A love of the natural world has led to Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research scientist Dr Jessie Prebble being named the 15th Biennial Zonta Science Award winner. The award was established in 1990 by the Zonta Club of Wellington to further the status of New Zealand women in science.

Dr Prebble, a plant systematist, was chosen from 33 applications by early career women scientists as this year’s recipient.

The award will be presented by the Governor General at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday 7 June 2018.

“I love the variety – I get to work outside, in the mountains, in the lab, in the herbarium, with people, as well as by myself. I get to think about ideas, come up with plans and follow them through, it’s very satisfying,” Dr Prebble says.

An outstanding role model for other young women pursuing a career in science, Jessie was selected for the award after demonstrating that through her work she contributes to her community.

Along with the accolade, Dr Prebble will receive $18,000 to fund activities to further her career and research. She has chosen to use the Award to visit three laboratories in the USA and to work with leading plant scientists at the University of Florida. There, she will learn a new technique of DNA sequencing that improves scientists’ ability to discover and describe species, which she will with other scientists in New Zealand.

The Zonta Science Award is for an emerging woman scientist. Priority is given to women working in an area of science where funding is not readily available.

Source: Landcare Research