Rate My Professor Steve Broni

Steve Broni serves as Director of the Otago University Advanced School Sciences Academy (OUASSA) within the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago, a role he has held since 2010 when he helped establish the program. He possesses a Bachelor of Science in Zoology (Marine Biology) from the University of Glasgow, a Master’s degree in Marine Ornithology from the University of Cape Town, and a University of Otago Diploma of Wildlife Management. Prior to his current position, Broni worked as an Educator at the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and as a stand-in Course Coordinator for the University of Otago Diploma of Wildlife Management. He spent 15 years as Education and Public Awareness Officer for the Department of Conservation in Otago, and has experience as an internationally qualified interpretive tour guide and trainer. Broni has led wildlife tours and worked overseas in locations including Alaska, Australia, South Africa, and the Falkland Islands. He chaired the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust for 10 years until 2018 and currently chairs the Division of Sciences Community Engagement and Learning Committee.

Broni’s career began with participation in the British 'In the Footsteps of Scott' Antarctic Expedition from 1984 to 1986 aboard the MV Southern Quest. As crew, he contributed to building a base hut at Cape Evans on Ross Island, wintered over, and survived the vessel’s sinking after it was punctured by ice in the Ross Sea; all 25 crew escaped and were rescued. He volunteered for an additional year with two colleagues to maintain the site and remove equipment, enduring extreme conditions including a leopard seal attack on a companion. After Antarctica, he engaged in conservation work with the Australian Conservation Foundation, delivered school talks on Antarctic history and science via Otago Museum, and supported Falkland Islands Conservation. Under his leadership, OUASSA annually supports 50-60 high-achieving students from rural, provincial, small, and lower-decile schools, with over 90 percent advancing to tertiary education and about half enrolling at Otago. Broni emphasizes science communication and public engagement. He co-authored the article 'Thirty years of science outreach at the University of Otago' published in the New Zealand Science Review. A sought-after public speaker, Broni fosters passion for science among diverse audiences.