Consulting Editors

Consulting Editor: Amy Norman (PhD)

Dr. Amy Norman received her MSc. in Medical Science and PhD in Physiology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. For her PhD studies, Amy investigated the developmental pathways that influence metabolism, in particular, how nutrition experienced in the womb shapes skeletal muscle structure and function as an adult. She was a recipient of the National Heart Foundation Māori Cardiovascular Research Fellowship and has since helped coordinate a clinical trial that aimed to prevent infant eczema, asthma and allergy. She has published her research in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters and has presented her research at both local and international meetings.

Consulting Editor: Colin Mak (PhD)

Dr. Colin Mak received his BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and PhD in Anatomy from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where he studied neural progenitor cells in the adult human brain. He then worked as a medical writer at Springer Healthcare/Adis International, creating content for pharmacovigilance products and databases in the Business Intelligence department. He has published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented his research at conferences in Spain and New Zealand.

Consulting Editor: Jessica O’Connell (PhD)

Dr. Jessica O’Connell received her MSc in Medicinal Chemistry and her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Her PhD thesis focused on organic synthetic routes to anticancer prodrugs for targeting treatment-resistant hypoxic cells in solid tumours. Her research demonstrated that high concentrations of cytotoxins can be released from such prodrugs through a radical mechanism initiated by radiation and hence has proved in principle an approach to improve radiotherapy outcomes for patients.

Consulting Editor: Melinda Thomas (PhD)

Dr. Melinda Thomas received her PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where she investigated the biomarkers for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. She continues to have active research interests in preterm delivery and is involved in a voluntary research role with Cerebral Palsy society. She has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her research at both local and international meetings.