Biomedical Science

Project 

We are seeking a highly motivated undergraduate student for a summer research studentship focused on piloting the use of non-contrast, heavily T2-weighted MRI to visualize the central lymphatic system in humans. This exciting project aims to advance imaging techniques for identifying key structures such as the thoracic duct, cisterna chyli, and lymphovenous junction, and to explore methods for estimating dynamic physiological parameters like lymph flow.

Project 

Many corneal diseases result in blindness and ultimately need cadaveric tissue to restore the patients vision. However, due to a chronic lack of corneal tissue for transplant there is a pressing need to find alternatives.

Regenerative medicine is the ultimate goal for tissue replacement therapies as transplanted cells can be used to regenerate the tissue in vivo without resorting to tissue transplants.

We are investigating the use of stem cells harvested from human umbilical cord as implants capable of restoring the corneal structure and function.

The role

The project will involve tissue culture, confocal microscopy and PCR techniques.

Project 

The discovery of new drug candidates for the investigation of validated drug targets is a cornerstone for advancing human health. This is typically achieved by the high throughput screening (HTS) of compound libraries against a disease-relevant target for the desired activity, however these methods are often either too slow, laborious, or costly, or they present a very low hit rate.

DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are a smart technology that has recently emerged to address this challenge. DELs are pooled binding assays that can be used to screen ultra-large collections of compounds (billions) for their affinity to an isolated protein or protein complex of interest (POI). DELs utilise recent advances such as next-generation sequencing to enable simultaneous and incredibly deep sampling of chemical space, at a fraction of the cost of standard HTS.

The role

This project may cover various aspects of DEL technology, including library design, chemoinformatic analysis, DEL synthesis, mass spectrometry analysis, affinity selection and PCR, and bioinformatics.

Ideal student

This project would suit a student interested in emerging drug discovery technologies and chemical biology.

Project 

Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and carboplatin are vital in cancer treatment, yet their effectiveness is often hampered by severe side effects and resistance linked to elevated glutathione (GSH) levels in cancer cells.

Our research aims to overcome these challenges by developing innovative platinum-based prodrugs that are selectively activated by high GSH levels in tumour cells. Building on a pilot study that created a mono-nitric oxide (NO) donor-platin conjugate prodrug – enhancing treatment efficacy but producing lower-than-optimal NO levels – we now propose developing dual NO donor-platin conjugates. These new prodrugs are designed to release higher NO concentrations, potentially increasing treatment effectiveness and providing more targeted cancer therapies while minimising harm to healthy tissues.

The role
This summer research project will focus on the synthesis of NO-donor-drug conjugates. The summer student will get well trained in medicinal chemistry and drug development, including skills in drug design, literature searching using databases (SciFinder, Reaxys, etc.), organic synthesis, compound purification (chromatography, HPLC, etc.), structure characterisation (NMR, MS, etc.), drug assay and evaluation.

A fume hood in a standard chemistry laboratory, personal protective equipment, a desktop with necessary software and safety training will be provided. ACSRC has a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.

Ideal student

Preferably, the candidate should have some experience in organic/organometallic synthesis.

Project 

Our previous and current research has focused on evaluating the therapeutic safety and efficacy of low-intensity Ultraviolet C (UVC) light for managing superficial corneal infections. The relationship between UV light exposure and the development of corneal opacities remains an area of active investigation, particularly due to concerns about the interaction between UV radiation and corneal proteins such as crystalline.

While preclinical studies have primarily focused on assessing the safety of therapeutic UVC exposure in terms of DNA damage –showing that short, controlled treatments (15 seconds, twice daily) do not cause significant harm –there has been no research specifically examining the effects of UVC on corneal crystalline.

The role

Since these proteins play a critical role in maintaining corneal transparency, this project aims to investigate whether therapeutic UVC exposure leads to structural or biochemical changes in crystalline that could contribute to opacity formation. Raman spectroscopy and image analysis will be used to visualize and evaluate these potential microscopic alterations.

Project 

Recent research highlights the ability of gut microbiomes to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, offering a promising avenue for managing acute infections. Both live and inactivated bacteria, along with their metabolites, have demonstrated potential in suppressing harmful pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of serious eye infections.

The role

As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This project aims to explore the use of gut microbiomes and their metabolic byproducts to inhibit Pseudomonas in its biofilm form, which is particularly resistant to treatment. The study will employ live/dead staining techniques combined with confocal microscopy and image analysis to assess the effectiveness of these microbiome-based interventions in combating corneal ulcers.

Project 

Preterm birth increases the risk of brain injury and is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and impairments in cortical growth. Efforts to limit or restore these cortical deficits have stagnated, in part because the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown.

The role

In this project, you will use our established model of inflammatory brain injury to help assess the hypothesis that deficits in neuronal mitochondrial function impair the growth of cortical neuronal processes, and the efficacy of delayed treatment with N-acetylcysteine to restore mitochondrial function and cortical growth. This project's methodology will primarily utilise immunohistochemistry and image analysis.

Project 

Healthy aging is associated with many factors which ultimately increase risk of neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s). Less explored is neurodegeneration along the visual pathway, which contributes to glaucoma – a leading cause of irreversible blindness projected to affect 100+ million people globally.

This project models brain aging to understand glaucoma, applying radiogenomics – an interdisciplinary approach linking genomic data with imaging phenotypes – to address the complexities of disease heterogeneity. The goal is to distinguish between benign and clinically significant imaging changes, improve diagnostic accuracy, enable personalized therapeutic strategies, and mitigate disease progression.

