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Headlines – Special Edition 18 "It was unconventional at the time, but it isn’t now,” she says. “So many skills have been transferable: desk research, validating information, logical thinking, writing grants, problem-solving, project design andmanagement, presenting, and other communication skills.” Does she remember featuring in that first Headlines magazine? “I do, wearing my stripey tee shirt. I did not know it was the first Headlines magazine!” The ‘second’ Dr Kathryn Jones is now the Deputy Head of School – Academic, leading the Biological Science major in the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. She says the success she’s found in an education-focused academic role can be directly linked to the Miller scholarship funding. "I use my expertise to teach neuroscience to thousands of undergraduates and inspire the next generation of scientists,” says Kathryn. “I love inspiring students’ curiosity and desire to become lifelong learners. Teaching them about our cells, and how incredible those cells are, opens an unseen molecular world to explore to benefit human health. I also love being able to lead curriculum design and teaching excellence. These students will become our skilled workforce, and science-literate members of society – essential for our country!” Kathryn received a prestigious UoA Vice Chancellor’s early-career teaching award in 2022, which she called “an amazing recognition of my work”. All her teaching is research-led, so she is still immersed in the latest science. “The difference is, instead of making the findings myself, I share them widely with others and discuss where they can lead.” Kathryn says her research background still informs her work now. “Being a researcher involves excellent critical analysis skills, deductive reasoning, evaluative judgement, time management, financial management and more – skills needed in a science graduate, so I teach these skills within my courses,” she says. “We run experimental labs in all our courses. Learning is neuroscience, so my previous research into neurogenesis aligns very nicely with implementing neuroscience- backed learning strategies for my students.” What does she see when she looks at the latest crop of students? “I see a passionate group of budding scientists, some ready to jump into post-graduate learning and research, with neuroscience remaining one of the most popular pathways; others ready to move into the workforce, both excited and a little nervous about job opportunities available.” Both Kathryns remain extremely grateful for the early support from Neurological Foundation donors. “I think it’s fabulous to feature the non-traditional journeys of scholarship recipients and see how wide the impact of the funds can be,” says Kathryn Jones, University of Auckland. “Your donations are life-changing.” NZTE’s Kathryn Jones agrees. “Thank you for helping me achieve my PhD. What I learned has helped me reach my career goal of getting science and technology products into the hands of people that need them to improve their quality of life.” There’s more to this story. Read a longer version on our website: neurological.org.nz/news Pleased to meet you! The two Kathryns come together for the first time.