Sophie O'Brien

Sophie O'Brien (née Hale) joined Motu Research as a research analyst in July 2018, having completed a Masters degree in ecology and a Bachelor's degree in economics and biological sciences at the University of Canterbury.

At Motu Research, Sophie worked on a diverse range of topics, including the challenges and opportunities of native forestry on Māori land, a review of the economic instruments available for freshwater management in New Zealand and the drivers and consequences of parental leave decisions.

Sophie finished at Motu Research in March 2021 to pursue a PhD in ecology at the University of Canterbury in collaboration with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.