Required Skills
1) Basic programming experience (more is advantageous): R, Python, or similar
2) A demonstrated interest in genetics or neuroimaging

Skills gained
1) You will gain transferable research skills in data handling and advanced computational methods (machine learning models such as logistic regression, random forest, adaptive boosting).
2) Radiogenomics is a growing field aligned with the future of precision medicine and biomedical careers.
3) My summer projects frequently result in co-authorship on peer-reviewed journal publications, providing students a valuable opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific research

Timeline
All necessary data are readily available (500,000 individuals, including thousands of environmental, physical, and biological parameters), allowing analysis to commence immediately.

Project 

The global prevalence of hypertension and diabetes continues to soar, posing significant public health challenges. Both conditions are linked to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity, partly attributed to dysfunction of the carotid body (CB) – a peripheral chemoreceptor traditionally recognised for sensing drops in blood oxygen and increases in carbon dioxide levels, thereby initiating powerful sympathetic responses to maintain homeostasis. In disease, however, the CB becomes overactive, leading to excessive sympathetic activity that exacerbates elevations in blood pressure and glucose levels, further complicating disease progression.

We recently identified that the chemosensory glomus cells from the CB can detect and respond to changes in blood sugar via mechanosensitive channels. This discovery holds significant therapeutic promise, as it suggests the potential to selectively target glucose-mediated pathways within the CB without disrupting its other vital functions such as monitoring oxygen. However, modulators of mechanosensitive channels (MSC) are either limited or have poor specificity.

The role

In this summer project, we will use a variety of techniques including cell dissociation, live-cell imaging and immunofluorescence to identify modulators of MSC in glomus cells from the CB. All techniques are well-established in our lab. All facilities are also readily available.

Project 

With a 5-year survival rate of <10%, pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest of all cancers. There is a desperate need for new treatments that can selectively target the primary pancreatic tumour and be used in conjunction with other therapies when the cancer has spread.

All cells, including cancer cells, have molecular pumps that transport essential nutrients, such as amino acids that are required for normal cellular function. Our project aims to attach an amino acid recognised by these pumps to clinical anticancer drugs, disguising them so that they are transported more readily into the cell. Once inside, the drugs are designed to be released to kill the cancer cell. We will use a specific pump present in high abundance on pancreatic cells to deliver anticancer drugs selectively to the pancreas. We are aiming to discover a novel, safe, and effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.

The role

We have prepared a small series of anticancer agents that are connected to amino acids recognised by cellular transporters. In this project, the student will characterise these novel molecules by measuring their ability to kill pancreatic cancer cells and by demonstrating inhibition of cellular growth and survival pathways.

Skills gained
Cell culture
Cytotoxicity assays
Western blotting

Project 

Central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is the presence of disease specific aggregation of proteins, such as beta-amyloid and tau in Alzheimer's disease and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. The University of Auckland Biomedical Imaging Research Unit has recently acquired a PhaseView Light Sheet microscope, which allows staining and imaging of proteins of interest in intact tissue sections, rather than sectioning and reconstructing tissue blocks.

The role
The project will involve staining for disease specific aggregates in human brain tissue from the Neurological Foundation New Zealand Human Brain Bank, and imaging these samples on this light sheet microscope. The student will gain experience in immunohistochemistry, tissue clearing and light sheet imaging techniques, as well as some data handling and writing.

This project has the potential to develop into a Biomedical Science Honours project if the candidate is interested in further research in 2026.

Project 

Genes encoding the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are tumour suppressors and are frequently mutated in inherited forms of paragangliomas, a rare type of neuroendocrine cancer. Patients that inherit pathogenic variants in the SDHB subunit suffer from a more aggressive disease that often becomes metastatic. In New Zealand, Māori present more often than other ethnicities with these variants. Due to limited treatment options available for this patient group, our research aims to identify strategies to selectively target SDHB-deficient tumours.

The role

Recently, we have developed a series of cell lines that express either WT SDHB or mutant SDHB. These models will be used to test a small series of experimental therapies that have been designed to exploit the vulnerabilities associated with SDHB deficiency.

Ideal student

This project will suit a student interested in cancer biology and drug testing. It will involve cell culture assays and western blotting.

Project 

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive, genetically diverse type of blood cancer and the most common form of acute leukaemia in adults. Despite overall progress in AML studies, the standard treatments have not significantly improved over the past four decades, resulting in poor outcomes for patients. Therefore, it is crucial to explore new treatment strategies. One approach we are taking is to repurpose existing FDA-approved drugs, which can save time and resources compared to developing new drugs from scratch.

The role

In this project, we will be using a zebrafish model of leukaemia driven by a specific oncogene called MLL/AF9 to screen a collection of FDA-approved drugs and identify potential candidates that can reverse the disease's effects.

Skills gained

The student will have the opportunity to learn about zebrafish handling, fluorescent microscopy, drug testing on zebrafish embryos, flow cytometry, and cell sorting.

Project 

Our team develops ‘digital twin’ models of pregnancy to better predict at-risk babies. Male and female fetuses exhibit different growth strategies, with females prioritising placental reserve capacity, while males prioritise fetal growth. This is a risky strategy for males, making them more vulnerable to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The role

This studentship will contribute to wider work using our digital twins to better link sex-specific differences in placental anatomy to clinical ultrasound measures of placental/fetal health, so we can improve personalised sex-specific approaches to detect at-risk babies early, and improve their outcomes.

