Agnes LePort

Agnes LePort is a big outdoors person, so she has chosen the right place to pursue her career in Marine Biology. Not only can she feel part of New Zealand’s “big outdoors culture” and share our love of nature - but she can also work and play in diving spots regarded as some of most spectacular in the world.

Agnes is fascinated by the ecology of New Zealand sharks and rays. Since little is known about their population genetics, movements, breeding or feeding activities, she has made the short-tailed stingray the subject of her PhD research. Her work is diverse and fascinating on a daily basis. 

I am never bored.  Doing genetics and hi-tech tagging to learn more about these creatures is fascinating. I go on field trips every month – diving or sampling trips, snorkelling or working off the rocks. Then I am in the lab doing analysis and writing it up.  But more than anything, for someone who loves marine life, nature here is like a candy store.” Agnes has had some unforgettable experiences, including swimming with a pod of dolphins underwater.   She also remarks seeing some phenomenal marine life up close in the world-famous New Zealand reserve, the Port Knights Islands. “I saw an ocean sunfish underwater. It was stunning. A very rare sight.

For Agnes, the greatest benefit of studying in New Zealand is living not far from the sea. “The lifestyle is great. In New Zealand you can escape easily and not have to deal with traffic.”