by Gabby O'Connor an artist who will join the K131 science team down in Antarctica. Image: Aitana Forcen.

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