Rate My Professor Brent Pooley

Brent Pooley serves as the Physical Geology Laboratories Manager in the Department of Geology at the University of Otago, where he has dedicated 40 years of service. He holds a BSc from the University of Otago, which he completed in 2006 while balancing his professional responsibilities. Pooley's core duties encompass rock sample preparation and analysis, thin sectioning and polishing of rock samples, and the maintenance of laboratory equipment. Renowned for his mechanical skills, he has prolonged the functionality of rock-processing apparatus—including saws, grinders, and polishers—far beyond their anticipated lifespans. He also fabricates custom experimental devices, ingeniously repurposing materials to meet precise research specifications, aligning with the department's ethos of resource efficiency and upcycling.

Pooley's impact transcends standard technical operations. He contributes to the Department of Geology's field teaching initiatives and has supported research fieldwork in challenging locales such as Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, and Fiordland. His expertise underpins numerous studies in petrology, structural geology, fault rock analysis, and ice dynamics by providing essential sample preparation that enables microscopic and analytical investigations. For his exemplary contributions, he was awarded the University of Otago's 2022 Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff. In 2016, the Geoscience Society of New Zealand presented him with the Kingma Award, recognizing outstanding New Zealand Earth science technicians for exceptional ability and significant disciplinary impact. Department leaders, including Associate Professor Andrew Gorman and Professor James White, highlight Pooley's indispensable role, work ethic, and cultivation of a collaborative culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and enjoyment in fieldwork and experimental projects. He actively engages with the broader university technician community for shared knowledge and resources.