Women in the HIT Lab NZ
The HIT Lab NZ welcomes female researchers and collaborators!
We’d like to introduce the women currently in residence at the HIT Lab NZ so that you can have a sneak peek of the their life at the lab.
You can see each members background and their interviews about their life at the HIT Lab NZ.
Interview with Dr. Hazel Bradshaw – Graduate of the HIT Lab PhD Program and Director at Driedfrog Ltd, Software and Computer Game development.
1. How did you find about the HIT Lab NZ?
I was looking at several PhD research possibilities across New Zealand universities. A researcher at Canterbury put me in touch with the Mark at the HIT Lab. I thought the nature of the research done at the HIT Lab would give me room to explore the technical and creative sides of my computer game research.
2. Do you find female researchers in your research area?
I have found that there are many female researchers who deal with game design theories but not so many who actually design and build games. But this is steadily changing. I hope to encourage other female game designers, as it’s a very creative process that allows for development of a wide range of skills, both creative and technical. I have found considerable enthusiasm from other fields for the uses of games and both of my external project clients have been women.
3. What is the most challenging thing in conducting your research?
The most challenging thing is interpreting what the client wants in terms of learning outcomes of their game idea and then planning the strategy that turns the learning requirements into a fun gameplay system, that doesn’t devalue the quality of the learning materials.
4. What do you like most about the HIT Lab NZ?
The Lab provides a very open and positive environment. We are well supported with high end equipment and a professional work space. We have regular social events and in the summer, lots of BBQs. We are also the best treated students in the university with access to our own espresso machine! Oh, and the Christmas party is always lots of fun.
5. What do you do during your spare time?
I’m a PhD student so i don’t actually have any spare time! But when i’m not building games or working on my thesis, i like to explore New Zealand with my partner who takes me hiking in the back country.
6. Any advice for future female researchers looking into joining the lab?
Technology is a tool to be used to enhance human ability and understanding. You don’t need to have a computer science degree to undertake research with us. If your interested in applying technology as well as developing it then bring your skills in education, psychology, art and design and social science. Its the creative mix that makes research at the Lab fun and challenging.
Click here to see Hazel Bradshaw’s full profile.
Interview with Natalie Eustace – Masters Program Graduate
1. How did you find about the HIT Lab NZ?
I was told about it by my Dad who had heard about it through the grape vine. I then made some inquiries online.
2. Do you find female researchers in your research area?
No. Throughout my degree I have found that there are not very many females in the Computer Science area. I like the fact that even though there are not many of us at the HITLab, we can still get together and chat, and have that support. It was nice to find other females who have branched into this area.
3. What is the most challenging thing in conducting your research?
You need to be good at managing your time, especially when picking up new skills in order to complete your projects.
4. What do you like most about the HIT Lab NZ?
The friendliness of the people, who work on really interesting projects and all have a unique range of skills from different areas. They come to the lab from different countries, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge.
5. What do you do during your spare time?
Read, computer game, watch movies etc
6. Any advice for future female researchers looking into join the lab?
Even though there are a majority of males, everyone is friendly so if you get stuck people don’t mind helping out. It is a good environment to learn new technology and what is currently out that you may not have a chance to experience otherwise.
Click here to see Natalie Eustace full profile.
Cecile Desvignes – (former) Student Intern
1. How did you find about the HIT Lab NZ?
I was looking for an internship in New Zealand and one of my teachers told me about the HIT Lab NZ.
2. Do you find female researchers in your research area?
I find few females in the engineering field, and even fewer in Computer Science. But it would be better to work more with women, who have in general a different approach and different skills.
Most of the time, women don’t feel able to work in Computer Science, or they think it isn’t a place for them. But they’re wrong and they can really be a plus for a company.
3. What is the most challenging thing in conducting your research?
The most important for me is that I’m working and not studying, and it’s a completely different world. Moreover I have to learn by myself to complete successfully my mission.
4. What do you like most about the HIT Lab NZ?
The best moment is when you don’t wear your shoes, have a cup of tea and talk with colleagues about everything, and then go back to work serenely.
5. What do you do during your spare time?
I visit New Zealand ! I also enjoy writing. So I like narrating my stories on my blog, or leading projects for my school magazine. For a very short time, you can also find me cooking during my spare time.
6. Any advice for future female researchers looking into join the lab?
Don’t be afraid, you can find your place within us.
Click here to see Cecile Desvignes full profile.
Katy Kelly – (former) Admin Assistant at the HIT Lab NZ, CEO of Puteko Ltd.
1. How did you find about the HIT Lab NZ?
I was looking for a part time job doing my accounting degree, and found the HIT Lab NZ admin assistant position from UC vacancy website.
2. Do you find female researchers in your research area?
Yes. I find quite a few female entrepreneurs specially in IT industry. I know there are some really successful game companies and founders are female. I like working with programmers and designers and quite often it’s a small team to manage. We can have very close relationship like a family. It gives us lots of rewards when we deliver the projects successfully.
3. What is the most challenging thing in conducting your research?
Even though I call myself a ‘Tech savvy’, it took me a while to understand the process of computer software development. I took two 100 level undergraduate computer science courses and learned python language. Didn’t have much time to practice coding after finishing the course but it really helped me to manage overall project pipelines.
4. What do you like most about the HIT Lab NZ?
Casual work environment, good to be around with fun and high achieving people.
5. What do you do during your spare time?
Work on my artwork, digital, or traditional fine art.
6. Any advice for future female researchers looking into join the lab?
It’s a great workplace for female since the attention to the detail and friendly communication skills really shine here.
Click here to see Katy Kelly’s full profile