Successful model development is dependent on accurate anatomical ‘inputs’. However, sex-specific differences in placental vascular structure/function and in normal and abnormal pregnancies are poorly understood.

We have established a high-resolution 3D imaging pipeline using light-sheet microscopy to visualise the placental villous trees and vasculature. The student will work with image stacks to segment placental blood vessels using a combination of thresholding and semi-automatic/manual segmentation tools (Imaris, Python, ITK-SNAP). This data will enable quantitative analyses of complex 3D structure vital to inform computational models.

Ideal student

This project suits students with interests in imaging, anatomy, or reproductive biology. Prior experience with image analysis software is helpful but not required, as training will be provided.

Project 

In looking towards stem cell therapies as regenerative treatments for corneal disease, we need to understand how the implanted stem cells interact with the dystrophic cells of the host tissue.

Do the stem cells simply replace the host tissue cells because the host cells are too damaged to be rescued or can the implanted cells form an endothelium or keratocyte syncitium together with the host cells?

If the latter is true, then what part do the host cells play in directing the differentiation of the implanted cells towards the host cell phenotype?

The role

This project will use live cell time-lapse imaging, digital droplet PCR and immunohistochemical techniques.

Project 

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of the largest and fastest growing health issues within New Zealand and is closely linked with the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Research from our laboratory has demonstrated a deficit in mitochondrial energy production in atrial tissue from diabetic hearts.

Diabetic patients are often prescribed statins to lower their risk of developing heart disease. While statins are an important preventative medicine for heart disease, their mechanism of action leads to a decrease in circulating coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is vital for mitochondrial energy production, particularly in the heart which relies on mitochondria for 95% of its energy.

The role

A potential side-effect of long-term statin use is a decrease in CoQ10 in the heart which could contribute to impaired energy supply. Both T2D and statin use independently decrease plasma CoQ10 levels in clinical studies, however, it is not known if tissue levels of CoQ10 in the human diabetic heart are also affected.

This project will utilise stored human heart samples from diabetic and non-diabetic patients to quantify the levels of CoQ10 and mitochondrial protein using high-performance liquid chromatography and protein assays.

Skills gained

• Mitochondrial isolation
• High-performance liquid chromatography
• Data analysis
• Scientific writing
  

Project 

Clozapine is a highly effective medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it is associated with a high risk of life-threatening cardiac toxicities such as myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. A known risk factor is the concomitant administration of sodium valproate, a mood stabiliser and anticonvulsant that is often used as an adjunct medication for schizophrenia.

We have previously investigated the role of clozapine metabolism in patients initiating clozapine and have identified that CYP-catalysed metabolism of clozapine can result in the formation of chemically-reactive nitrenium ions and reactive oxygen species that may initiate tissue damage.

The role

This summer project aims to investigate the impact of sodium valproate on reactive species generation associated with the metabolism of clozapine and clozapine-N-oxide. It will involve the use of well-established techniques to quantify reactive species in vitro, using recombinant CYP isoforms and cultured cardiomyocytes.

Project 

The lymphatic vasculature is essential for fluid homeostasis in the body. When lymphatic vessels are obstructed or damaged, this results in lymphoedema, the painful and debilitating accumulation of lymph in tissues. Secondary lymphoedema is one of the most significant survivorship issues following surgical and/or radiological treatment for tumours. It is caused by incomplete lymphatic growth following lymph node removal.

The role

Almost nothing is known about how lymphatic growth is regulated. To help further our knowledge of this process, we have isolated mutant zebrafish that display either undergrowth or overgrowth of lymphatic vessels. This project will help characterise these lymphatic mutants to uncover the genetics that control lymphatic vessel growth.

Experiments could involve:

1. Imaging lymphatic vessel growth in mutant fish.
2. Mapping genetic mutants to find causative mutations.
3. Experiments focused on the validation of candidate mutations i.e. CRISPR/Cas9, gene knockdowns, gene over-expression.
   

Skills gained

• Model organism genetics
• Live cell imaging
• Zebrafish husbandry
  

References
Britto DD, He J, Misa JP, Chen W, Kakadia PM, Grimm L, Herbert CD, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Bohlander SK, Hogan BM, Hall CJ, Torres-Vázquez J, Astin JW. Plexin D1 negatively regulates zebrafish lymphatic development. Development. 2022 Nov 1;149(21):dev200560. doi: 10.1242/dev.200560.

Eng TC, Chen W, Okuda KS, Misa JP, Padberg Y, Crosier KE, Crosier PS, Hall CJ, Schulte-Merker S, Hogan BM, Astin JW. Zebrafish facial lymphatics develop through sequential addition of venous and non-venous progenitors. EMBO Rep. 2019 May;20(5):e47079. doi: 10.15252/embr.201847079.

Project 

Robust circadian rhythms are essential to the health of all living organisms, and the breakdown of these rhythms can predict disease or even death. Honey bees are no exception. Their entire colony structure is governed by the circadian clock.

We are using a sensor system that allows us to non-invasively monitor the behaviour of bees inside a closed hive. By pairing this behavioural data with environmental sensors, we can track how bees regulate their internal environment and how this regulation is affected by external disturbances.

