Our People
Management Team
Professor Hamish Spencer
Director
FRSNZ, Professor of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin
Professor Hamish Spencer is a founding member of the AWC whose research encompasses mathematical modelling of genetic phenomena and the evolutionary relationships of diverse groups of organisms (birds, molluscs, algae), to the history of genetics and evolutionary medicine. He has been Director since August 2012.
Distinguished Professor Mike Steel
Deputy Director
FRSNZ, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch
Professor Steel's primary research interests include phylogenetics, mathematical modelling in evolution and ecology, molecular evolution, and biodiversity conservation. He is a founding member of the AWC and has been Deputy Director since 2008.
Ms Wendy Newport-Smith
Centre Manager, M.Mngmt, MBA (Dist), Dip.Mngmt, Massey University, Palmerston North
Ms Newport-Smith has managed the Allan Wilson Centre since January 2010, bringing to the role an extensive background in management within the education sector supplemented by postgraduate study. Ms Newport-Smith is an Uawanui and Ngai Tamanuhiri Project team member and is actively involved in community engagement through the broadening of the Centre’s outreach activities.