featured in this issue - NZIFST - The New Zealand Institute of Food ...

In-Brief
In-Brief
New Years Honours
Professor Janis Swan
Janis began her academic career at Massey University in
1965. “ I was interested in the practical application of science
and technology and was in the first group to take the biotechnology
option.”
After completing her masters in biotechnology, she worked
in the food industry for a number of years then returned to
Massey to lecture.
“Then I went to Canada to for my PhD, working on fermentation
technology in a chemical engineering department.” After
completing her PhD she returned to New Zealand and ended
up in Hamilton. “I came here originally for three years, and it’s
been 30 years now, the longest I’ve lived anywhere.”
During her time at Waikato, Janis became a Professor, was
instrumental in introducing the Bachelor of Engineering degree
at Waikato and in overseeing the building of a large-scale laboratory
for engineering research. Janis is now associate dean of
Engineering, being the first woman in New Zealand to hold this
position.
Janis joined NZIFST in 1969 and her professional activities
include: being on the NZIFST accreditation panel; presenting at
NZIFST conferences and encouraging her research students to
present; being a Fellow of IPENZ; the author/co-author of over
200 journal and conference papers.
Last year, after turning 60, Janis seriously considered retiring
but changed her mind, mainly because of her interest in new
generations of students. These days she does her research, she
says, via her students.
She continues to lecture on biochemical engineering and
believes in the next decade and beyond, biochemical engineers’
work will be vital in creating new medicines, food, novel material
and bioenergy.
“We don’t have enough engineers in this country.”
She would also like to see more women graduating. “I think
Janis Swan, Member of the New Zealand order of Merit
(MNZM) in the New Years Honours’ for services to
engineering.
it’s a great career for women, women can multi-task and have
an appreciation of the personal perspective.”
Dr Jeanette Crossley
Long-time member of NZIFST, Dr Jeanette Crossley, was created
Member of the New Zealand order of Merit for services to
science, in particular Addison’s Disease. Congratulations and
best wishes go to Jeanette.
February/March 2009