This project focuses on understanding daily rhythms of temperature and carbon dioxide (CO₂) inside the hive. You will collect and analyse high-resolution data to establish:
(1) Baseline rhythms in temperature/ CO₂
(2) How rhythms change following controlled disturbances and
(3) How changes may be used to predict upcoming colony events

Note: Students must be comfortable working with bees

Project 

Robust circadian rhythms are essential to the health of all living organisms, and the breakdown of these rhythms can predict disease or even death. Honey bees are no exception. Their entire colony structure is governed by the circadian clock.

Our understanding of how the honey bee clock functions remains limited – largely because direct observation requires opening the hive which disrupts behaviour. We have developed a novel high-resolution electrostatic field (ESF) sensor system (BeeSpy) that allows us to non-invasively monitor bee behaviour inside closed hives.

The role

This project will focus on validating ESF signals of waggle dancing bees against video footage recorded from observation hives. The student will collect and analyse concurrent video and ESF recordings of waggle dances and use AI-based systems to identify characteristic ESF signatures. These signatures will then be used to identify waggle dances in undisturbed hives.

Note: The student must be comfortable working with bees

Project 

We use electrostatic field sensors that allow us to non-invasively monitor the behaviour of bees inside a closed hive. By pairing this behavioural data with environmental sensors, we can track how bees regulate their internal environment and how this regulation is affected by external disturbances.

The role

This project will develop the next generation of sensor equipment.
The student will be designing circuits, building them, and testing the designs.
If successful, they will be deployed into hives to record bee activity.

Skills required

Students must be comfortable with electronics; preferably with soldering and design experience.

Project 

Heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. In diabetes, cardiac complications are evident even in the absence of vascular abnormalities and represent a primary manifestation of the disease. Understanding the mechanisms of cardiac pathology in diabetes is important for the development of new targeted treatment therapies.

The role

Preliminary evidence suggests that the disturbed balance of systemic glucose, fructose and insulin levels in diabetes modifies key signaling pathways involved in cardiac pathology. This project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying heart dysfunction in diabetes.

Project

Hypoxia ischemia before and around the time of preterm birth is a leading cause of lifelong disabilities. We are currently investigating the use of Etanercept, a strong TNF-a blockader, as a potential treatment strategy for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury using a translatable large animal model.

The role

We have previously demonstrated marked protection in white matter regions; however, a thorough histological analysis is needed to ascertain whether there is also cortical protection.

Skills gained
Using already prepared samples, the student will gain experience in light microscopy, data handling and statistical analysis.

Project

Oxygen deprivation around the time of birth can lead to brain injury in infants, known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Currently, the only approved treatment is therapeutic hypothermia (mild cooling), which significantly improves the rate of death and disability in infants with HIE in high-income countries.

However, a large randomised controlled trial in low-to-middle income countries showed that hypothermia was not effective, and worryingly, hypothermia increased the rate of death in cooled infants. In part, this could be due to babies from low-to-middle income countries having been exposed to prolonged hypoxia-ischemia before birth and/or during labour, as opposed to acute hypoxia-ischemia at the time of birth.

The role

The aim of this project is to compare brain damage as a result of acute hypoxia-ischemia in term equivalent sheep fetuses that have been exposed to spontaneous prolonged hypoxia, versus those with normal oxygenation. This research may help us to better understand how brain injury occurs in fetuses exposed to prolonged hypoxia in utero and how best to treat them.

Skills gained

• Immunohistochemistry
• Microscopy
• Cell counting
• Image analysis
• Statistical analysis
• Figure preparation for publication
  
  There are also potential honours projects available in our lab group.

Project

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognised as a condition that affects not only the brain but also the brain border tissues. Recent evidence suggests that a-synuclein aggregates—proteins central to PD pathology—accumulate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and at the meninges.

The role

This project will examine whether such accumulation disrupts meningeal lymphatic waste clearance and drives inflammation via activation of the innate immune system. The student will undertake research exploring whether targeting macrophage-driven inflammation can help restore brain clearance pathways.

Ideal student

This project will suit students interested in neuroimmunology, CNS clearance mechanisms, and neurodegenerative disease. It will provide a strong foundation for further research, including potential Honours or Masters projects.

Skills gained

• In vitro cell culture
• Immunocytochemistry
• Immunohistochemistry
• Microscopy
• Image analysis
• Statistical analysis
  

Project

This project aims to analyse the human ocular lens using multi-contrast MRI data (T1- and T2-weighted), focusing on age-related and physiological changes in accommodation, presbyopia, and myopia. Building on an existing AI-based segmentation pipeline, the student will help validate automated outputs and extract radiomics features – quantitative descriptors of shape, texture, and intensity – from segmented ocular structures.

The role

The project includes three key tasks:

(1) Working with pre-processed MRI data to validate and interpret AI-generated segmentations

(2) Performing radiomics analysis using open-source tools

(3) Comparing extracted features across clinical scenarios. If time permits, the project will explore integrating these results into optical or biomechanical simulations of lens function.

Ideal student

No prior experience in AI or programming is required, but the student should be motivated to learn image analysis tools (e.g., 3D Slicer, Python-based packages) and engage with interdisciplinary research. Full training and supervision will be provided. This project is ideal for students interested in medical imaging, ophthalmology, biomedical engineering, or vision science.

Project

Fatty pancreas is the most common disorder of the pancreas. There has been a fundamental shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of fatty pancreas over the past quinquennium. The overall aim of this project is to provide deeper insights in relation to the metabolic pathways underlying fatty pancreas.

