MissEsme Robinson

As an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury, my research career has centred on understanding how fish and other marine species respond to environmental change. My PhD work investigated the physiology and thermal tolerance of Antarctic fishes, and I have since continued to explore sensory ecology, behaviour, and environmental stress responses in both Antarctic and New Zealand species. 

I now work as the Senior Science Programme Advisor at Antarctica New Zealand, where I support researchers across Aotearoa in delivering world‑class Antarctic science. In this role, I help guide scientific planning, assess logistical needs, and ensure research proposals align with national priorities for Antarctic science. My long-standing interest in Antarctica began over 20 years ago as a PhD student, and it continues to shape my commitment to enabling impactful, well-supported research on the icy continent.