Dr Velma Vermaat Team Lead Research
After three and a half years in our Research team, Dr Velma Vermaat has taken on the role of Team Lead Research and Research Support Coordinator.
In her role as Research Support Coordinator, Velma continues to support research-active kaimahi and coordinates key research processes, including internal funding rounds and research ethics procedures.
Sharing our Research stories
Velma is keen to increase awareness of the exciting research being conducted at NMIT and to promote the work of our research-active kaimahi by sharing stories.
“Research is a key component that provides context for our ākonga, drives many aspects of our teaching and learning programmes and connects us to industry.”
Velma believes that NMIT offers great opportunities and enjoys working with academics across different disciplines, as well as with staff and management, to improve teaching and learning practice. "I very much enjoy the collaboration and collegiality here." she says.
Velma brings extensive experience to her Research role at NMIT
Before Velma joined NMIT, 10 years ago, she moved to Nelson from Wellington and her main ‘job’of being a Mum took up most of her time. However, because she doesn’t enjoy ‘doing nothing’, she also got busy with a few business ventures, including running workshops for Women in Business; building websites and providing IT support and advice for older people; and towards the end coordinating a kids’ holiday programme.
Back in Wellington, Velma worked at Victoria University for the Academic Office, running the Internal Programme Reviews as part of their quality assurance process. This gave her a good insight into what is involved in running a Degree programme at a tertiary institute.
So when the opportunity arose for the position at the NMIT Research Office, Velma did not hesitate and was eager to start.
“My current role at NMIT is a great combination of my experiences, where my technical skills and people-oriented approach come together.”
Outside work
In her spare time, Velma enjoys connecting and organising get-togethers, whether that is with the Dutch community, the Scouts group or nature groups with other parents and kids. To relax, she prefers walking and swimming or preparing a nice meal by herself.
Something you may not know about Velma is that she played in two World Championships of Ultimate Frisbee, one in Germany representing the Dutch women's team, and one in Perth playing with a mixed team from New Zealand.