The role

Depending on the learning goals of the successful candidate, the project will involve a quantitative analysis of the existing clinical and laboratory data or else a meta-analysis of published studies. Either way, it is expected that results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The project is part of a larger research theme of the COSMOS (Clinical and epidemiOlogical inveStigations in Metabolism, nutritiOn, and pancreatitic diseaseS) group. The group offers a vibrant research environment, comprehensive research training, and clinical research experience.

Project

Fatty pancreas is the most common disorder of the pancreas. There has been a fundamental shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of fatty pancreas over the past quinquennium. The overall aim of this project is to provide deeper insights in relation to the metabolic pathways underlying fatty pancreas.

The role

Depending on the learning goals of the successful candidate, the project will involve a quantitative analysis of the existing clinical and laboratory data or else a meta-analysis of published studies. Either way, it is expected that results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

The project is part of a larger research theme of the COSMOS (Clinical and epidemiOlogical inveStigations in Metabolism, nutritiOn, and pancreatitic diseaseS) group. The group offers a vibrant research environment, comprehensive research training, and clinical research experience.

Project

At the time of birth, infants may be exposed to reduced oxygen and blood supply (ischemia), which can lead to death or severe brain damage. This can result in life-long disability, such as cerebral palsy. The only approved treatment for these infants in therapeutic hypothermia, or brain cooling. However, this doesn’t help all infants and many will still develop brain injury and disability. Therefore, we are looking to develop additional treatment strategies to further reduce brain injury in babies exposed to ischemia at birth.

The role

We have investigated a promising potential new treatment strategy called Exendin-4 in term-equivalent fetal sheep exposed to severe ischemia. During this summer internship, the successful applicant will investigate brain injury after ischemia and whether exendin-4 can reduce this brain damage and inflammation.

This research will provide valuable insight into potential new treatment strategies to prevent brain injury after ischemia. Techniques undertaken will include histology, light microscopy and data analysis and will all be taught to the student.

Requirements

This scholarship is funded through a Health Research Council grant and is specifically for a Māori student with a background in science, medicine or population health or other similar fields.

Project

Repeated head impacts in contact sport can lead to a progressive neurodegenerative disorder called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE pathology involves the accumulation of tau protein as neurofibrillary tangles within neurons and astrocytes that surround blood vessels in the cortical sulci.

The role

Our lab previously defined signatures of tau labelling that identified different populations of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease. In this project, we will investigate whether these tangle populations also exist in CTE or whether CTE tangles have a distinct pattern of tau composition. The results will provide new insights into the pathological signature and mechanisms of neurodegeneration in CTE.

Skills gained

The student selected for this project will learn how to perform multiplexed immunohistochemistry, microscopy and image analysis on human brain tissue. They will conduct image analysis using data already obtained by our lab and perform additional multiplex labelling on new tissue sections as required.

Project

Repeated head impacts in contact sport can lead to a progressive neurodegenerative disorder called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE pathology involves the accumulation of toxic clumps of tau protein within neurons and astrocytes that surround blood vessels in the cortical sulci. However, it is also common to observe tau tangles within astrocytes at the subpial border of the sulcus in CTE, a pattern of pathology known as age-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG).

ARTAG is classically considered to be related to normal aging and not a pathology associated with neurodegeneration, yet the frequent appearance of ARTAG alongside CTE in young individuals potentially challenges this assumption.

The role

In this project we will investigate whether the ARTAG seen in CTE differs from that seen in neurologically normal aged brains by examining different markers of tau pathology. The results will provide new insights into the pathological signature and mechanisms of neurodegeneration in CTE.

Skills gained

The student selected for this project will learn how to perform multiplexed immunohistochemistry, microscopy and image analysis on human brain tissue. They will conduct image analysis using data already obtained by our lab and perform additional multiplex labelling on new tissue sections as required.

Project

Cardiovascular disease affects over 30% of people worldwide, and is a leading cause of death. Sympathetic nerve overactivity is pro-arrhythmic and a key contributor to left ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. Our recent findings show exciting potential for a novel treatment, inhibition of P2X3 purinergic receptors, as an anti-arrhythmic in male rats.

The role

We now wish to investigate:

1) Whether P2X3 inhibition is effective chronically in vivo

2) How P2X3 receptor inhibition impacts cardiac electrical conduction

3) Whether this approach is equally, or even more effective in female rats, given that P2X3 is inhibited by estrogen, and therefore may be directly involved in increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmia across the menstrual cycle and in post-menopausal women

4) Whether P2X3 receptor expression in human stellate ganglia correlates with cardiovascular disease

Skills gained

There are opportunities to contribute to this research through molecular characterisation of P2X3 purinergic receptors in the stellate ganglion using immunoflouresence, and qRT-PCR, and analysis of functional cardiac responses (haemodynamic, electrical and pro-arrhythmic).

Project

Cardiovascular disease in women remains under-diagnosed and under-treated, and in up to 69% of cases the first symptom recorded for women is sudden cardiac death. Some common anti-arrhythmic medications actually increase the risk dangerous cardiac arrhythmias in women. A wide range of cardiovascular diseases that are more common in women have been linked to dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, including cardiac arrhythmias, postural orthostatic hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, and fainting, as well as myriad additional (patho)physiologies including perimenopausal symptoms and depression. Increasing evidence suggests women’s hearts and autonomic nervous system function is different to men’s, but direct data is extremely limited.

