Dr Rod Claycomb
Position: CEO, Sensortec, Quantec Ltd. Field: Electrical engineering. When the Hub's first met Rod we learned how he loved the fact that his work is dynamic, innovative and helps dairy farmers. He enjoyed working at Sensortec as it was such a “cutting edge” industry, which included a lot of international travel. Sensortec specialises in developing electronic equipment to measure specific molecules in biological substances, for example to detect hormone levels or the presence of antibiotics in milk.
We are kind of at the interface between biological sciences, and engineering...
Rod’s role as CEO of this innovative company was diverse. He led the Research and Development team, setting the overall direction of the company, and was also responsible for overseeing financial and marketing decisions. When Rod started with Sensortec it was a small company of five people, by the time he left it had expanded to sixteen.
He enjoys the range of experiences that this gives him. He meets a huge range of people from diverse cultures and gets to see different perspectives of dairy farming from all over the world.
Career Pathway
Rod grew up in Pennsylvania, USA. As the son of a milking machine dealer, he had an early introduction to the use of automation on farms. Except for a short stint where he wanted to be a maths and physics teacher, Rod was always working towards a career in the dairy equipment industry.
Careers: Science is all about working with others
Dairy farm instrumentation has always interested Rod Claycomb, who is now CEO of Sensortec. As part of this work, Rod travels around the world to see how dairying is done in different countries.
After high school, Rod did a degree in electrical engineering. He went on to do dairy-related post-graduated studies, where he learned to combine his knowledge of electronics with biological knowledge he picked up on the job. This work resulted in a PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.
Rod first came to New Zealand while still completing his studies. His work caught the attention of a New Zealand company, DEC International NZ Ltd, who asked him if he would be interested in moving here permanently.
Find out more about Rob's innovative work for New Zealand farmers in this video below.
Quantec
In 2008 Rob founded Quantec Ltd, a company specialising in the development and commercialisation of high value naturally derived bioactives, including products to help with acne. The company has won awards for its products, including nutrition drinks.
Other Interests
Church activities, singing, golf, squash, viticulture.
Related content
Read about the research by Quantec Ltd on products to help with acne:
This article is based on information current in 2007 and updated in 2021.
Who is involved in the Greenfield Project?
The development of a completely new farming system needs people with skills in a wide range of areas. Different companies are also involved, bringing together people with diverse interests and backgrounds. Jenny Jago and Rod Claycomb explain.
Careers: Science is all about working with others
Dairy farm instrumentation has always interested Rod Claycomb, who is now CEO of Sensortec. As part of this work, Rod travels around the world to see how dairying is done in different countries.
