In an exciting fusion of environmental science and innovation, BLAKE Ambassador Kaylee Mihaljevich has recently completed two weeks at NIWA’s Ruakura site. Alongside fellow BLAKE Ambassador Tiana Edwards, the pair helped pioneer sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment through cutting-edge algae farming techniques.

Fresh from completing her BSc in Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Kaylee jumped straight into the action alongside NIWA’s aquatic pollution mitigation team. Under the guidance of Principal Scientist Dr. Rupert Craggs, she found herself at the forefront of research that could revolutionize how we clean our wastewater using nature’s own tools.

The ambassadorship threw Kaylee into the deep end of real scientific challenges – from solving mysterious algae die-offs to battling invasive species. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with NIWA’s expert team, she wielded microscopes and conducted chemical analyses to unlock the secrets of algae populations and their tiny predators, the zooplankton.

“The first day at Ruakura was a bit of a shock as all the algae had died, this was not expected and changed the course of my first week, making it very problem-solving based. This gave me a real insight into what a scientist has to deal with on a weekly-basis, almost always things never quite go to plan” she recalls.

But the adventure didn’t stop at the lab! Kaylee’s journey took her across the region, including a powerful hui with Te Nehenehenui about the future of the Waikato River. She even got hands-on with NIWA’s revolutionary wastewater treatment system at Te Kopua Whanau Campgrounds in Raglan – a perfect example of science meeting sustainability.

“This ambassadorship has been an exciting and eye-opening experience, highlighting the critical role of nature-based solutions in tackling pressing environmental issues,” Kaylee enthused. “It has broadened my curiosity of freshwater ecology and the practical application of environmental science.”

The success of Kaylee’s placement showcases how the BLAKE Ambassador programme continues to ignite passion in the next generation of environmental champions, connecting bright minds with the cutting-edge research that will shape New Zealand’s sustainable future. Through hands-on experiences like these, BLAKE Ambassadors are helping turn innovative environmental solutions from exciting possibilities into reality.

Read Kaylees report in full here.