Maryam Moridnejad
Principal Academic Staff Member
Contact info
Phone
Location
About
Maryam is an Academic Staff Member at Wintec and has been teaching on the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and NZ Diploma in Engineering programmes since 2015.
In 2015, Maryam completed her PhD at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland. Prior to her PhD, Maryam was working in an engineering consultancy in Iran for 3 years. Maryam graduated from Isfahan University of Technology in Iran in 2004 with a Bachelor of Water Engineering. She completed her master's degree with first class honours in Water Engineering at the University of Tehran in 2007.
Awards
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy - Civil and Environmental Engineering
The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Master of Water Engineering
The University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran - Bachelor of Water Engineering
Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran - New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Education and Teaching
Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand
Areas of expertise
- Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Water resources management
- Urban water management
- Water engineering
Areas of teaching
- Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulics
- Water and Waste Treatment/Management
- Water and Waste Systems
- Urban Drainage Systems
- Engineering Development Project
- Engineering Fundamentals
Industry experience, affiliations, and achievements
- 2013- Faculty of engineering doctoral tuition fees bursary.
- 2012- 2015- Smart Aquifer Characterization (SAC) scholar, GNS Science.
- 2011- 2013- Hawke’s Bay regional council research funding.
- 2007- First class honours, Master of water engineering, University of Tehran, Iran.
Research activity
My research focuses on water resources management and water governance, integrating technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability, equity, and evidence-based practice. In parallel, I conduct research in engineering education and diversity in STEM, with particular interest in the participation and experiences of under-represented groups. Across these areas, my work aims to generate insights that support sustainable water management, advance inclusive educational practice, and strengthen resilience and equity in the water sector.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maryam-Moridnejad
Select publications
What do you enjoy about teaching/your job?
I enjoy supporting students to connect engineering concepts with real-world challenges and helping them gain confidence in their own abilities. Teaching is rewarding because it allows me to create inclusive learning environments and inspire future engineers to think critically. I also value the collaborative nature of my wider role, working with colleagues, industry, and communities to translate research into practical solutions that improve water outcomes and support meaningful change. Beyond teaching and research, I enjoy the leadership aspects of my work, particularly the opportunity to lead applied research projects, influence industry practice, contribute to sector-wide initiatives, and help shape conversations around sustainable and equitable water management.
What do you love about your area?
Tell us about your experience in the industry
I have over 15 years of experience in the water sector, applied research, industry, and higher education. My work centres on water resources management, water governance, and sustainability, and I have led collaborative, multi-stakeholder projects with industry, academia, and community organisations. I bring a blend of technical expertise and academic leadership, with strengths in programme and project management, research supervision, and technical analysis. My work focuses on developing applied, evidence-based solutions that improve water sector practice and educational outcomes.
I am actively involved in the sector through affiliations with Water New Zealand, the International Water Association, and the Australasian Association for Engineering Education. My work also includes a strong focus on diversity and inclusion in STEM, with a commitment to creating equitable pathways and fostering inclusive learning and professional environments.