Faculty of Health

I research inflammation and the innate immune system, with a focus on tissue pathology and blood biomarkers of organ damage, particularly in the brain. I am passionate about research and I love inspiring others to learn about science.
Outside of work, nothing beats being in nature with my wife and kids.

• Impact of microplastics on human and wildlife health
• Role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Developing and repurposing drugs for inflammatory diseases
• Mechanisms that control inflammatory responses
• Tissue pathology and blood markers of organ damage (especially neurological injury)

• Understanding adaptive and maladaptive signalling during inflammation
• Exploring cytokines, particularly IL-1α and IL-1β, in inflammation and disease
• Investigating triggers and modulators of IL-1 signalling
• Linking inflammatory signalling to tissue damage, pathology, and measurable circulating biomarkers

• Passionate about sharing science with the public
• Outreach to schools and support for curriculum development through university and high school partnerships
• Presented at outreach events, podcasts, and seminars on microplastics, dementia, Alzheimer’s, inflammation, and cannabinoid research
• More information -> www.jackauty.com and www.youtube.com/@dr.jackauty4415

• Bachelor’s in Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Otago
• PhD in Botany and Neuroscience, focusing on cannabinoids and brain inflammation
• Research on hydrogen sulfide and neutrophils (University of Otago)
• Inflammasome and Alzheimer’s research (University of Manchester)
• Lecturer at the University of Tasmania, focusing on inflammation linked to microplastics and Alzheimer’s disease
• Master of Teaching at the University of Tasmania (completing July 2026)
• Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury

Interested in Honours, Master’s, or PhD research in these areas? Email me at jack.auty@canterbury.ac.nz

Dr Phil Borell has been researching and teaching in Aotahi: School of Māori and Indigenous Studies since 2008. Phil graduated his MA with Distinction in 2013. His thesis provides a thorough analysis of Māori contributions to the sport of rugby league between 1908 and 2012. 

In 2022 he completed his PhD thesis, titled 'PolySaturated: Illuminating Polynesian Experiences in Professional Rugby League'. This doctoral thesis utilizes Māori and Pasifika research methods (Pūrākau and Talanoa) to give voice to the experiences of Polynesian (Māori and Pasifika) athletes in professional rugby league.

Phil's research has grown out of his time as a rugby league player, fan and now as a trainer in Canterbury's Premier rugby league competition.

Phil has also published written works examining Māori sporting practices; indigenous masculinity; the politics of sport in Aotearoa-New Zealand; and sport and education in Aotearoa-New Zealand. His current research has a focus on critiquing and rewriting dated narratives of Polynesian masculinity and using sport as a platform for de-colonial practice.

I am currently a lecturer within the School of Sport at the University of Canterbury. I completed my PhD at the University of Waikato where I explored biomechanics associated with ACL injury risk in athletes across pubertal maturation stages using 3D motion capture and force plate technology. Alongside my research background, I have had experience as lecturer, tutor, and a strength and conditioning coach. I am passionate about teaching and research and enjoy working in many different areas of sport and health science.

My work focuses on the creation and erosion of wellbeing in places. I have examined processes and events that contribute to lived experiences of distress and difficulty in a number of towns, cities and regions in New Zealand and the UK, while also working to identify the collaborations, policies and practices able to facilitate wellbeing within them. 

My early research considered rural and urban places disrupted by economic restructuring and neoliberal welfare reform, while more recent projects have focused on disaster-affected places. When examining these variously disrupted environments, I have investigated the spaces and settings within them that people experience as supportive, enabling and therapeutic and even, on occasion, as transformative. Empirical investigations in this regard have encompassed community drop-in centres, retreat centres, respite care agencies, residential care facilities, and urban community farms.  

I am currently an Associate Editor for Health & Place and the New Zealand Geographer, and an editorial board member for Social & Cultural Geography; Emotion, Space & Society; and the Australasian Journal of Disaster & Trauma Studies. 

Dr. Ken Daniels is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canterbury. He was appointed to establish social work education and training at Canterbury in 1975 and regards himself as a failed retiree having attempted to retire seventeen years ago. He has worked in the field of mental health and wellbeing of the children and families who have resulted from assisted human reproduction for 45 years undertaking counselling, research and policy development in this country and many countries overseas. He has published over 140 papers and chapters in books and is the author of the widely used book designed for parents and professionals-- Building a Family with the Assistance of Donor Insemination. Ken was Deputy Chair of the Government’s Advisory Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction for 9 years. He was recently appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his work in mental health and reproductive technology.

My work focuses on how neighbourhoods, public spaces, and wider urban systems can support child health and wellbeing through play, active travel, physical activity, connection with nature, and social connection.

I work at the intersection of public health, child health, urban health and environmental social science. My research uses mixed-methods, geospatial, participatory, evaluation, and creative approaches to examine how social, built, natural, and policy environments shape children’s everyday opportunities for health and wellbeing.

Alongside my academic work, I have direct experience in local government as Play Advocate for Waimakariri District Council, a role supported by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa and Sport Canterbury. This strengthened my focus on translating research into practical action through council strategy, community engagement, public spaces, and cross-sector partnerships.