Latest news with #EllaYelich-O'Connor
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Scholarship to fund research on currents
Being locked in a chiller in the basement sounds like something from a horror movie. But for Natalie-Jane Reid, it is something she has wanted for ages. The 40-year-old has won a $10,000 Antarctica New Zealand Ella Yelich-O'Connor Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship, which will allow her to do experimental work using sediments, and explore how ocean currents have changed around Antarctica. "I returned to the University of Otago after having children, when my dream PhD project became available. "I'm really excited and grateful to receive this scholarship. This will help advance my research." She said Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) was a key driver of global ocean circulation and climate. Despite its importance, its long-term variability was poorly understood because of limited observational records. Models suggested AABW formation was vulnerable to climate change, but there were still large uncertainties with all model predictions. She said palaeoceanographic records could reveal past AABW dynamics, but a reliable proxy for present speed was lacking. "Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS), measured on sediments, offers a potential new technique which could be used to determine ancient sea-floor current speeds, as it records the alignment of magnetic minerals shaped by bottom currents. "Though widely accessible and easy to measure, AMS has not yet been calibrated to current velocity." Her PhD project aimed to develop a new paleocurrent proxy using AMS and apply it to reconstruct deep ocean current velocities in the Ross Sea. As part of her research, she is developing a sediment flume in which she will simulate different deep ocean current speeds, to see how these affect the AMS. In the second part of the study, she will measure AMS in sediment cores, to determine current strength since the last ice age. "This scholarship gives me the freedom to take a new and ambitious approach to palaeoceanography." While she would not get to go down to the Antarctic to do her research, she was still delighted about spending long hours in a large chiller in the basement of the geology department. "I'm keeping my water very cold and salty, just like Antarctic bottom water." Ella Yelich-O'Connor (also known as New Zealand singer/songwriter Lorde) spent a week at Scott Base in 2019, which inspired her to create a memoir and photo-book titled Going South . Proceeds from the sale of the book now fund the scholarship.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Antarctica Scholarships 2025: Ocean Detectives
Press Release – Antarctica New Zealand Each of the scholarships is backing a young researcher investigating a different piece of the climate puzzle. Antarctica's Southern Ocean is full of unanswered questions, and this year's Antarctica New Zealand scholarship recipients are on a mission to help solve them. Each of the scholarships is backing a young researcher investigating a different piece of the climate puzzle. Their work will shed light on how the ocean is changing, from deep-sea currents and penguin populations to the mysterious methane seeps appearing on the ocean's floor. Ella Yelich-O'Connor Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship · Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury – Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin · Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago – Reconstructing Antarctic Bottom Water production in the Ross Sea New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship · Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington – How are Antarctic coastal benthic (seafloor) ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? 'These researchers are making a significant contribution to Antarctic science, investigating different components of the Southern Ocean to help us understand what's really going on beneath the surface,' says Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Prof Jordy Hendrikx. 'Antarctica is where the world's oceans meet, and what happens there affects all of us. We're proud to support these students as they uncover new knowledge that can guide global responses to change.' Anthony Harris, New Zealand Post's head of stamps and collectibles, says: 'We're excited to support research helping us better understand one of the most important and least explored places on Earth. Exploring the unknown and building knowledge will benefit both the environment and future generations.' Meet the detectives Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin Adélie penguins are key indicators of the health of the Southern Ocean, and about one-third of their global population lives in the Ross Sea. While some colonies have shown consistent trends over the