From Albany Senior High School (ASHS) to Sweden and back again, Claudia Epskamp’s career has been anything but ordinary.

Today, she works at Callaghan Innovation on the HealthTech Activator team, supporting New Zealand healthtech companies to grow and expand internationally. She also serves on the board of Women in HealthTech NZ, where she advocates for diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for women in the sector.

Her pathway has been shaped by a rare combination of skills spanning science, business, and law, all woven together to connect innovation with real-world impact. “Along the way, I’ve worked in a pharmaceutical company, a technology transfer office, an agtech company, and as a marketing contractor,” Claudia explains. “Each of these roles gave me valuable perspectives on how science, business, and innovation connect in practice, and helped shape the work I do now.”

Academic Excellence and Global Experience

Since leaving ASHS in 2017, Claudia has achieved an impressive academic journey. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise. Her studies then took her to Sweden, where she completed a Master of Bioscience Enterprise at Karolinska Institutet – an opportunity that also allowed her to travel widely across Europe.

A highlight was being honoured with the Distinguished Graduate Award from the University of Auckland, a milestone that recognised her academic excellence and contributions to the field. More recently, she has developed a growing interest in angel investing, particularly in healthtech and deep-tech ventures. “It’s exciting to support founders and contribute to impactful ideas,” she says.

How ASHS Shaped Her Journey

Claudia credits ASHS with helping her discover the confidence and creativity that have fuelled her professional success. “Before ASHS I went to a private school, so moving into such a different learning environment was a big change for me. ASHS gave me the freedom to be creative, independent, and curious in ways I hadn’t experienced before,” she reflects.

Though she admits she was “a bit rebellious at times,” Claudia found that the school’s collaborative and supportive environment helped her grow. “That space to challenge ideas and think differently really shaped me. The supportive teachers and collaborative style of learning helped build my confidence and encouraged me to approach challenges in new ways – skills I’ve carried through study, work, and life.”

Memorable Moments and Lasting Lessons

Some of Claudia’s fondest memories of ASHS are not just about academics, but about the friendships, fun, and freedom the school encouraged. “After coming from a more structured environment, I really valued the freedom and individuality that ASHS encouraged. It made school not just about studying, but about enjoying the experience and growing as a person, too.”

The school’s unique Impact Projects also left a lasting mark. For one term, Claudia chose the work experience pathway, giving her an early taste of applying her skills outside the classroom. “That experience, along with other projects, taught me how to manage tasks, work in a team, and think creatively about solving problems. Most importantly, it showed me the power of innovation, how trying new approaches and thinking differently could lead to real outcomes.”

Teachers Who Made a Difference

Claudia fondly remembers the impact of her ASHS teachers. “I’ll be honest – I was definitely a bit cheeky in class (probably more than once!), but teachers like Louise, Toni, Sally, and Jess always had my back. They somehow managed to put up with my rebellious streak while still pushing me to do my best.”

That mix of patience, humour, and encouragement made a deep impression, giving her the confidence to back herself and pursue big opportunities on a global stage.

Looking Back

Reflecting on her journey, Claudia is clear about the unique role ASHS played. “ASHS was such a unique place to learn. It gave me freedom, creativity, and the chance to be myself. What I value most looking back is how the school encouraged individuality, innovation, and a love of learning. It was a place where I felt supported, inspired, and challenged, and it gave me a foundation I’ve carried with me ever since.”

From ASHS to the cutting edge of healthtech innovation, Claudia’s story is one of creativity, courage, and impact – a testament to where an ASHS education can lead.