Student profile – Gary Djojo

After completing his undergraduate degree, Gary received a UoA Doctoral Scholarship, and a one year QuakeCore scholarship extension to undertake his PhD research at the University of Auckland.

Under the supervision of Associate Professor Charles Clifton, and Dr Rick Henry, Gary’s research is focused around the minimisation of earthquake damage in structures. Of his research he says “New Zealand is located in the ‘ring of fire’ area, where earthquakes frequently occur. Therefore, intensive research at the University of Auckland is conducted to minimise earthquake damage. It was this field of study that attracted me to the University of Auckland – the study is experimentally intensive, which could only happen at a university such as the University of Auckland with its excellent research facilities”.

His research is working towards developing a new earthquake resisting system, using an innovative rocking system for steel structures. His long term goal for his research is to further develop the system to be applicable in building practice, and create structures that will mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes, both to increase safety, and decrease the business downtime required after a disaster.

Of his time at the University of Auckland he says “It is an excellent environment for study, with great libraries and research facilities, but the most important is the friendliness and respect I get from my colleagues”.