The role

We are investigating sex differences in sympathetic neural regulation of the heart – to answer fundamental questions such as:

• Is cardiac-specific sympathetic nerve activity and/or responsiveness different in females?
• Is cardiac electrical conduction and/or responsiveness different in females?
• Do cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and cardiac electrical conduction vary across the female hormonal cycle?
• Are there sex differences in human stellate ganglion receptor expression that may underly differences and contribute to disease?
  

Project

Aim

To conduct laboratory-based experiments and analysis to compare the otic capsule, surrounding our inner ear organ in animal models.

About the project

Our peripheral organ for hearing, the cochlea, is deeply embedded in the temporal bone of the skull, making its access very difficult. We are interested in developing an intratympanic medical device to access the cochlea through the ear canal. In order to do this, we need to understand the anatomical constraints associated with the intratympanic approach and how it differs between different animal models and humans.

The role

This summer studentship project will focus on the otic bone surrounding the cochlea, and characterise its microanatomy.

The student will be trained to conduct lab-based work in the Department of Physiology to prepare tissue samples from animal models and study and use microscopy techniques. The successful applicant will have strong interests in biology/physiology and in learning laboratory skills.

Skills gained

Understanding of the Anatomy of the cochlea, animal cochlear tissue Experience in dissection Immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy, image processing, report writing, and literature search

Project

Aim

To conduct laboratory-based experiments and data analysis to visualise and characterise the cochlear aqueduct in animal models using microscopy techniques.

About the project

Our peripheral organ for hearing, the cochlea, is deeply embedded in the temporal bone of the skull and filled with perilymph and endolymph. There is a structure called “cochlear aqueduct” which connects the inner ear perilymph with the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain; interestingly, the cochlear aqueducts in humans are very small and show significant variability with age. In comparison, the cochlear aqueduct is relatively large in small animal models.

The role

This summer studentship project will explore the use of tissue analysis and data analysis to understand the anatomy of the cochlear aqueduct in the sheep cochlea.

Skills gained

The successful applicant will be trained to conduct lab-based work in the Department of Physiology to prepare tissue samples and to use microscopy techniques. The student will also work with the microCT dataset provided from the laboratory to conduct 3D analysis.

They will develop understanding of the anatomy of the cochlea and skills in animal cochlear tissue dissection, fluorescent microscopy, image processing, report writing, and literature search.

Ideal candidate

The successful applicant will have strong interests in biology, physiology and in learning laboratory skills.

Project

This project aims to develop an ex vivo model of dermal penetration and dermal irritation in collaboration with Professor Cornelia Keck, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany. With the recent approval of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 (signed by President Biden in 2022), which encourages alternatives to animal testing, development of such an ex vivo model is very timely and will support the development of more ethical and economical alternatives to animal testing.

Methods
Penetration studies will be performed on sheep udders using a model dye. The udder skin has sebaceous glands, and a thickness and texture comparable to the skin on the back of human hand. Freshly excised udders will be exposed to the test solutions for a designated period of time. After the timepoint, the skin will be fixed and sectioned and observed under a fluorescence microscope to semi-quantitatively evaluate drug penetration and distribution kinetics.

Techniques learnt

Ex vivo model development, tissue sectioning (cryostat), fluorescence microscopy, analytical software use

Project

Chronic wounds are non-healing wounds in which the physiological healing process is impaired. This is one of the most common global diseases with significant social impact, morbidity, amputation and mortality. In New Zealand, the Māori people bear a disproportionately high burden of this disease, with morbidity being highest in indigenous Māori. Its continued ubiquitous status indicates a lack of disease modifying therapies, thus necessitating the development and clinical translation of new therapeutics for more efficient management of chronic wounds.

The role

Gelatin is a biocompatible and non-immunogenic biomaterial that has previously been used in wound dressings with promising results. Therefore, in this proposal, we aim to develop gelatin hydrogel-based drug-eluting wound dressings.

This summer research project aims to:
1. Evaluate the effect of different pharmaceutical excipients on mechanical properties of the gelatin wound dressings
2. Evaluate drug release from gelatin films in vitro and ex vivo

Project

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 20% of children worldwide. Current topical treatments, such as creams and ointments, are often poorly tolerated by young children due to their greasy texture, difficulty of application, and the discomfort that rubbing/chaffing may cause on inflamed skin. A child-friendly, non-invasive, and effective delivery system that enhances compliance and therapeutic outcomes has the potential to manage childhood eczema more efficiently.

The role

Therefore, this project aims to develop a novel preservative-free sprayable gel formulation for the treatment of eczema in pediatric populations for the delivery of natural and synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. The formulation will be sprayed as a fine mist that evenly coats affected skin without physical contact and gels on contact with the skin for sustained drug delivery and skin hydration.

This project will involve formulation optimization (rheological characterization and drug loading), in vitro drug release and skin penetration studies.

Project

Stroke is a devastating disease with limited acute therapeutic options to improve outcomes. Recent findings in animals have shown that increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability can selectively improve blood flow to ischaemic brain regions, thereby improving functional recovery and reducing stroke infarct volume.

Nebulized sodium nitrite is an effective means of increasing NO bioavailability in humans and has been shown to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. However, its effects on the cerebrovasculature have not been examined in humans.

The role

Using a multi-model research approach, the student will examine the effects of nebulized sodium nitrite on cerebral haemodynamics. Findings from this study may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for impoving patient outcome following stroke.

Skills gained

During this studentship, the successful applicant will learn how to perform integrative physiological research and duplex Doppler imaging.

ideal student

The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate a keen interest in human physiology and an aptitude for translational research.

