Researchers

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Nihal’s research is focussed on improving the efficiency of power supplies and finding solutions to power quality issues. He has been with the University of Waikato for 5 years after a brief stint at Auckland University and prior to that – 16 years at the Arthur C. Clarke Institute in Sri Lanka where he reached the position of CEO. He is driven by developing creative usable topologies and keeping the half-life of knowledge in power electronics as low as possible.

Nihal's Research Interests

Voltage Regulator

A new type of voltage regulator topology that significantly improves the end-to-end efficiency and current carrying capability of linear regulators, whilst maintaining the low noise and fast transient performance characteristics.

A detailed fact sheet can be downloaded here ...

Papers:

• Very low frequency supercapacitor techniques to improve the end-to-end efficiency of DC-DC converters based on commercial off the shelf LDOs
• A low frequency supercapacitor circulation technique to improve the efficiency of linear regulators based on LDO ICs
• A Supercapacitor Technique for Efficiency Improvement in Linear Regulators

Patents:

• High Current Voltage Regulator. Issued March 15, 2011. United States Patent 7,907,430

Linear AC Impedance

A novel low cost and high performance technique to produce linear impedance for AC power regulation. The technique offers advantages such as fast response, low harmonic propagation and performance that is independent of the load type. Designed to work on mains power supply with loads of roughly 300 VA – 5000 VA, the technology is suited for residential, small scale commercial and discrete industrial applications.

A detailed fact sheet can be downloaded here ...

Surge Resistant UPS Technique

An innovative uninterruptible power supply design that offers enhanced surge protection and greener impact in a low cost platform. The system is currently targeted at home and small office applications with loads in the range of 0.3kVA to 2kVA.

A detailed fact sheet can be downloaded here ...

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Senior Lecturer, Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

Optoelectronics and optical measurement technologies. Specifically: ranging, velocimetry, photogrammetry and 3D surface profiling.

Profile

Adrian's research is focussed on improving the quality of 3D range imaging cameras, so that they can be used in more applications such as computing and gesture control, medical imaging, quality assurance and security. He is passionate about developing a collaborative, productive, friendly and interactive environment where students can flourish and do their best work with the opportunity to interact with leading edge researchers.

Some of Adrian's greatest research achievements include forming the Chronoptics™ Research Group and developing the group to a point where it has a well respected international reputation, and has demonstrated what future commercial range cameras will be capable of. This includes publishing world class range imaging measurement results and developing sensor characterisation techniques that are so far unmatched globally. WaikatoLink and Chronoptics™ have secured pre-seed accelerator funding to commercialise the technology, and are currently in talks with some major companies in the space.

Prior to his time at The University of Waikato, Adrian was a postdoctoral fellow at the NASA Langley Research Center. In his spare time he enjoys photography, skiing and travel.

Relevant Links

Chronoptics Research Group
Research publications

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Professor, Materials and Process Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

Nano-structured and ultrafine structured metal based materials; titanium alloy powder processing, consolidation, and powder metallurgy.

Profile

One of Deliang's key aims as a researcher is for the research his group is performing around materials and material processing technologies to be used in industry. He hopes to continue to achieve publications in top international journals and to provide a world-class environment and equipment for postgraduate students.

Some of the most interesting work he has been focussing on is titanium powder consolidation work. His short term goal is to proceed with small scale production of a few titanium alloy products using the powder consolidation processes his research team has developed

Deliang's previous engagements with WaikatoLink have led to the establishment of a spin-out company Titanox, currently producing kilogram amounts of titanium aluminide based alloy powders. He has had several successful patent applications which have founded the basis for his research platform.

In his spare time, Deliang enjoys reading, walking and running

Relevant Links

Research publications
University of Waikato Expert's File: Deliang Zhang
Titanox

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Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato

Research Interests

Using renewable and waste materials to produce polymeric composites; filled and functionally filled polymers; polymer modification and reactive extrusion; biodegradable polymers and the prediction of mechanical properties of polymer composites.

Profile

Johan has been with the University of Waikato of 8 years now having previously come from the University of Pretoria. His interest lies mainly in waste and by-product valorisation with an emphasis on renewable materials and biological products. In recent years, we have developed protein-based thermoplastics from bloodmeal. This project has led to the establishment of spin-off company Novatein Ltd which is the process of registering worldwide patents. A New Zealand national patent was granted in 2009. This area covers a wide range of topics, such as polymer extrusion, rheology, material properties, protein analysis, chemical modification of proteins as well as protein composites and nano-composites.

Other topics of biological nature include protein recovery from waste water and recovery and modification of chicken feathers suitable for polymer composites. He also has a strong interest in polymer composites, such as particulate polymer composites and short fibre polymer composites. It is important to him that his work will make a difference to someone and that it's relevant to industry.

In his spare time, Johan enjoys running, squash, woodworking and restoring antique furniture.

Relevant Links

Research publications
Novatein

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Professor of Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

Analogue electronics, mechatronics, embedded microcontrollers, microwave and millimetre-wave circuits, instrumentation and metrology, audio and acoustics

Profile

Professor Jonathan Scott has been at the University of Waikato for 5 years. Prior to this, he ran the Advanced Measurements Laboratory for Agilient Technologies in California. During his time with Agilient Technologies, Professor Scott was the chief designer of a nonlinear vector network analyser that was awarded Product of the Year in 2008.

Relevant Links

Research publications
Smart Sprinkler Article
Wine Maturator video feature on 3 news

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Senior Lecturer, Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

General colloid chemistry and measurements of their particle size distribution and surface charge; biomedical materials; IR spectroscopy and IR microscopy.

