My Meaningful Journey
Dr Carol Greene
Research Fellow
Retina Rimal
PhD Cadidate
Connor Clemett
Honours Student
Dr Francis Hunter
Research Fellow
Wojciech Ambroziak
PhD Candidate
Dr Raj Singh Shekhawat
Research Fellow
Mr Patrick Schweder
Neurosurgeon
Dr Joanne Davidson
Research Fellow
We want you to live your career to the full
Inspiration can originate at any stage in your career, it often includes the realisation that it’s not just about the destination but that there is great enjoyment in the pathway, as it can take us on an amazing voyage of fulfillment and discovery.
The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland is proud of hosting young scientists and clinicians at every stage of their career. From honours to masters, through to PhDs and research fellowships.
Attracting and developing world-class practitioners and scientists from New Zealand and internationally will shape the future of medical and health sciences, ensuring our model of collaborative, patient-centred and results-driven approach is perpetuated through our emerging academics and clinicians. If you’re thinking of starting your Meaningful Journey and undertaking post graduate studies, we invite you to start …
Our Journey
We invite you to explore the profiles of some of our post graduate students and young
academic staff members and be inspired by what they’ve discovered about themselves,
their dreams and the field they chose to pursue.

Dr Carol Greene
“As a scientist, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing your research turn into application.”
The road less travelled

Retina Rimal
“I have always been observant but research has made me more independent. There is nobody involved other than me.”
A source of independence, confidence and pride

Connor Clemett
“Building relationships with those who we can help is the reason I’m going to run the New York Marathon this year in support of the CatWalk Trust.”
Things that give more meaning to my work

Dr Francis Hunter
“It is difficult to express the magnitude of suffering that cancer inflicts on our families and communities”
A Legacy of vital knowledge

Wojciech Ambroziak
“I always knew I wanted to be a scientist because I could not imagine doing anything else”
Science on the Brain

Dr Giriraj (Raj) Singh Shekhawat
“My aha moment came to me as a clinician in a Singapore hospital, my interest in tinnitus evolved and shaping my career”
An endless source of inspiration

Mr Patrick Schweder
Neurosurgeon
Centre for Brain Research,
Auckland District Health Board
Dedicated to making a difference

Dr Joanne Davidson
“I knew I wanted to do something in neuroscience and I knew I wanted to help people.”
Reducing the effects of post-natal injury

Rachael Sumner
“I am lucky to have been able to explore pharmacology as a tool for answering cognitive neuropsychological questions.”
Technology for a better prognosis

Maria Matthews
“Completing this qualification will allow me to function more autonomously in my nurse specialist role which will, in turn, benefit my patients.”
Becoming a better clinician

Kristina Zawaly
“My passion for gerontology is one example of something that unexpectedly enters your life and awakens an inner drive you didn’t know you had.”