PEOPLE | HE TANGATA
Jerusha Bennett
Lab PI
It is my privilege to lead this research group. Our work centers on parasites, often overlooked but crucial players in the health of our taiao (environment) especially in the context of global change.
My vision for Te Rōpū Pirinoa is to forge strong connections between our research, the aspirations of local communities and industry and research partners. I hope our group will showcase to many the incredible diversity and impact of parasites on our environment.
If you are interested in our group, please get in touch.
Chenhua Li
Lecturer
Chenhua works on our Emerging Aquatic Diseases program in collaboration with the Cawthron Institute in Nelson. She's a whiz at unraveling the molecular secrets of parasites, from how they manipulate hosts to their impact on whole populations. With her skills in cutting-edge tech like transcriptomics and bioinformatics, plus a knack for science communication,
STUDENTS | HE TAUIRA
Katie Buschang
PhD student
Katies PhD project focuses on the controversial parasite - Toxoplasma gondii. Her project addresses key questions around which birds in Aotearoa are infected, what determines their infection risk, how can we best detect toxo and what does this mean for our wildlife?
Co-supervised by
Prof Robert Poulin
Professor
University of Otago
Dr Clement Lagrue
Senior Science Advisor
Department of Conservation
Jestena Raj
MSc student
Jestena is investigating the relationship between microplastics and infection of trematodes in our coastal mussels. What parasites infect NZ mussels? If a mussel is infected with parasites, does this correlate with higher or lower plastic loads?
Co-supervised by
Ass Prof Steph Godfrey
Associate Professor
University of Otago
Jenna Murrey
MSc student
Jenna's project delves into co-infections of Bonamia spp. and trematodes in economically important oysters. Have trematodes contributed to the boom and bust cycles observed in oyster populations over the past 50 years? Does infection with one correlate to infection with the other, and what impact are trematodes having on oyster health?
Co-supervised by
Dr Henry Lane
Biosecurity Scientist
Earth Sciences New Zealand
Katy Rossiter
MSc student
Katy is working on the critical issue of feral cats in Southern New Zealand. Are they eating our native/endemic birds along riverbeds? What parasites and diseases do they harbor that could be harmful for people, or te taiao (the environment)?
Co-supervised by
Dr Clement Lagrue
Senior Science Advisor
Department of Conservation
Arwen Kleinsmith
MSc student
Arwen's MSc project investigates parasites and pollution in sharks, focusing on how parasite infections might protect sharks from pollutants like heavy metals and plastics. Are parasites acting as a shield against pollution, and what are the implications for shark health? Does Aotearoa New Zealand have polluted sharks?
Co-supervised by
Dr Brit Finucci
Fisheries Scientist
Earth Sciences New Zealand
Robert Poulin
A world leading expert in evolutionary and ecological parasitology, Robert is an honorary member of our research group. His research continues to set the foundational knowledge on which we build many of our research directions. We are honoured to have Roberts support and mentorship at Te Rōpū Pirinoa.