past 40 years — others, even those close together — have responded differently to environmental changes, making it hard to understand what drives population change. Monitoring of Ross Sea Adélie penguins has been extensive over the past 40 years. Recent major changes, such as declines in sea ice and the establishment of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area make it timely to examine penguin population trends in the region. During her PhD, Alexandra aims to study population change of Adélie penguins across 15 colonies in the Ross Sea from 2009 to 2023. Her research will look at both regional and local trends, link them to environmental change, and aims to predict future population trends based on observed changes. She also aims to enhance the precision of very high-resolution satellite imagery for monitoring Adélie penguin colonies in the Ross Sea, alongside aerial census methods. Ultimately, this research will improve how we monitor Adélie penguin populations and help inform management of the Southern Ocean ecosystem as it undergoes rapid change. The scholarship puts $20,000 towards her studies. 'I'm incredibly grateful for this support. This scholarship enables me to help ensure our monitoring of Adélie penguin populations keeps pace with environmental change and continues to inform effective conservation in the Ross Sea,' says Alexandra. Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), formed around Antarctica, is a key driver of global ocean circulation and climate. Despite its importance, long-term variability is poorly understood due to limited observational records. Models suggest AABW formation is vulnerable to climate change, but there are still large uncertainties with all model predictions. Palaeoceanographic records can reveal past AABW dynamics, but a reliable proxy for current speed is lacking. Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) measured on sediments offers a potential new technique which could be used to determine ancient sea-floor current speeds, as it records the alignment of magnetic minerals shaped by bottom currents. Though widely accessible and easy to measure, AMS has not yet been calibrated to current velocity. Natalie's PhD project aims to develop a new paleocurrent proxy using AMS and apply it to reconstruct deep ocean current velocities in the Ross Embayment, which is an important place of AABW formation. As part of her PhD, she is developing a sediment flume in which she will simulate different deep ocean current speeds to see how these affect the AMS. In the second part of the study, she will measure AMS in sediment cores, including from SWAIS2C, to determine current strength since the last ice age. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. 'This scholarship supports me in developing a new and ambitious approach to paleoceanography,' says Natalie-Jane. 'My Antarctic research is enriched by taking a Te Ao Māori approach to understanding the interconnectedness of ocean currents and climate.' Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington How are Antarctic coastal benthic ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? At seafloor seeps, methane-rich fluids are released from reservoirs beneath the surface, supporting unique microbial and faunal communities. At these sites, microbes convert methane and sulphate into hard substrates and food, producing highly heterogeneous and complex ecosystems. Importantly, these microbes also regulate the release of methane, a strong greenhouse gas, from reaching the atmosphere. While seeps in warmer regions are well studied, polar seeps, especially in Antarctica, are not. The first active Antarctic seep was observed in 2011 in the Ross Sea, an area surveyed for decades. Since then, additional seeps have been identified in the region. However, the formation and function of these new seeps are not yet understood. Early indications suggest that unique and endemic microorganisms may be involved, distinct from the expected microbial communities typically associated with seeps. Sea star wasting disease and large die-offs of sea creatures have also been seen near the seeps, possibly due to toxic chemicals released when the seep first forms. Anna's research aims to understand how these seeps influence local life in the McMurdo Sound, and how seasonal changes in factors like light and food might shape Antarctic communities over time. As Antarctica continues to warm, it is crucial to study these seep ecosystems now to understand their impact, monitor change, and protect these sensitive environments. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. 'I'm extremely thankful to receive this scholarship and Antarctica New Zealand's support,' says Anna. 'I'm excited to help fill the knowledge gaps around methane seeps in Antarctica and contribute to the understanding of these extraordinary environments.'