Project

Diabetes has been associated with impaired brain function and increased risk of dementia. High blood sugar levels have been shown to reduce brain blood flow and damage blood vessels inside the brain. However, the relationship between blood glucose concentration and brain blood flow control is not completely understood.

The role

Combining the use of Duplex and Transcranial Doppler ultrasound imaging, this project will elucidate the effects of acute glucose ingestion on brain blood flow control in humans. Findings from this study will improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration associated with diabetes.

Skills gained

During this studentship, the successful applicant will learn how to perform integrative physiological research and duplex Doppler imaging.

Ideal student

The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate a keen interest in human physiology and an aptitude for translational research.

Project

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common condition affecting 1 in 10 people globally and involves persistent inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Standard treatments like nasal corticosteroids often fail to fully control symptoms. Ongoing research from our lab has shown promising effects of newer anti-inflammatory drugs – such as tofacitinib (a JAK inhibitor) and tonabersat (a connexin blocker) – on sinonasal tissue. This project explores how these drugs compare to traditional corticosteroids in reducing inflammation in nasal tissue.

The role
You’ll work with pre-prepared nasal tissue sections, performing immunohistochemistry staining, imaging slides using confocal microscopy, and analysing cytokine expression patterns. You’ll be closely supervised and supported by experienced researchers and clinicians.

Skills gained
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, including tissue staining, microscopy, image analysis, and scientific presentation. You’ll also have the opportunity to present your findings in academic forums and contribute to a broader effort to improve CRS treatment.

Ideal student
Ideal for a student interested in clinical research or immunology, who is curious, motivated and eager to learn lab techniques in a supportive environment.

Project

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains a poorly understood serious chronic disorder, with an increasing incidence worldwide but currently without a cure. It can manifest from early childhood, with sustained hyperglycaemia. Despite suppressing elevated blood glucose with daily exogenous insulin, long-term secondary complications affecting major organ systems remain concerning. Our studies in rare pancreatic samples from newly-diagnosed and long-term diabetic cases demonstrate persistence of residual beta cells in many subjects but with an insufficient insulin output for maintaining normoglycaemia.

During the prediabetic phase and following clinical onset, beta cells may manifest oxidant-induced damage resulting in the production of aberrant proteins. Peptides processed from such proteins may trigger, invite and amplify autoimmune destruction.

Elevated glucose can up-regulate beta cell thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), which then binds to locally produced thioredoxin. Such binding can inhibit thioredoxin’s intrinsic ability to clear elevated oxidants, avert stress and maintain mitochondrial function in beta cells.

The role

Here, we will test the novel hypothesis that human beta cells from donors with T1D and before onset express raised levels of TXNIP. If proven, this study may assist in developing beta cell-specific pharmacological ploys aimed at suppressing TXNIP in subjects with T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Skills gained

Pathology of diabetes, beta cell biology, multiplex immunohistochemistry, ImageJ, microscopy, immunology, image acquisition, Photoshop

Project

The carotid bodies (CBs) are the sensors of blood oxygen. They are located at the bifurcation of the common carotid arteries (see Figure). They connect directly to the brainstem and trigger powerful increases in breathing, blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity to ensure oxygen delivery to tissues. In disease, the CBs generate unexplained hyperactivity that we have shown causes high blood pressure (hypertension).

The role
The student will investigate how different neurotransmitters from the sympathetic nervous system may cause CB hyperactivity in hypertension.

In hypertension, an increased sympathetic input to the carotid bodies increases CB excitability. Thus, this project will determine which sympathetic neurotransmitters (e.g. noradrenaline, adrenaline) and adrenoceptors cause CB hyperactivity in hypertension. This may reveal novel drugs to treat hypertension.

Skills gained

The student will have hands-on experience of electrophysiological recordings made from the CBs afferent nerves in vitro. Data may contribute to a publication in an international journal.

Project

The heart is innervated by the autonomic nervous system. Parasympathetic (vagal) nerves innervate all regions of the heart, including the atria, ventricles, and coronary vasculature. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is currently under investigation in clinical trials as a novel therapeutic approach for heart failure. However, outcomes have been mixed. The mixed results are likely due to the use of non-specific electrode designs and generalised stimulation protocols.

The role

This project will aim to achieve outcome-specific stimulation using custom electrodes on the cardiac vagal branch to achieve specific changes in cardiac function – ie changes in heart rate, contractility or coronary artery blood flow.

Our lab uses large animal models, mainly sheep, to study heart disease. These models support preclinical research that closely reflects human conditions.

Skills gained

The student will gain hands-on experience with in vivo studies in anaesthetised animals and learn how neural reflexes control the heart.

Skills that will be taught and mentored through this studentship include:
- Literature review writing skills
- Integrative physiology
- Neural stimulation and/or recording
- Surgical skills (assisting)
- Analysis of data
- Oral presentation skills

Honours and MSc projects are available within our lab group.

Project

Antimicrobial resistance is a global and local threat with 50,000 annual deaths predicted in Oceania by 2050. Overuse of antibiotics in conditions where they aren't effective such as chronic rhinosinusitis is one factor that drives global antibiotic resistance.

In many of these chronic infections antibiotics aren't effective due to the presence of biofilms. Our research group have developed a range of antimicrobial compounds such as Polymyxin B analogues and Quaternary ammonium compounds. Preliminary findings show these compounds have high efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and biofilms.

