MrsAnnette Swale

I’m a Mechanical Engineering researcher focused on making contact sports safer through next‑generation protective equipment. My PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury explored softshell headgear for youth rugby, integrating safety and player acceptance to reduce head impacts and support real‑world adoption.

I now work as the Senior Tutor for Engineering 101 (Foundations of Engineering); a course for students to build strong technical foundations and develop engineering mindsets early in their studies.

With experience across five continents - from lecturing in Vietnam to working with diverse communities worldwide - I bring a global perspective to my research, work and teaching.