First Space Science cohort graduating
Danyelle (Dany) Puhara will be among the first students majoring in Space Science (BSc) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to cross the graduation stage in May.
For Dany, choosing Te Herenga Waka felt natural. A Year 13 visit through HIWA (now Te Paewai o Te Rangi), a week-long immersive Māori student programme, cemented her love for Wellington, and the University’s dedicated Space Science major made the decision easy.
During her undergraduate studies, Dany valued the supportive teaching staff and the diverse student community. That experience has now taken her into postgraduate study, where she is completing a Master of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity, with aspirations to work in conservation and climate change mitigation.
“For anyone thinking about studying space science, my advice is not to try to do it alone. Your classmates are going through the same things you are, and your lecturers genuinely want to see you succeed.”
The Space Science programme has attracted a distinctive mix of students. Senior Lecturer in Space Science, Dr Morgan Cable says, “We have students studying Space Science who are doing dual majors in physics, environmental science, and even linguistics.
“Space Science is the next frontier, and it’s important to prepare the next generation for the wide range of opportunities this growth will create. Enrolling in a brand‑new major required courage and curiosity. These students are certainly trailblazers.”