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Antarctica Scholarships 2025: Ocean Detectives
Press Release – Antarctica New Zealand Each of the scholarships is backing a young researcher investigating a different piece of the climate puzzle. Antarctica's Southern Ocean is full of unanswered questions, and this year's Antarctica New Zealand scholarship recipients are on a mission to help solve them. Each of the scholarships is backing a young researcher investigating a different piece of the climate puzzle. Their work will shed light on how the ocean is changing, from deep-sea currents and penguin populations to the mysterious methane seeps appearing on the ocean's floor. Ella Yelich-O'Connor Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship · Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury – Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin · Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago – Reconstructing Antarctic Bottom Water production in the Ross Sea New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship · Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington – How are Antarctic coastal benthic (seafloor) ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? 'These researchers are making a significant contribution to Antarctic science, investigating different components of the Southern Ocean to help us understand what's really going on beneath the surface,' says Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Prof Jordy Hendrikx. 'Antarctica is where the world's oceans meet, and what happens there affects all of us. We're proud to support these students as they uncover new knowledge that can guide global responses to change.' Anthony Harris, New Zealand Post's head of stamps and collectibles, says: 'We're excited to support research helping us better understand one of the most important and least explored places on Earth. Exploring the unknown and building knowledge will benefit both the environment and future generations.' Meet the detectives Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin Adélie penguins are key indicators of the health of the Southern Ocean, and about one-third of their global population lives in the Ross Sea. While some colonies have shown consistent trends over the past 40 years — others, even those close together — have responded differently to environmental changes, making it hard to understand what drives population change. Monitoring of Ross Sea Adélie penguins has been extensive over the past 40 years. Recent major changes, such as declines in sea ice and the establishment of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area make it timely to examine penguin population trends in the region. During her PhD, Alexandra aims to study population change of Adélie penguins across 15 colonies in the Ross Sea from 2009 to 2023. Her research will look at both regional and local trends, link them to environmental change, and aims to predict future population trends based on observed changes. She also aims to enhance the precision of very high-resolution satellite imagery for monitoring Adélie penguin colonies in the Ross Sea, alongside aerial census methods. Ultimately, this research will improve how we monitor Adélie penguin populations and help inform management of the Southern Ocean ecosystem as it undergoes rapid change. The scholarship puts $20,000 towards her studies. 'I'm incredibly grateful for this support. This scholarship enables me to help ensure our monitoring of Adélie penguin populations keeps pace with environmental change and continues to inform effective conservation in the Ross Sea,' says Alexandra. Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), formed around Antarctica, is a key driver of global ocean circulation and climate. Despite its importance, long-term variability is poorly understood due to limited observational records. Models suggest AABW formation is vulnerable to climate change, but there are still large uncertainties with all model predictions. Palaeoceanographic records can reveal past AABW dynamics, but a reliable proxy for current speed is lacking. Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) measured on sediments offers a potential new technique which could be used to determine ancient sea-floor current speeds, as it records the alignment of magnetic minerals shaped by bottom currents. Though widely accessible and easy to measure, AMS has not yet been calibrated to current velocity. Natalie's PhD project aims to develop a new paleocurrent proxy using AMS and apply it to reconstruct deep ocean current velocities in the Ross Embayment, which is an important place of AABW formation. As part of her PhD, she is developing a sediment flume in which she will simulate different deep ocean current speeds to see how these affect the AMS. In the second part of the study, she will measure AMS in sediment cores, including from SWAIS2C, to determine current strength since the last ice age. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. 'This scholarship supports me in developing a new and ambitious approach to paleoceanography,' says Natalie-Jane. 'My Antarctic research is enriched by taking a Te Ao Māori approach to understanding the interconnectedness of ocean currents and climate.' Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington How are Antarctic coastal benthic ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? At seafloor seeps, methane-rich fluids are released from reservoirs beneath the surface, supporting unique microbial and faunal communities. At these sites, microbes convert methane and sulphate into hard substrates and food, producing highly heterogeneous and complex ecosystems. Importantly, these microbes also regulate the release of methane, a strong greenhouse gas, from reaching the atmosphere. While seeps in warmer regions are well studied, polar seeps, especially in Antarctica, are not. The first active Antarctic seep was observed in 2011 in the Ross Sea, an area surveyed for decades. Since then, additional seeps have been identified in the region. However, the formation and function of these new seeps are not yet understood. Early indications suggest that unique and endemic microorganisms may be involved, distinct from the expected microbial communities typically associated with seeps. Sea star wasting disease and large die-offs of sea creatures have also been seen near the seeps, possibly due to toxic chemicals released when the seep first forms. Anna's research aims to understand how these seeps influence local life in the McMurdo Sound, and how seasonal changes in factors like light and food might shape Antarctic communities over time. As Antarctica continues to warm, it is crucial to study these seep ecosystems now to understand their impact, monitor change, and protect these sensitive environments. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. 'I'm extremely thankful to receive this scholarship and Antarctica New Zealand's support,' says Anna. 'I'm excited to help fill the knowledge gaps around methane seeps in Antarctica and contribute to the understanding of these extraordinary environments.'
