Taylor lab

David Broderick-  PhD student

I am interested in how the microbiome can influence severity of disease, particularly through its interaction with the immune system.  I am currently studying this in the context of bronchiolitis, an inflammatory airway condition which is common in infants, and in which the consequences can range from a patient recovering without assistance to being potentially fatal in extreme cases.

Dr Michael Hoggard-  Microbiology Group Teaching & Research Technician

I received my Bachelor’s degrees in arts (BA) and science (BSc (Hons)) from the University of Auckland with majors in philosophy, ecology, and biomedical science.  My PhD thesis was on processes and interactions in both the human and microbial aspects of the chronic inflammatory mucosal condition, chronic rhinosinusitis.  More generally, my research interests focus on host-microbial interactions at the ecosystem level, and in the application of principles of ecological theory to better understand the nature of microbial roles in both health and disease.

Anna Lau-  Microbiology Group Teaching & Research Technician

(Anna is currently on parental leave)

I am a teaching and research technician in the microbiology group.  I have a passion for student learning and look after the Stage 3 undergraduate microbiology labs.  When I am not teaching I enjoy managing the research labs of Mike Taylor and Gavin Lear, and working on my own research projects.  My research areas have included wastewater treatment, type 2 diabetes, Antarctic extremophiles, soil, fungi and food microbiology.

Christian Lux-  PhD student

Hi, my name is Christian and I have been part of the team since May 2017.  I've made my way from Germany in order to contribute to the chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) project.  I am investigating the role of the sinus microbiome in CRS and within the scope of my PhD studies I will examine variation of the nasal microbiota in an animal model of CRS under antibiotic treatment.

Akarsh Mathrani-  PhD student

My project investigates the link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the gut microbiota. Past studies suggest that plaque-forming human amylin plays a role in the onset of T2D. Utilising metagenomic and bioinformatic techniques, I am studying changes in the gut microbiome of transgenic mouse models (predisposed to T2D) as they progress from healthy to prediabetic to frank T2D. These analyses should enable elucidation of the interplay between amylin, T2D, the gut microbiome and potential therapy offered by prebiotics.

Associate Professor Mike Taylor-  Principal Investigator

Link to my CV and Google Scholar and LinkedIn profiles

I have had my own research group at the University of Auckland since 2007, and while I have broad interests across microbial ecology my research mostly focuses on host-microbe interactions. Auckland is a fantastic place to conduct research on host-associated microbiota, and I have productive collaborations both within the School of Biological Sciences and just down the road at the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences and Auckland City Hospital (including Starship Children’s Hospital). Our marine sponge research has benefitted from our close proximity to the ocean, while the many endangered birds in this country – while unfortunate - provide ample opportunity for interesting studies in that area.

Anna Vesty-  PhD student (Department of Surgery)

My background is in clinical diagnostic microbiology, which to date is largely culture-based.  The research I am involved in utilises molecular, DNA-based techniques to study oral bacterial and fungal communities in the context of head and neck cancer – a collaborative effort between The Department of Surgery and The School of Biological Sciences.  Specifically, I study how oral microbes are associated with radiotherapy treatment outcomes in this group of patients, in terms of oral mucositis and dental decay.

Annie West  -  PhD student

I completed my MSc and BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Waikato, and am now undertaking a PhD in the Taylor Lab. My project investigates the impact of exudative cloacitis on the gut microbiome of the endangered kākāpō. Exudative cloacitis is a major current priority of the Kākāpō Recovery Programme, interfering greatly with management of this species, including translocation between islands. Understanding the potential relationship between the gut microbiota and prevalence of cloacitis should aid in the treatment and conservation of these critically endangered New Zealand parrots.

Giselle Wong-  PhD student

My research focuses on the gut microbiome and autism spectrum disorder.  For my PhD project, in collaboration with investigators at the Centre for Brain Research, I am currently working on a mouse model of autism and the influence of a treatment towards the gut microbiome.