Conor, who is in his third and final year of the bachelor's degree at Otago Polytechnic, says he was attracted to Otago Polytechnic because of the strong reputation of its engineering programmes and the fact that the subject is approached in a more practical project-based way.
"I started off doing the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical), then progressed to the bachelor's degree, because I believe that will strengthen my options for a career.
"I really like how all the papers I have taken have led to me being able to explore practical projects.
"I'm able to apply my knowledge to real-world situations.''
From Oamaru, Conor was recently invited to an international energy conference in Slovenia, where he will present a paper on his design and research involving an "ionic propulsion system'', a flow of ions propelled by no fewer than 40,000 volts fired across two asymmetrical electrodes.
"When I first began my studies at Otago Polytechnic, I never thought that my studies would have led me to this opportunity.''
* For more information about Otago Polytechnic's Engineering programmes, visit www.op.ac.nz
