From university to leading sustainable research
After completing his Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) degree, Dan Strawbridge began his career immersed in world-leading research at Paihau—Robinson Research Institute.
Dan’s journey towards a BE(Hons) in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering (now Electrical and Electronic Engineering), started at one of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s information evenings at Scots College.
“After finding out that the University offered Engineering, I looked into the courses and decided to study Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering, as I have always been interested in technology and electronics.
“The University offered the best course for the type of Electronic Engineering I wanted to do. I was interested in an electronics engineering course that balanced software and hardware aspects well,” Dan says.
Projects became a highlight of Dan's university experience—igniting his passion for sustainability and renewable energy.
“A great aspect of the degree was the projects we got to work on—from a device that sent messages using a light signal, to in my final year designing and building a UAV fitted with a thermal camera to detect solar panel faults.
“During my final year project, my supervisors provided the project goals, while the path to achieving them was primally self-directed. Working on a sustainability-focused project led me to develop an interest in this field and created a desire to work in the sustainability and renewable energy sector.”
Dan has now embarked on an exciting new chapter as a Research and Development Engineer at the University’s Paihau—Robinson Research Institute. His role within the Zero-CO₂ team involves developing a crucial component for a hydrogen reactor, with the potential to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from the global steel-making industry.
“I am now working on a project at Paihau—Robinson located in the Gracefield Innovation Quarter. Many different aspects of my degree helped me to get to where I am now—the technical skills learnt at university made it possible to get this role, and the collaborative learning experience provided an easy transition to the workforce. University projects enabled me to cultivate valuable skills in the sustainability and renewable energy sector. Additionally, I received a commendable reference from my primary supervisor—both contributed to securing a position at Paihau—Robinson.
“One of the great aspects of my work at Paihau—Robinson is the variety of engineering skills I get to learn and develop. My position allows me to take direction where I think is important and turn my ideas into reality. Paihau—Robinson has many experts in engineering and science who are always happy to help by answering questions and providing insight on project challenges. Additionally, it is captivating to hear about other research being undertaken such as superconductors in space, electric aviation, and quantum computing. It is inspiring to be surrounded by world-leading research on a day-to-day basis.”
Wellington UniVentures and KiwiNet provided Dan with the opportunity to work with Paihau—Robinson on this project. These organisations are dedicated to transforming research into viable businesses.
“My position at Paihau—Robinson was made possible by funding from KiwiNet to UniVentures. The work we do with UniVentures will allow us to demonstrate a proof-of-concept prototype and hence transform this project to be investment ready. The business could then provide this carbon-free solution to steel manufacturers.
“In the near future, I would love to see this project and the Institute’s research efforts make a significant reduction in New Zealand's carbon emissions. Further down the track, I aim to develop an engineering business focused on tackling everyday problems with sustainable solutions to help New Zealand reach net zero emissions by 2050.”