Dr Bia Oliveira

Dr Bia Oliveira’s path to a PhD in Plant Science began in Brazil and took shape in Aotearoa New Zealand. Arriving in New Zealand in 2019, just before the pandemic, she set out to continue her studies and advance her career in agriculture. 

“I initially came to New Zealand to work. But I always wanted to keep studying, and Massey allowed me to do that – continuing in the area of my undergrad, agriculture.” 

Inspired by academic legends like Professor John Hodgson – “the king of pastures,” as she calls him – Bia took a bold step and reached out directly to the researchers she admired. “I knocked on their door and said, ‘Look, I’m working on a farm, and I want to keep studying. How do we go from here?’ And it worked out pretty well.” 

Bia’s Massey journey was full of challenges and growth. “It was hard work, especially adjusting to the weather coming from a tropical country. But it was wonderful. I became a new person. I learned more about myself, my skills, and my resilience.” 

She’s quick to credit those who supported her. “My supervisors – Professor Ignacio Lopez Campbell, Dr Lydia Cranston, Professor Emeritus Peter Kemp, Professor Danny Donaghy – were incredible. And the technicians, Mark Osborne and Brian Smith, they were out on the farm with me and taught me so much. And of course, my partner Harry, who I met here, and my parents – they flew all the way from Brazil for the graduation ceremony.” 

The Massey graduation experience was a moment to remember. Bia shares, “In Brazil, we don’t really have a celebration like this for PhDs. So, having my parents here to share this with me was amazing. The parade was a highlight – it gave me this big feeling of accomplishment.” 

Bia’s advice for future students is simple but powerful: 

“Trust yourself. Don’t overthink it. You know what you’re capable of. Just keep it simple, and you’ll get there.” 

Now working in research across the lower North Island, Bia is applying her skills in both agriculture and horticulture. “I’m staying around, and now that I’ve finally gotten used to the weather, I’m enjoying it even more!”