My Internship: Antimicrobial Resistance and Environmental Monitoring

My internship at AgResearch NZ focused on developing microbiology lab skills, conducting fieldwork, and engaging with local groups to promote environmental stewardship through kaitiakitanga, whanaungatanga, and manaakitanga. Working with organizations like AgResearch, Dairy NZ, Taiao Ora, Te Miro Farm, and the Nguturoa Catchment Group, I applied scientific techniques to assess ecosystem biodiversity, ecosystem health, and identify antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli from avian faecal enrichments, while also supporting Māori-led conservation efforts.