ESSENZ are please to announce our first national subject association conference. Thanks to funding from the US Embassy to NZ and Networks of Expertise, we're able to bring some amazing guest speakers and opportunities for you.  

Programme:

Monday 22nd September: 

Field trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world's youngest geothermal system with some subject and volcanic experts as your guides.

Tuesday 23rd September:

Key Note: 

Dr. Mitch Schulte is a Program Scientist with the Mars Exploration Program in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. As a Program Scientist, Mitch is responsible for and manages the science content of a number of NASA's Mars missions. Currently, he oversees the Mars Exploration Rover (Opportunity), the U.S. contribution to the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument on the European Space Agency ExoMars rover mission, and NASA's Mars 2020 Rover mission. He is also the lead scientist for for the Mars Data Analysis and Habitable Worlds Programs for the Mars Exploration Program and Planetary Science Division. As a researcher, Mitch has focused primarily on understanding the geology and geochemistry of hydrothermal environments and the life that inhabits them. He also is interested in biosignatures and life detection in ancient Earth and extraterrestrial samples. 

Dr. Graham Lau is a communicator of science and a geomicrobiologist. His graduate research has focused on characterizing the geochemistry and mineralogy of sulfur-rich deposits and alteration features at the Borup Fiord Pass sulfide spring system in the Canadian High Arctic. This has included detections of unexpected and rare forms of elemental sulfur (beta- and gamma-cyclooctasulfur) as well as an exotic form of hydrated sulfate carbonate (rapidcreekite) in the Borup system. Graham is interested in determining the role that biology may play in the formation of these rare mineral forms as well as what these findings may mean for the search for extraterrestrial life on worlds such as Mars and Europa. Furthermore, Graham specializes in sharing science with the public; from public talks and blogging to museum exhibit facilitation, Graham has found a variety of methods to communicate science with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Dr Sanjoy Som is a distinguished astrobiologist, engineer, and science communicator. He co-founded and leads the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, a non-profit that bridges research, public outreach, and next-generation training. He’s also a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Centre, where he leverages his dual background in aerospace and Earth sciences. Sanjoy investigates how geological processes—especially serpentinization—produce hydrogen and other gases that can support life. These processes are not just Earth-bound: they may also occur on other planets and moons. By studying ancient rock formations and atmospheric proxies—like raindrop craters and gas-trapped bubbles in lava—he sheds light on Earth’s primordial atmosphere and parallels with exoplanetary environments.

In addition, Sanjoy is an exceptional communicator (he’s the founding host of NASA’s “Ask an Astrobiologist” series, blending deep scientific insight with public engagement), has global field experience (Sanjoy has led field projects across diverse geologies—from Yellowstone to Iceland—and critically, New Zealand, connecting his research to local wonders here) and has proven his visionary leadership through Blue Marble’s “One Flag in Space” initiative, he champions a unified global perspective on Earth and space—a theme that resonates powerfully in our event context.

Sarah Marcotte is currently a NASA science communicator, based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She is the lead of the Solar System Ambassadors Program, managing a US nationwide network of over 1,250 volunteer ambassadors who engage communities across classrooms, museums, planetariums, and media with the latest in space exploration and discoveries. 

Sarah is also a Mars and planetary missions public engagement specialist. She regularly hosts major JPL public events, such as retrospectives on the Curiosity rover’s decade on Mars and updates on the Ingenuity helicopter, making complex mission details engaging and accessible. In addition, as a museum- and planetarium-based educator, Sarah frequently represents JPL at planetarium exhibits and outreach weekends.

An experienced public moderator, Sarah co-hosted sessions on InSight, Mars quakes, and more, serving as a moderator or co-host and bringing together technical experts and public audiences. Her work bridges research and public curiosity. Having framed major public-facing events about JPL’s Mars missions, she brings a valuable perspective on how NZ audiences can connect with ongoing solar system exploration.

Workshops: TBC

Venue:

Mt Maunganui College, Tauranga

Registration:

Cost for the conference is $110

Some funding may be available to support attendance at the conference. Please indicate this on your registration form.

You can find the registration form here

Funding Support:

ESSENZ have some NEX funding available to pay for registration and travel for approximately 20 people who live outside of Tauranga.  Please indicate this on your registration form.

PPTA also have funds of $750 funds available to support attendance at subject association conferences. You can apply for PPTA preapproval here.