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Antarctica Scholarships 2025: Ocean Detectives
Antarctica's Southern Ocean is full of unanswered questions, and this year's Antarctica New Zealand scholarship recipients are on a mission to help solve them. Each of the scholarships is backing a young researcher investigating a different piece of the climate puzzle. Their work will shed light on how the ocean is changing, from deep-sea currents and penguin populations to the mysterious methane seeps appearing on the ocean's floor. Ella Yelich-O'Connor Antarctic Doctoral Scholarship · Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury – Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin · Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago – Reconstructing Antarctic Bottom Water production in the Ross Sea New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship · Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington – How are Antarctic coastal benthic (seafloor) ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? 'These researchers are making a significant contribution to Antarctic science, investigating different components of the Southern Ocean to help us understand what's really going on beneath the surface,' says Antarctica New Zealand chief executive Prof Jordy Hendrikx. 'Antarctica is where the world's oceans meet, and what happens there affects all of us. We're proud to support these students as they uncover new knowledge that can guide global responses to change.' Anthony Harris, New Zealand Post's head of stamps and collectibles, says: 'We're excited to support research helping us better understand one of the most important and least explored places on Earth. Exploring the unknown and building knowledge will benefit both the environment and future generations.' Meet the detectives Alexandra Strang, University of Canterbury Assessing population trends in an important Ross Sea sentinel, the Adélie penguin Adélie penguins are key indicators of the health of the Southern Ocean, and about one-third of their global population lives in the Ross Sea. While some colonies have shown consistent trends over the past 40 years — others, even those close together — have responded differently to environmental changes, making it hard to understand what drives population change. Monitoring of Ross Sea Adélie penguins has been extensive over the past 40 years. Recent major changes, such as declines in sea ice and the establishment of the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area make it timely to examine penguin population trends in the region. During her PhD, Alexandra aims to study population change of Adélie penguins across 15 colonies in the Ross Sea from 2009 to 2023. Her research will look at both regional and local trends, link them to environmental change, and aims to predict future population trends based on observed changes. She also aims to enhance the precision of very high-resolution satellite imagery for monitoring Adélie penguin colonies in the Ross Sea, alongside aerial census methods. Ultimately, this research will improve how we monitor Adélie penguin populations and help inform management of the Southern Ocean ecosystem as it undergoes rapid change. The scholarship puts $20,000 towards her studies. 'I'm incredibly grateful for this support. This scholarship enables me to help ensure our monitoring of Adélie penguin populations keeps pace with environmental change and continues to inform effective conservation in the Ross Sea,' says Alexandra. Natalie-Jane Reid (Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi), University of Otago Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), formed around Antarctica, is a key driver of global ocean circulation and climate. Despite its importance, long-term variability is poorly understood due to limited observational records. Models suggest AABW formation is vulnerable to climate change, but there are still large uncertainties with all model predictions. Palaeoceanographic records can reveal past AABW dynamics, but a reliable proxy for current speed is lacking. Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) measured on sediments offers a potential new technique which could be used to determine ancient sea-floor current speeds, as it records the alignment of magnetic minerals shaped by bottom currents. Though widely accessible and easy to measure, AMS has not yet been calibrated to current velocity. Natalie's PhD project aims to develop a new paleocurrent proxy using AMS and apply it to reconstruct deep ocean current velocities in the Ross Embayment, which is an important place of AABW formation. As part of her PhD, she is developing a sediment flume in which she will simulate different deep ocean current speeds to see how these affect the AMS. In the second part of the study, she will measure AMS in sediment cores, including from SWAIS2C, to determine current strength since the last ice age. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. "This scholarship supports me in developing a new and ambitious approach to paleoceanography," says Natalie-Jane. "My Antarctic research is enriched by taking a Te Ao Māori approach to understanding the interconnectedness of ocean currents and climate." Anna Hiew, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington How are Antarctic coastal benthic ecosystems affected by methane seep emergence? At seafloor seeps, methane-rich fluids are released from reservoirs beneath the surface, supporting unique microbial and faunal communities. At these sites, microbes convert methane and sulphate into hard substrates and food, producing highly heterogeneous and complex ecosystems. Importantly, these microbes also regulate the release of methane, a strong greenhouse gas, from reaching the atmosphere. While seeps in warmer regions are well studied, polar seeps, especially in Antarctica, are not. The first active Antarctic seep was observed in 2011 in the Ross Sea, an area surveyed for decades. Since then, additional seeps have been identified in the region. However, the formation and function of these new seeps are not yet understood. Early indications suggest that unique and endemic microorganisms may be involved, distinct from the expected microbial communities typically associated with seeps. Sea star wasting disease and large die-offs of sea creatures have also been seen near the seeps, possibly due to toxic chemicals released when the seep first forms. Anna's research aims to understand how these seeps influence local life in the McMurdo Sound, and how seasonal changes in factors like light and food might shape Antarctic communities over time. As Antarctica continues to warm, it is crucial to study these seep ecosystems now to understand their impact, monitor change, and protect these sensitive environments. The scholarship puts $10,000 towards her studies. 'I'm extremely thankful to receive this scholarship and Antarctica New Zealand's support,' says Anna. 'I'm excited to help fill the knowledge gaps around methane seeps in Antarctica and contribute to the understanding of these extraordinary environments.'
