Introducing Dr Nikita Melashchenko
Dr Nikita Melashchenko is not exactly 'new' at the Faculty of Law. He first joined us in 2017 and completed a PhD focused on data governance and digital trade.
This passion for academia, combined with an interest in technology (and video games in particular), drew him to the legal profession and his experience working with major tech companies in emerging markets then sparked an interest in international trade. “I realised that international trade law and policy, as an interdisciplinary field that transcends national borders, offers a framework for tackling regulatory barriers in technology on a global scale,” he says.
Subsequently continuing his academic career as a postdoctoral researcher and now as a Lecturer and a Programme Director for the Master of International Trade (MIntTr), his role at the Faculty has evolved significantly. As a Lecturer, Nikita teaches international trade law and policy in the postgraduate space, where he particularly enjoys connecting and collaborating with students.
“Supervising trade students is an aspect of my role that I truly enjoy. I have the privilege of working with students from various backgrounds, including those who are just starting their academic journey and those who are already established professionals looking to deepen their knowledge.”
He also teaches intellectual property law at an undergraduate level and coordinates an introductory course on the New Zealand legal system, for students that are interested in law but have already completed an undergraduate degree in another discipline.
This variety in his teaching responsibilities and connecting with students at different stages of their academic paths is a priority for him, and he draws from his own experiences as a student, postdoctoral fellow, and academic at the Faculty.
"I hope to make an impact by ensuring that each student’s individual needs are met. My approach to teaching is to go the extra mile, providing personalised guidance and support," he says.
I believe focusing on the individual is essential for effective learning. Each student has unique strengths and challenges and by addressing these, I get to help them become well-prepared international trade policy advisers and lawyers. Little by little, step by step.
Nikita Melashchenko
Even after establishing his expertise in international trade, he admits that he is far from the end of his learning journey—he’s still a big fan of video games, and enjoys a good book, documentary, or even falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes!
“I suppose that is the academic in me—curiosity doesn’t switch off when the workday ends.”