Barbara uses her statistical and research expertise to work alongside scientists to develop rigorous trials and then analyse the results to produce clear and robust outcomes.

She has built a well-respected career as a statistician specialising in the biological sciences. At DairyNZ, she supports a wide range of research that includes animal, pasture, and human trials.

“My passion is to help applied researchers to solve their problems,” says Barbara. “I strive to use my statistical and research skills for designing and analysing trials according to sound statistical principles, while making sure they are practically feasible and relevant.”

Barbara enjoys supporting the next generation of scientists by mentoring them as they develop their statistical and research skillsets, including training them in the use of statistical programming software.

“I pride myself on understanding researchers and speaking their language. It is all about collecting the best possible data and using it in the best possible way,” Barbara says.

After gaining her PhD in Animal Science at ETH Zürich, Barbara began her career as a hands-on researcher at Massey University, and later worked as a statistician at Fonterra, where she gained expertise in animal science, clinical research, new product development, sensory and consumer science, statistical analysis and programming.