Senior Research Fellow
Email stephanie.bozonet@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 364 1559
Research interests
Dr Stephanie Bozonet graduated from Newcastle University in the UK with an honours degree in medical microbiology, followed by a PhD in redox cell biology and signalling. After postdoctoral work in Newcastle she moved to New Zealand, joining the Mātai Hāora – Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine in 2008.
In addition to academia, Dr Bozonet has also worked in the brewing and pharmaceutical industries, gaining expertise in microbiology, cell and molecular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, protein expression and analysis, enzyme kinetics, neutrophil function and HPLC.
Her research interests lie in the field of redox biology and the effects of oxidants on cell systems. She has been involved in several studies into the bioavailability of ascorbate (vitamin C), an essential enzyme co-factor as well as an important biological antioxidant, and its role in the immune system. Her current focus is the role of oxidants in innate immunity, and their contribution to inflammation and disease. Immune cells such as neutrophils produce oxidants to fight infection but they can also damage host cells and tissues. Dr Bozonet's is currently characterising the effects of oxidants on the regulation of cell death pathways.
Dr Bozonet has co-supervised three PhD students, she is the biological compliance officer for the centre and is a university health & safety worker representative.