Postgraduate study in Genome Biology
Genome biology is a cutting edge area of science that could help us understand why some people develop certain diseases and others don't.
Overview
Genome biology is about the relationships that connect a cell’s DNA codes (the genotype), the gene regulation, DNA repair, replication, and environmental signals (epigenetics and the microbiome) with development and disease. Our researchers investigate risk prediction for complex disease, modification of the microbiome to address complex diseases, and the impact of environmental factors on the development of the microbiome in preterm infants. Take part in this research and you could investigate how genetic variation contributes to the development of polygenic diseases like obesity, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, or you could use mixed rare or omics approaches to understand the complex interplay between you, your microbes and your environment.
Supervisors
Click on each supervisor to find out what projects they currently have available.
- Professor Justin O'Sullivan (Genetics and genome organisation)
Dr Justin O'Sullivan's profile on Research Gate - Dr Olin Silander (Evolutionary biology, microbiology, and genomics)
- Dr Denis Nyaga (Bioinformatics and computational biology, genomics, molecular genetics, epigenetics, rare diseases)
- Dr Theo Portlock (Gut microbiome, computational biology, metabolism)
- Dr Daniel Ho (Gut microbiome, computational biology, autoimmune diseases)
- Dr Roan Zaied
- Dr Sreemol Gokuladhas (Bioinformatics and computational biology, complex disease genetics, neurological diseases)
Masters and doctoral projects are available to explore the following questions:
- Precision genetics to improve disease, diagnosis and treatment in children (Justin O'Sullivan)
- COVID-19 understanding how genetics mean that some people recovery and others don't (Justin O'Sullivan)
You can get a scholarship to assist with your study. See what’s on offer for Liggins Institute students.
Are you an undergraduate student interested in research? Check the Honours projects available at the Liggins Institute.
Publications and news articles
- Life savers: How genetic data will revolutionise your diagnosis and treatment (NZ Listener article - paywalled)
- Innovation to identify rare genetic disorders in NZ babies (RadioNZ)
- Newborn genomic sequencing offers hope for hundreds of sick babies
- New research sheds light on long Covid
- Harnessing technology to improve babies' well-being
- Low tolerance for transcriptional variation at cohesin genes is accompanied by functional links to disease-relevant pathways
- GWAS on longitudinal growth traits reveals different genetic factors influencing infant, child, and adult BMI
- Type 1 diabetes study probes babies' gut bugs (NZ Herald article)
How to apply
Contact the team to find out more about the projects on offer or to apply.
Professor Justin O'Sullivan justin.osullivan@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Olin Silander olin.silander@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Denis Nyaga denis.nyaga@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Theo Portlock theo.portlock@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Daniel Ho daniel.ho@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Roan Zaied r.zaied@auckland.ac.nz
Dr Sreemol Gokuladhas sreemol.gokuladhas@auckland.ac.nz
