Associate ProfessorPhoebe Macrae

Associate Professor Phoebe Macrae is an expert in upper aerodigestive tract physiology, specialising in the coordination of swallowing (dysphagia), coughing, and respiratory function. These interdependent airway-protective mechanisms are essential for breathing, nutrition and survival. Dysfunction across these systems frequently co-occurs, placing individuals at significant risk of aspiration, respiratory compromise, and pneumonia. Each year, around 9,000 New Zealanders develop dysphagia following stroke, head and neck cancer, neurological disorders, and complex medical conditions, with Māori disproportionately represented in morbidity and mortality statistics.

Her research programme spans three interconnected domains:

• Sensory processing, airway sensation, and sensorimotor integration in upper aerodigestive function
• Outcome measurement, psychometrics, measurement validity, and instrumental assessment in dysphagia and cough research
• Hauora Māori, indigenous health research, health equity, and culturally grounded approaches to aerodigestive care

Phoebe integrates methods from speech-language therapy, respiratory physiology, neuroscience, clinical measurement science, and biomechanics to examine the dynamic relationships between respiration, swallowing, and airway protection. Her multidisciplinary translational research enhances diagnostic precision, clinical decision making, and evidence-based management of aerodigestive dysfunction across acute, rehabilitation, and community healthcare settings.

She is recognised for advancing instrumental swallowing assessment, cough assessment methodologies, outcome measure development, and research reproducibility. Her work has contributed to more rigorous evaluation of upper aerodigestive function in both clinical and research contexts. Concurrently, she is developing Kaupapa Māori research frameworks that indigenises assessment and intervention approaches, strengthen cultural safety and clinical competence, and support improved health service delivery and outcomes for Māori communities.