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Lorde announces 2026 arena tour in Australia; Know the dates, her family, and net worth
Kiwi pop sensation Lorde has officially announced Australian dates for her 'Ultrasound ' world tour, set to hit major arena venues in February 2026. The news comes after backlash from local fans when Australia was excluded from the original international schedule revealed in May. The Royals hitmaker will perform at Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 16, Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on February 18, Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on February 21, and Perth's RAC Arena on February 25. Adelaide, however, misses out again. The tour supports her fourth studio album, Virgin , which debuted at No. 1 in Australia last week. Demand for tickets is expected to be high, as nearly 95 percent of the US, UK, and European shows are already sold out. Ticket sales begin with an American Express presale on July 15 at 1 pm local time, followed by a Frontier Members presale on July 17 at 2 pm, and general public sales on July 18 at 2 pm. Lorde, born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, launched Virgin with a surprise set at Glastonbury and later stunned fans with an unannounced appearance at Mary's Underground nightclub in May. She danced with fans during a Lorde-themed party, an act that immediately went viral on social media. In a recent interview with the BBC, Lorde revealed she had battled a serious eating disorder during her Solar Power era in 2021, leading to a long period of creative block. 'This was a period where all I was thinking about was trying to weigh as little as possible,' she said. 'At the time, I was like, 'I need to stop doing this, because it's blocking all of my artistry.' Once that went away, it all started coming back.' The 28-year-old said she underwent psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin and MDMA to treat her mental health and creative struggles. She has also opened up about exploring gender identity, telling Rolling Stone that while she identifies as a woman, 'some days I feel like a man.'Lorde's latest work has been praised for its honesty and experimentation, with Virgin tackling themes such as grief, femininity, and liberation. Her vulnerability has resonated with fans and critics alike, drawing comparisons to her influence on younger stars like Billie Eilish and Gracie openness about mental health, body image, and identity signals a deeper connection to her audience as she reclaims her place in global pop born Ella Yelich-O'Connor, comes from a tightly bonded, creatively inclined family of six. She is the second of four siblings and often credits her down-to-earth nature to her family's values and strong connections. Her elder sister, Jerry Yelich-O'Connor, is a lawyer who graduated from Auckland University and prefers to remain out of the limelight, though she's occasionally seen supporting Lorde at major events like the MTV Video Music younger sister, India 'Indy' Yelich-O'Connor, is an emerging singer-songwriter and poet based in New York. With two published poetry collections and a debut EP titled Threads, Indy is forging her creative path. The youngest sibling, Angelo Yelich-O'Connor, recently graduated in Chemical and Materials Engineering from Auckland University. A former model with Red 11 Management, he walked the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week before relocating to London to explore his creative interests. Lorde's estimated net worth stands at $18 million, largely amassed through her successful career as a singer-songwriter. From her breakout hit Royals to her critically acclaimed albums like Melodrama and Virgin, she has consistently topped charts and sold out international tours. In addition to music sales and streaming revenue, Lorde has boosted her earnings through selective brand partnerships and her official online merchandise store.
