Our aim is to better grasp how the molecules in our tissues contribute to the problems seen in chronic kidney disease. By doing this, we hope to find new ways to treat and slow down the progression of this condition.

Freemasons Carrell-Espiner Postdoctoral Fellow (2nd Post‐Doctoral Fellowship)Christchurch Heart InstituteA University of Otago Centre of Research ExcellenceUniversity of Otago, Christchurch, New ZealandP.I.: Prof. Vicky Cameron and Dr Anna PilbrowProject funded to 50% by the Christchurch Heart Institute and to 50% by the Carrell-Espiner Trust (with generous support from Freemasons New Zealand)Project title: Finding circulating protein biomarkers for inherited heart diseaseBackgroundIn the general population, screening for cardiovascular events is performed in primary care using the 5-year Cardiovascular Risk Charts, which incorporates traditional risk factors such as age and smoking. However, traditional risk factor profiling fails to identify many high-risk individuals, with more than 50% of heart disease deaths occurring in people considered to be at moderate risk. My research aim is to find new circulating protein biomarkers that improve assessment of cardiovascular risk in the general population. This may deliver new blood tests, leading to better monitoring and use of preventative strategies in those at risk. This project is headed by Prof. Vicky Cameron and Dr Anna Pilbrow at the Christchurch Heart Institute. Methods:This research will utilise plasma samples from the Canterbury Healthy Volunteer Cohort, >3,400 ‘heart-healthy’ volunteers randomly selected from Canterbury electoral rolls since 2002 (lead by Prof Vicky Cameron, University of Otago Christchurch). I will carry out powerful proteomics analysis using SWATH (sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment-ion spectra) mass spectrometry to quantitate differences in protein biomarker levels associated with genetic susceptibility to heart disease (collaboration with Dr Torsten Kleffmann, University of Otago).

Post‐Doctoral Fellowship (1)Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences,University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandP.I.: Dr Renwick DobsonProject funded under the MBIE “Smart Ideas” schemeProject title: Diagnostic Markers for Diabetic ComplicationsIn collaboration with Canterbury Scientific Limited (Christchurch, New Zealand)I studied posttranslational modifications of human haemoglobin as biomarkers for secondary diabetic complications, using mass spectrometry (LC‐MALDI‐MS/MS) and protein crystallography. The focus of my research was on the detection of protein modifications by lipid oxidation products, such as acrolein. I identified common modification sites along the haemoglobin peptide chains and also gained insight into the structure and formation rate of the acrolein adducts.My findings have allowed me to design two peptides that will be used for the development of twohighly specific monoclonal antibodies in collaboration with the Canterbury District Health Board.The antibodies will ultimately find application in an ELISA based screen for the detection of acrolein modified haemoglobin in blood samples.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)BiochemistryUniversity of Canterbury, Christchurch, New ZealandSupervisor: Prof. Juliet GerrardThesis title: Does the Protein Aggregation State Affect the Digestibilityand Safety of Foods?My PhD research focused on the characterisation of protein modifications in food proteins, to assess the potential health implications for consumers due to food processing. I gained insight into emerging analytical technology including LC MS/MS which equipped me well for my further career path and have engrained in me a passion for proteomics.