WHO’S WHO www.foodtechnology.co.nz 43 JACQUELINE ROWARTH (Environmental Protection Authority) Formerly Waikato University’s professor of agribusiness, Rowarth was appointed EPA's chief scientist in October 2016. Her depth and breadth of experience covering agricultural science and environment has made her a trusted voice for not only science but New Zealanders wanting to understand the science behind EPA decisions. Rowarth has a degree in Agricultural Science with Honours in Environmental Agriculture, a PhD in Soil Science (nutrient cycling) and research in carbon, nitrogen, food and economics. She has also been dedicated to promoting awareness of science and the importance of research to schools, interest groups and society in general. Rowarth has received many awards, including being appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in Agricultural Science, Companion of the RSNZ (recognising ‘pre-eminence in the promotion of science and technology’) in 2001, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science in 2003, New Zealand Science and Technology Medal in 1997, and inaugural Federated Farmers Personality of the Year in 2009. ALEXANDRA ALLAN (The Foodbowl) As chief executive Allan is deeply passionate about the New Zealand food and beverage industry. She has worked in both technical and commercial roles in the food industry for the past 15 years across product categories as diverse as sports nutrition to confectionery. Allan holds degrees in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Otago, and studied at the University of Auckland Business School to complete a post graduate certificate in Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship. As the chief executive of The FoodBowl, Allan relishes the opportunity to facilitate innovation within the New Zealand food and beverage sector by developing and utilising links in the food and beverage eco-system (in particular Callaghan Innovation, NZTE, Tertiary Education Partners and Ministry of Primary Industries) to strengthen and intensify the development, validation and commercialisation of high value products for both domestic and international markets. DR JONNI KOIA (Tainui, Ngati Whakakia – University of Waikato) Koia, who was recently awarded a Health Research Council of New Zealand Maori heath research postdoctoral fellowship valued at more than $425,000, is a plant and food biologist centred at the University of Waikato. Her research will investigate the potential of traditional Maori herbal medicine to combat Type-2 Diabetes. Previously based at the University of Queensland, Koia has more than 15 years’ experience in molecular biology and biotechnology related to plant and food research. She led the first largescale gene expression study to identify numerous genes involved in pineapple ripening and other important processes, such as those involved in anti oxidant and vitamin C production.
FT-Annual2017
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