Dr Robert Smith

University of Otago, Lecturer

Rob is a Lecturer in the Department of Marine Science at the University of Otago. As a Physical Oceanographer, he brings to the Moana Project expertise in studying physical processes that influence both coastal and offshore waters.

 Among Rob’s research interests, he investigates the factors that drive trends and variability in ocean temperature. His contributions to Nga Ripo o Te Moana will benefit the Moana Project, through advancing our understanding of the characteristics and drivers of extreme temperature events, known as marine heatwaves, across the coastal and shelf waters of New Zealand.

 Rob is also a member of the recently funded research collaboration Coastal People: Southern Skies, which will investigate ways to strengthen coastal communities in the Pacific as they deal with the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.