2013 Dell Awardee - Judy O'Brien

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Judy O'Brien began her career, after earning Bachelor and Master degrees in biology and a Diploma in Teaching, teaching science to high school students. In the 1980s, Judy became a part-time researcher and lecturer at The University of Auckland and a full time mother to four sons. In 2001, she was appointed Deputy Director (Academic) of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), and is now Deputy Director of Development. Her current role focuses on recruitment and career support for staff and postgraduate students in the School, but she still lectures in a first year biology class and is involved in school outreach activities at the University, coordinating the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum at SBS as well as sitting as a member of the Liggins Educational Network for Science (LENScience) Advisory Board.

Dr Kate Angel, who nominated Judy for the award, says, "Judy is someone who gets things done, whether helping shape a multistage career path for a young female scientist, instilling confidence and hope in an undergraduate student who has lost their way, or engaging and inspiring the next generation of scientists through her brilliant teaching and outreach activities. She has touched the lives and careers of generations of young female scientists - many of whom would not have continued in science without her mentoring."