The role

While these findings are encouraging, the next step is to investigate the likelihood of these compounds inducing resistance in bacteria compared to standard antibiotics.

In this project you will assess resistance development in common human pathogens with the novel antimicrobials.

Skills gained

Techniques will include microbiology in a PC2 lab, growth of clinically relevant bacterial strains, eradication assays and droplet digital ddPCR.

If interested, please email your CV and academic transcript, and meet us for a chat about the project.

Project

At FMHS we have a system that creates photorealistic 3D digital images of human organs to enable students to have an interactive learning experience. The 3D images are hosted in image libraries that can be accessed online.

The role

You will capture a sequence of high-resolution images from cadaveric organs using an automatically rotating turntable, and high-resolution DSLR camera. You will compare different software to label 3D images with pathology features to enhance the teaching value of the images. You will survey staff and students to evaluate the perceived value of this resource to support online and blended learning of anatomy and pathology.

Methods and skills required

The technique is 3D photogrammetry. Watch a video demonstration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpIGAIQZ0ek). You will be interested in photography and imaging editing software, be proactive in problem-solving, and comfortable handling human organs and tissues.

Research impact

You will help build the FMHS online 3D image library to support innovative teaching and learning methods. You will evaluate set up, software and user feedback. Effective teaching resources create engaging and accessible learning for all students.

Skills gained

3D photogrammetry, image curating, human anatomy and pathology.

Project

Since 2022, we at FMHS have been building a library of photorealistic 3D digital images of human organs. This educational resource will enable teachers to create and for students to have interactive online and blended learning experiences in anatomy and pathology. But this resource has not yet been evaluated from the perspective of the users.

The role

To evaluate the 3D image library with FMHS students and teaching staff, pathology registrars and clinicians, including pathologists and surgeons. We need user feedback on the model, including quality and accuracy, educational value, usability and accessibility and barriers.

Methods and skills required

You will create, distribute and analyse ethics-approved surveys and interviews. You will also work with another student to create more 3D images for our library. You will need to be proactive in problem-solving and comfortable handling human organs and tissues.

Research impact

You will help expand and improve the quality of the FMHS online 3D image library to support innovative teaching and learning. This has particular relevance in the current resource-constrained environment. It also improves access to all health professions students, including those who don’t have access to the cadavers.

Skills gained

Teamwork, survey implementation, data analysis, 3D photogrammetry, human anatomy and pathology

Project

Prematurely born babies face a significant risk of lifelong challenges – such as learning difficulties, lower IQ and behavioural issues – due to brain injury and impaired development. One major cause of this is low oxygen levels in the womb or during birth.

The role

We are examining if a commonly used drug (Exenatide), given days after a period of low oxygen, can help reduce inflammation and repair the preterm brain in a large animal translational model. This summer internship project will investigate if exenatide treatment improves recovery of brain activity and reduces histologically assessed brain injury after hypoxia-ischemia. If successful, this research could pave the way for future studies that might reduce disabilities and improve outcomes for preterm infants.

Skills gained

During this internship, the successful applicant will be taught neurophysiology (EEG) analysis, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, image analysis, cell quantification, and data analysis.

Project

Evolution has produced a myriad of adaptations allowing animals to thrive in extreme conditions such as in hypoxia. These changes range from the generation of endogenous carbon monoxide to down-regulate mitochondrial oxygen requirements during hypoxic dives, to haemoglobin mutations, novel tissue oxygen storage methods and localised cooling.

Some of these mechanisms are already being applied clinically to improve human health, such as the use of carbon monoxide (usually considered a poison) and cooling in organ transplantation and stroke. These reduce immediate oxygen requirements and this prevents acute cell death.

We are only just starting to tap the huge potential of this scientific resource. By using evolved mechanisms "perfected" by millions of years of evolution we will provide a shortcut to designing protective mechanisms that can be relatively easily adapted for human health.

The role

The summer project will involve the processing of imaging data from one of these hypoxia-tolerant species (possibly dolphin brain MRI)

Skills required

Attention to detail. Inquisitive mind

Skills gained

Neuroanatomy

3D image data processing and segmentation

If progress is good, manuscript preparation for publication

Project

This project will parallel our planned creation of a 3D atlas using AI segmentation and digital reconstruction from fine-cut plastinated cadaver slices.

The role

However, in this arm of the project, the dataset will be high-resolution MRI scans (7T)and thin-slice CT scans. Our aim is to produce an exceptionally detailed 3-D atlas of the head and neck region suitable for students, anatomists, surgeons, and radiologists.

We believe this project will revolutionise how anatomy is visualised and taught.

You will work with a team of surgeons, anatomists and biomechanical engineers.

Ideal student

This project is ideally suited to students interested in image processing software and anatomy.

Project

Our immune system has an amazing ability to seek out and destroy tumour cells. But tumours have learnt how to escape destruction and form the deadly disease we know. Most cancers overexpress saboteur genes that stimulate production of tryptophan metabolites to paralyse cancer-killing immune cells and undermine curative immunotherapies.

The role

We are hunting down the protein, RNA and metabolite products of these saboteur genes, identifying their regulatory networks and developing therapeutic strategies to shut them down. Ultimately, we aim to apply these strategies to sensitise patients to immunotherapy, or enable early detection or prevention of cancer, and improve cancer outcomes.

I look forward to talking to anyone keen to explore this fascinating area blending genomics, proteomics, gene editing, metabolism, chemical and molecular biology.