DoctorRachel Bennie

I am a postdoctoral researcher in bioengineering, with a particular focus on cell–material interactions in the context of cultivated meat and hybrid protein systems. Throughout my research career, I have developed expertise in cell biology, biomaterials, proteomics, and the study of integrin-mediated adhesion and focal adhesion signalling, with the aim of understanding how mammalian cells interact with plant-derived and food-grade scaffolds to form structured tissue.

My work combines experimental cell culture, proteomic analysis, and biomaterials characterisation to investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern cell attachment, organisation, and stability on novel protein substrates, including plant protein isolates. I am particularly interested in translating fundamental mechanobiology into scalable strategies for sustainable protein production.

I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Canterbury, working on advancing hybrid and cultivated meat technologies through interdisciplinary collaboration across New Zealand and Singapore as part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Catalyst : Strategic - New Zealand - Singapore Biotech In Future Foods Programme.