Qualifications

Profile

Sofia began studies in science with a BSc (Hons) at Victoria University of Wellington studying eosinophils in sheep immune responses to intestinal parasites, followed by work at AgResearch Wallaceville. Sofia then worked in vaccine development and the immunity to tuberculosis, then myogenesis and the molecular genetics of development in zebrafish.  This led to a PhD at the University of Auckland using molecular genetics, immunohistochemistry and phylogenetics to study siRNA mediated silencing of disease genes in zebrafish, modelling the fatal genetic disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Sofia teaches genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, lab technology and study skills.  Her principal involvement is with the Animal Management, Veterinary Nursing and Bachelor of Applied Science programmes.

Sofia’s research interests still include some molecular genetics and phylogenetics, and in the last few years she has become more engaged with e-learning and new technologies for learning.  At present Sofia's main research engagement is in lichen systematics collaborating with Dan Blanchon.

Publications

Blanchon, D., Chambers, S., de Lange, P., & Divakar, P. K. (2016). The genus Parmotrema in New Zealand: investigating species diversity and phylogenetic relationships. 8th international Association of Lichenology Symposium. Helsinki, Finland.