About

About Frontiers Abroad

Frontiers Abroad designs and implements field and research focused earth and environmental science programmes for undergraduates. Our name reflects our unique field curriculum and teaching locations in a remote part of the world, New Zealand. Our mission is to provide students with the problem-solving skills and motivation to responsibly manage our Earth’s delicate ecosystems.

Our programmes are designed, developed and implemented by Frontiers Abroad and New Zealand academic staff who are among the best researchers and teachers in their respective fields. Frontiers Abroad collaborates with the home institutions of attending students to ensure the highest academic standard.

General Manager

Jason Watkins

Jason demonstrates a unique mix of commercial acumen and scientific understanding having graduated with a M.Sc (Hons) in Geography, then going on to complete an MBA degree and gain success in the business world. He has worked in banking, medical, sports and the education sectors and is an advocate of organisations exhibiting social and environmental responsibility in their business practices. As custodian of Frontiers Abroad Jason recognises the great value in developing mutually benefiting relationships with all stakeholders and his goal is to offer unique and quality products to the academic community, that are delivered with exceptional professionalism.

Geology Director

Dr Darren Gravley, University of Canterbury, Director of the Geology Programme

Darren is a volcanologist with a PhD from the University of Canterbury. Darren blends his globally-recognised volcano research with undergraduate and graduate education projects in earth systems science. He studies the largest volcanoes known to man, "supervolcanoes", and his research spans the globe from Japan to the United States to South America and New Zealand. With a New Zealand mother and an American father, Darren has taken advantage of a unique opportunity to blend his Pomona College undergraduate education with his love of the New Zealand outdoors and a concern for its environment.
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Earth System Director

Dr. Dan Hikuroa, Earth Scientist, Institute of Earth Science and Engineering, University of Auckland, Director of the Earth Systems Programme

Dan is an expert in environmental science and geology and has a unique ability to blend his scientific knowledge with his Maori heritage. Dan has designed and taught field geology and environmental science courses for Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whakatane and is team leader on several University of Auckland and Frontiers Abroad research initiatives in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand. He is currently leading research efforts to integrate indigenous knowledge into modern science practices.
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Geology Module Instructors

Professor Jarg Pettinga, University of Canterbury, Module 1
Prof Pettinga is currently the Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of the College of Arts, University of Canterbury and the Head of Department for the Department of Geological Sciences. His research interests include the study of active tectonics and structure along the New Zealand (North Canterbury and east coast North Island) and southern California (western Salton Trough) plate boundary zones.
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Professor John Bradshaw, University of Canterbury, Module 1 and 2
Professor Bradshaw is a structural geologist with extensive research and teaching experience in tectonics, structure and history of the southern rim of the Pacific, particularly New Zealand, Antarctica and South America. We estimate Professor Bradshaw has spent more time in Antarctica than any living person!
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Dr. Anekant Wandres, University of Canterbury, Module 2 and 3
Dr. Anekant is a specialist in the tectonic evolution of the New Zealand continental lithosphere. He has extensive field teaching experience in New Zealand's South Island. Anekant is a man of many talents including being a world class pizza chef!
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Dr. Darren Gravley, University of Canterbury, Modules 1-5

Dr. Stuart Simmons, University of Auckland, Module 5
Dr. Simmons is an expert in fluid flow of geothermal systems and the former director of the Geothermal Institute at the University of Auckland. He has led FA's geothermal module for 4 years and continues to play a major role FA's pedagogical development.
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Earth System Instructors

Nan Houser, The Center for Cetacean Research and Conservation, Module 1
Nan Hauser is the President and Director of the Center for Cetacean Research and Conservation. Her home base is in Rarotonga where she is the Principal Investigator of the Cook Islands Whale Research Project and Director of the Cook Islands Whale Research & Education Centre. She is currently a PhD candidate at Southern Cross University, Australia.
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Dr. Dan Hikuroa, University of Auckland, Module 1-5

Dr. Darren Gravely, University of Canterbury, Module 3 and 4

Dr. Stuart Simmons, University of Auckland, Module 4
Dr. Simmons is an expert in fluid flow of geothermal systems and the former director of the Geothermal Institute at the Univeristy of Auckland. He has lead FA's geothermal module for 4 years and continues to play a major role FA's pedagogical development.
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Board of Directors

Dr Darren Gravley, University of Canterbury, Director of the Geology Programme

Dr. Dan Hikuroa, Earth Scientist, Institute of Earth Science and Engineering, University of Auckland, Director of the Earth Systems Programme

Max Borella, Earth System Scientist, Director, TERRA Resource Development International

Max's expertise combines geology, environmental science, and rural community education and development work. Max was a Peace Corps volunteer in the altiplano of Bolivia and has continued his community water resource and hazard mapping work there as the director of a not-for-profit development organisation (Terra Resource Development International). He has 8 years experience in designing and coordinating field education programmes. Max is currently the Field Program Coordinator for Stanford University's School of Earth Sciences.

Karyn Convey, Student Welfare Director, Frontiers Abroad

Karyn is an expert in international education and student affairs. She is the former Assistant Dean for International Programs at Franklin & Marshall College, former Director of International Student Services at Long Island University, and former Director of Student Conduct & Community Education. In addition, she has served as an adjunct professor of English at Long Island University. Karyn holds an Undergraduate degree from Florida State University and Master’s Degrees from Boston College and Long Island University. For Frontiers Abroad, Karyn is in charge of student support services, administration, orientation, and health and safety.

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