Kate visiting the world famous "Hutton's Unconformity" in Scotland.
Anna out and about in the amazing landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand!
Morne carrying a large concretion containing associated shark vertebrae.
Dr Kate Pedley
Kate has been a specialist in teaching all things geological for the past 20 years as a teaching assistant while studying as a student, and then as an award-winning lecturer for the University of Canterbury's geology programme since 2009. Her geology specialities are structural geology and large-scale landscape evolution (both tectonic and glacial geomorphology), leading her to be part of the fault rupture mapping teams for both the Canterbury and Kaikōura Earthquake sequences. The importance of effective and empathetic science communication during these natural hazard events led Kate to use her skills as the 100 level geology coordinator, teaching a range of geological concepts to a variety of student backgrounds, to expand to communities and schools to ignite curiosity and passion in the natural world and science, as well as understand the forces of nature.
Kate considers Geoscience Education research as an essential part of her teaching role. This includes the use of electronic learning media, learning analytics and curriculum innovation across our geology programme. Current research topics also include the outputs and lessons from designing virtual fieldtrips at tertiary level, designing an Earth Science garden at UC for school and community outreach and teaching purposes, weaving digital 3D models and digital objects with field experiences, enhancing and supporting spatial visualisation skills, especially in 3D, and exploring the role and potentials of neurodivergent thinking in the geosciences. She also researches into best-practice teacher training and review processes.
Kate is an avid photographer and passionate about inspiring people into geology through her photographs, many of which you will see in the materials on this website. The UC Earth Science Garden is a culmination and expression of Kate's love of geology, science, outdoors, orienteering, maps, design and gardening.
Anna McCarthy
Anna McCarthy is a passionate scientist and budding science communicator. An alumni of University of Canterbury’s School of Earth and Environment, contributing to the University’s Geology program has been a joy for her. With a brain for physics, Anna was drawn to the structural geology sector of her degree, working on a Master’s thesis in geomorphology with Kate Pedley and Andy Nicol. Having also completed a minor in Astrophysics, the geology of far off planets, asteroids and moons is an interest of hers she would love to explore more.
Geologically speaking, Anna has experience in digital and analog mapping, structural geology and geomorphology. Spending her youth pursuing art (before realising how cool rocks were), Anna helps bring science to life. Creating diagrams, figures, and posters, using her skills in graphic design, illustration and geology, to help bring science accessibly to a wider audience. With a passion for sharing science, teaching and tutoring has been a natural progression of her skillset, helping both school and university age students discover the wonders of nature. Blowing up a miniature volcano for work is pretty cool!
Morne Mamlambo
Morne Mamlambo is a New Zealand fossil hunter, science communicator, and content creator behind “Mamlambo Fossils.” Through a combination of field exploration, storytelling, and modern technology, he shares New Zealand’s remarkable fossil record with audiences around the world. His work focuses on making palaeontology accessible and engaging, inspiring people to connect with the natural history hidden beneath their feet.
His more than 300 videos on fossil collecting, geology, and fossil preparation have amassed over 300 million views across social media platforms. Through Mamlambo Fossils, he shares new discoveries weekly with an audience of more than one million followers.
Morne combines hands-on fieldwork with technologies such as 3D scanning, 3D printing, and digital modelling to preserve and share fossils with museums, researchers, schools, and the public. His projects include creating a full-size replica of a Little Bush Moa using 3D printing technology. Many of the fossils he has discovered are now housed at institutions including Canterbury Museum and Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where they continue to be studied by researchers.
He is currently studying geology and biology at University of Canterbury and delivers geology, biology, and palaeontology outreach programmes throughout New Zealand.
You can find links to his videos and 3D models in his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/mamlambofossils
Contact him to organise a visit to your school.
