Science research; expertise and staff at AUT University

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Science research; expertise and staff at AUT University

This pages details the research in science at AUT University and the key researchers involved in each area. There are descriptions about postgraduate research currently underway and links to staff profiles for contact information.

	AQUACULTURE BIOTECHNOLOGY, MARINE ECOLOGY Dr Andrea C. Alfaro Andrea investigates the biology and ecology of cultured marine species with emphasis on mussel ecology and aquaculture. Current PhD and Masters students research topics: effect of chemical and bacterial cues on larval settlement and early nutrition, hatchery production of marine invertebrate larvae, reproductive behaviour and nutrition of marine invertebrates food wed dynamics and trophic interactions within estuarine and rocky shore ecosystems.

	BIOFILM Professor John D. Brooks John’s major research interest is the study of biofilms, with particular reference to the food and dairy processing industries. He has a strong hands-on approach to microbiology research and is building a biofilm research team at AUT. Current PhD and Masters students research topics: mathematical modelling of thermophilic biofilm growth in dairy processing plant influence of biofilms in larval settlement and nutrition in shellfish farming each of these projects has potential multi-million dollar impact on new Zealand industry

	FOOD SCIENCE Associate Professor Owen Young Research emphasis is on development of novel flavours in alcoholic drinks, development of novel meat and fish products, innovation in rapid measures of meat quality, and assessment of health claims in food products. Current PhD and Masters students research topics: wines and spirits flavoured with or characterised by native New Zealand woods aquaculture of native eels development of meat products to minimise sarcopenia in the elderly biochemical causes of toughness in meat.

	MOLECULAR EVOLUTION & PATTERNS OF BIODIVERSITY Dr Len Gilman Len explores the effects of variables such as productivity and population size on rates of molecular evolution in a variety of taxa ranging from mammals and amphibians to plants. Current PhD and Masters students influence of body size on rates of molecular evolution in mammals and the relationship between productivity and species richness in animals

	SEDIMENT BIOGEOCHEMISTRY Dr Kay C. Vopel Kay studies the production and break down of organic matter at the seafloor as a means of understanding how various scenarios of environmental impact affect coastal ecosystem functioning. Current PhD and Masters students research topics: role of bottom dwelling organisms in the cycling of toxic trace metals in Auckland’s estuaries, effects of terrestrial runoff on seafloor functioning, and use of novel imaging techniques for seafloor monitoring.

	FISH NUTRITION & SEAWEED UTILISATION DR W. Lindsey White Dr White is interested in the uses of seaweeds, by marine herbivores and by humans. In terms of marine herbivores - how does the seaweed meet their nutritional requirements? What are the chemical differences between different seaweeds and how does this impact of the diet choices of herbiovres? In terms of seaweed utilisation by humans - what are the impacts of harvesting seaweeds? Can we culture seaweeds in New Zealand and if so, which species should we be targeting? Current PhD and Masters students research topics: herbivorous fish break down and assimilate protein from both the seaweeds they eat and the bacteria in their intestines. This work is being carried out in New Zealand and on Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef. impacts of various environmental stressors on rhodoliths, small free-living rock-like algae that form large beds and are harvested in other parts of the world.