Profile

Michael has been at the University of Waikato for 16 years. He was previously a post doc in Nagoya, Japan. He completed his MSc and PhD at Auckland University and was a Foundation Fellow at the DSIR Chemistry Division at Lower Hutt. Michael places a strong focus on collaborative research, particularly with researchers from other disciplines to benefit from different opinions and expertise. A key driver for him is to transfer skills and knowledge to students as an investment in the future of science.

Collaborations have involved working with a number of industry and CRI partners and one of the outputs of this which WaikatoLink has been involved with has been the formation of Graftoss, a medical device company developing a bone implant sourced from bovine bone for use by surgeons and veterinarians. Other important research areas include controlled release drug or nutrient delivery and infra-red spectroelectrochemistry

Michael's work with biomaterials has often led to TV appearances, media articles and public lectures. Outside of his research, Michael enjoys collecting paraphernalia from bygone eras like clocks as well as gardening, keeping farm animals and travelling

Relevant Links

Research publications
Graftoss

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Associate Professor, Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

Polymer based composites and their structure and mechanical property relationships

Profile

Kim has been with the University of Waikato since 1994. Inspired by the materials and processes involved in nature, her vision is increased sustainability, where the use of bio-derived materials and utilising more sustainable processes is common practice

One of her greatest achievements was related to recyclable composites using biomaterials and bioprocesses. Her group grew and processed hemp fibre in a way that produced the best mechanical properties. Recently Kim has been working on a number of things including aligned natural fibre composites, hybrid natural fibres using a combination of harakeke and hemp, feather composites, synthetic self-healing composites and smart materials.

Her goals include improving the mechanical properties of composites with aligned natural fibres and creating a self-healing composite that is truly self-healing.

Kim enjoys seeing her research applied and has had a number of commercially orientated interactions including:

• Improving the properties of petroleum storage vessels of Nuplex
• Quick repair of aircraft for Air New Zealand
• Working with natural fibre composites for Hemptech
• Rotational moulding reinforced composite materials for ITS Ltd

In her spare time, Kim also enjoys orienteering, spending time with her children, running, creating mosaics, painting and reading.

Relevant Links

Research publications
Waikato University Experts File
Composites Research Group

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Technical Manager, Mediarena Research Centre, University of Waikato

Interests

eEducation, eLearning, multimedia development, and website design

Profile

Grant Sherson is the Technical Manager for the Mediarena Research Centre at the University of Waikato. Mediarena is a post-graduate research centre that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration across creative arts fields including: computer graphic design, dance, Maori arts, music, screen and media studies, and performance studies.

Grant’s role involves working closely with post-graduate students in their media development and practice-based research. Grant is passionate about enabling staff and students to push the boundaries of conventional media arts, facilitate cross discipline collaboration and expand learning opportunities.

As well as supporting staff and student projects Grant has undertaken projects of his own. One recent project involved capturing the construction of the University’s Student Centre through timelapse photography, then creating a video timeline of developments (8 months in 27 seconds - University of Waikato Student Centre)

Prior to his time at the University of Waikato, Grant has held numerous positions in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector.

Relevant Links

Mediarena Research Centre
Recent projects at Mediarena
Mediarena YouTube Channel

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Dr James Carson, Senior Lecturer, Engineering, University of Waikato

Research Interests

eMeasurement and prediction of thermo-physical and transport properties; mathematical modelling of thermal processes; refrigeration; food engineering; heat transfer and thermodynamics in general

Profile

James is inspired by how highly regarded New Zealand refrigeration research is received internationally. One of his greatest achievements has been a publication in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer that's received a prize from the publisher for its number of citings.

Prior to his 6 years at Waikato, James spent 6 years as part of the Food Systems and Technology group at MIRINZ, AgResearch. While at AgResearch he was involved with a number of commercial projects. This included managing the development of a spray-freeze dryer. James' refrigeration expertise places him in an excellent position to collaborate with industry to help optimise refrigeration systems and provide solutions in the space.

James finds the solar heat pump and refrigeration research he is working with Mike Duke on to be some of the most interesting activity he is involved with at the moment.

When he finds time in between looking after his three young children, James enjoys listening to music and following sport.

Relevant Links

University of Waikato Experts File
Research Publications

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Dr Vic Arcus, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, University of Waikato

Research Interests

How mycobacterium control their growth with particular interest in Tuberculosis, Ancient enzymes, and Industrial enzymes for Biofuels

Profile

Vic has been with the University of Waikato for 5 years having spent 8 years prior to that at Auckland University. Having gained a BSc and MSc in organic chemistry at Waikato University, Vic went on to be awarded the Prince of Wales scholarship to the University of Cambridge where he completed a PhD in molecular biology in 1995. He then went on to become a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. It is important to him to help develop the next generation of scientists and ensure the on-going creation of new knowledge.

One of his aims is to find out how Tuberculosis controls its growth. Vic also hopes to expand the enzyme research, marrying up the industrial enzymes with the ancient enzymes. He has already developed a functional billion year old enzyme and has completed some very successful mycobacterium toxin/antitoxin research

Vic has worked closely with WaikatoLink resulting in the development of spin-out company Obodies, whose technologies will occupy part of the monoclonal antibody market, in addition to creating new markets through the ability to utilise OBodies in situations where traditional antibodies are unsuitable (for example, where heat stability is required).

Outside of research, Vic is interested in music, soccer, skiing, swimming and cycling.

Relevant Links

Obodies Limited
University of Waikato Experts File