The Spine Squad
Based at the University of Auckland, this multi-disciplinary team unites top researchers we’ve funded to advance four proven research streams in innovative new ways.
Academic Staff
Prof. Darren Svirskis is the Director of CatWalk’s Cure Programme. Read more
Prof. Bronwen Connor provides expertise in direct cell reprogramming and cell-replacement therapies. Read more
Dr Sachin Thakur leads the Cure Programme Ultrasound Therapies research. Read more
From Chalmers University in Sweden, Prof. Maria Asplund leads development of the Cure Programme’s world leading implantable bioelectronic technologies. Read more
Professional Staff
Catherine Kerins is the Programme Coordinator.
Senior Research Fellows
Dr Bruce Harland leads the Cure Programme Electroceutical Therapies research. Read more
Dr Brad Raos leads the Cure Programme electrophysiological profiling of signals of the spinal cord. Read more
Research Fellows
Dr Mahima Basal is the Cure Programme Pharmaceutical Therapies lead. Read more
Dr Amy McCaughey-Chapman leads the Cure Programme Cell-based Therapies research. Read more
Dr Jarred Griffin is the Cure Programme Translational Neurobiology lead. Read more
Dr Simon Kellaway leads the Cure Programme research into cell models of spinal cord injury. Read more
Senior Research Technicians
Dr Manju Ganesh brings expertise in histology and contributes across the Cure Programme.
Dr Delshad Kalantary has expertise in animal work and contributes across the Cure programme.
Dr Pani Papaioannou is a surgical assistant and contributes across the Cure programme. Read more
Research Technicians
Brittany Hazelgrove examines signals from the spinal cord and links them to function.
Doctoral Candidates – PhD
PhD researcher
PhD researcher
PhD researcher
PhD researcher
PhD researcher studying the application of ultrasound to cells to drive regeneration.
PhD researcher based at Chalmers University in Sweden. Read more
I Sweden, Lukas develops and fabricates the Cure Programme hair-thin bioelectric implant. Read more
Lecturer
Ben Moloney, Lecturer.