ProfessorAshley Garrill

Fungi and oomycetes play key roles in the breakdown of organic matter in almost every ecological niche on the planet. Yet there are many species that are pathogenic and can cause disease. These present an increasing risk to ecosystems and human affairs.

Aspects of their pathogenicity that we are investigating include (1) their ability to grow invasively with their cells (hyphae) acting like pressurised drill bits, generating protrusive force and (2) the ability of their reproductive propogules to survive environmental stress.

We are trying to understand these processes using conventional cell biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques, coupled with Lab-on-a-Chip microfluidic devices. 

For two Radio New Zealand broadcasts about this work see: 

• www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/201848180/honey-i-shrunk-the-lab
• www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/ourchangingworld/2021?share=elf_audio_2018810238

I am also passionate about biological education and have published a number of papers in teaching/education journals. For my teaching I have been awarded a UC Teaching Award (2019) and twice been voted Science Lecturer of the year by undergraduate students (2019 and 2024).