Associate ProfessorHeather Hendrickson

Bacteria rule the planet. In the Hendrickson lab we use a combination of experimental evolution, bacterial genomics, cell biology, genome sequencing, and bacterial genetics to study important transitions in the evolution of microbes.

We also pursue projects that involve using bacteriophages (phages) to protect New Zealand's primary industries against bacterial pathogens. We are currently developing a natural phage-based biocontrol solution that will protect Honeybees and we are beginning on a similar project to protect King Salmon.

We also study the evolution of bacterial cell shape, virulence and endosymbiosis with an eye towards how protozoan predators can affect these traits in bacteria. For more information see https://hendricksonlab.co.nz/