Region

Manawatu

Job

John works in two teams: the Post Harvest team and the Plant Pigments team.

I always have something new to do, a new problem to solve...

His work with the Post Harvest team involves investigating genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, and their effects on sugars in potato tubers after being stored in the cold. The ‘cold sweetening’ of potatoes is a problem for industry as high-sugar tubers blacken when fried, discolouring chips. Understanding how genes control this phenomenon could benefit potato breeders by allowing them to select for non-sugar-sweetening characteristics.

Most of John’s day is spent in the laboratory, but he also gets to work in the field, the greenhouses, and the post harvest shed.

John enjoys his time at work, which he says “requires a lot of learning and involvement. I always have something new to do, a new problem to solve.”

He finds it satisfying to know that his research may lead to practical outcomes with long-term benefits for New Zealand.

Career Pathway

John liked science at school, particularly biology, but initially was unsure if he was ready for tertiary education straight after high school. He took a year out and worked painting council flats in Wellington, and also did a little labouring.

After deciding this wasn’t for him, he started looking at the Bachelor of Science degree Massey offered, majoring in Microbiology. Once there he took almost all of the 1st year science papers, which allowed flexibility in the future. By his second year at university, John had decided on Plant Biology and in his third year earned a BSc, majoring in Physiological and Molecular Plant Biology.

John continued to study at Massey as a post-graduate student and earned a Master of Science degree in Plant Biology. While writing his Master’s thesis John got his current job at Crop & Food Research, now called Plant & Food Research.

Interests

John enjoys windsurfing and catching up with friends and family.