Professor Peter Mace
Associate Dean (Research)
Professor Peter Mace leads a research group who aim to understand cellular signalling proteins. His work involves determining the precise shapes and structures of proteins through techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. By elucidating the exact atomic arrangements within proteins, Peter provides insights into the functions of those proteins within cellular systems, with implications for drug design and development, particularly in the areas of cancer and inflammatory disease.
Peter’s research has attracted grants from the Health Research Council, MBIE Endeavour Fund, and the Marsden Fund, as well as the University’s Early Career Award for Distinction in Research, the Rowheath Trust Award, the Carl Smith Medal, and the ThermoFisher Scientific™ Award. He is currently President of the New Zealand Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and previously served as Associate Dean (Research) for the School of Biomedical Sciences.
Contact
Professor Peter Mace
Associate Dean (Research)
Email adresearch.hs@otago.ac.nz
Dr Manon Knapen
Scientific Officer – Research and Development
Manon came to Otago to do a PhD in Science Communication, looking at the importance of evidence in people's health decision making. After finishing her PhD she worked as a researcher for the Science for Technological Innovation ( SfTI ) National Challenge before joining Research and Enterprise as a Research Adviser.
Manon's role is to assist the Division's Associate Dean Research. This includes development of strategy, responses to government initiatives, managing the Summer Research Scholarship Programme, the PhD Travel Fund, and supporting the organisation of the annual Forum.
Contact
Dr Manon Knapen
Scientific Officer – Research and Development
Email manon.knapen@otago.ac.nz
Dr Howard Maxwell
Scientific Officer – Māori Health Advancement
Howard is from Ōpōtiki and has recently completed his PhD in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, which focused on the regulation of bacterial CRISPR-Cas systems. He is now the Scientific Officer for Māori Health Advancement in the Division of Health Sciences. He sees research as a powerful tool to create real change for Māori communities. His role is to assist academics within the Division to develop their research in a manner that is responsive to Māori aspirations, and meets the expectations of Vision Mātauranga and Māori Health Advancement.
Contact
Howard Maxwell
Māori Health Advancement
Email h.maxwell@otago.ac.nz
Professor Sarah Hook
Research Infrastructure Centre Manager
Contact
Professor Sarah Hook
Research Infrastructure Centre Manager
Email sarah.hook@otago.ac.nz
Jessica Jones
Research Infrastructure Centre Administrator
Contact
Jessica Jones
Research infrastructure Centre Administrator
Email ric.admin@otago.ac.nz