People

Prof Craig Bunt (Professor of Agricultural Innovaiton)

has a background in pharmaceutical sciences and has worked in several research positions including a Research Officer at InterAg, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutics at the University of Auckland, and a Senior Research Scientist at AgResearch. Prior to joining the University of Otago, they were an Associate Professor in Animal Science at Lincoln University. Craig brings a wealth of experience in agriculture, pharmaceutical sciences, and academia to their current role as the Inaugural Professor of Agricultural Innovation.

Memberships, Associations, and Affiliations: Agriculture at Otago Otago Research Theme

Alvina Hayat (PhD Student – 2025)

Title of research: Phage Formulations for Agriculture
Supervisors: Prof. Craig Bunt (Food Science), Assoc. Prof. Greg Walker (Pharmacy), Dr. Marion Schoof (Microbiology and Immunology)
Qualifications: MS in Plant Sciences with distinction, BS (4 Years) in Botany

Research summary: I am part of the “Adaptable Phage Solutions: An Aotearoa-NZ Platform for Precision Biocontrol for Primary Industries” programme, which aims to develop safe, sustainable, and non-GM phage-based biocontrol to manage bacterial diseases affecting key primary industries in New Zealand and beyond. Within this framework, my research focuses on developing a bacteriophage-based formulation for the control of bacterial canker disease in cherries caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Specifically, I am working on isolating and characterizing phages with broad host ranges and combining them into a stable and effective phage cocktail targeting the causative bacterial pathogens. In parallel, I am investigating electrospinning as an innovative delivery platform to encapsulate and release the phage formulation in a controlled and efficient manner, improving phage stability and field performance. This research contributes to the broader goal of establishing a robust, environmentally responsible pipeline for phage biocontrol development and commercialisation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Research interests: Plant-pathogen interactions, plant disease management, Phage therapy, Phage formulation and cocktail optimisation, Electrospinning.

Betelhem Abera (PhD Student – 2025)

Title of research: Effect of Fermented Seaweed Biostimulants on Sustainable Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and Clover (Trifolium repens) Production: Development, Analysis, and Field Application
Supervisors: Prof Craig Bunt (Food Science), Associate Prof Lynette Brownfield (Biochemistry), Dr Bridget Watson (Microbiology and Immunology)
Qualifications: MSc in Industrial Chemistry (Food Technology) with distinction, BSc in Chemistry

Research summary: In response to the urgent need for sustainable agriculture to feed a growing global population, this research investigates fermented seaweed biostimulants (FSB) as a regenerative alternative to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are known to degrade soil health and ecological balance. The study aims to overcome the limitations of raw seaweed extracts—such as nutrient variability and low bioavailability—by using fermentation to create a product that enhances the performance of key dairy pasture species, namely perennial ryegrass and white clover. Through advanced analytical techniques and controlled trials, the research will evaluate the FSB’s effects on plant growth, biomass yield, stress resilience, and, crucially, its ability to improve soil fertility and microbial diversity. Ultimately, this work supports broader sustainable agriculture goals by developing a natural, climate-smart farming solution that could transform pasture management and reduce the dairy sector’s environmental impact.

Research interests: Utilization of food by-products and waste for value-added products, Extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources, Application of plant-based materials in food preservation and packaging, Development of plant-based milk alternatives

Leonore Hafermann (PhD Student, Waikato University – 2026)

Baxter Blair (PhD student – 2026)

Title of Research: Formulation of Bacteriophages for Biocontrol Deployment
Supervisors: A/Prof. Greg Walker (Pharmacy), Prof. Craig Bunt (Food Science), Prof. Peter Fineran (Microbiology)
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), BPharmSc

Research Summary:
My doctoral research focuses on the development of a field-ready phage-based product to treat American Foulbrood (AFB), a devastating bacterial disease of honeybee hives caused by Paenibacillus larvae. My studies apply the fundamental principles of formulation science to design and develop a deployable formulation that improves the stability, efficacy, and delivery of candidate phage antimicrobials. By establishing formulation strategies that enable practical, stable, and scalable phage deployment, my work contributes to precision phage biocontrol solutions for apiculture, as well as advancing formulation science for phage actives across wider pharmaceutical, agricultural and veterinary applications. My research forms part of the MBIE-funded project ‘Adaptable Phage Solutions: An Aotearoa-NZ platform for precision biocontrol for primary industries’, a national collaboration involving the Universities of Otago and Canterbury, the Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), PHF Science, Biosouth, and Cawthron.

Research Interests: bacteriophages, formulation science, drug delivery, pharmaceutical science

Ramodya Sathsarani (PhD student – 2026)

Title of Research: Plant-bacterium synergy for pest control
Supervisors: Prof. Craig Bunt (Food Science), Prof. Nigel Perry (Chemistry)
Qualifications: BSc. Honours in Agriculture

Research summary: Building on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework, my research aims to develop an innovative strategy to control grass grub (Costelytra giveni) by combining Serratia entomophila, a microbial biocontrol agent, with bioactive plant compounds. Using invasive plant species as sources of bioactive extracts addresses two agricultural challenges simultaneously: pest control and weed management. In parallel, selected forage legumes are investigated for their potential to suppress grass grub while improving soil properties and supporting pasture recovery. Building on this concept, the research will assess the compatibility of these plant-derived extracts with S. entomophila and evaluate their effectiveness through glasshouse soil experiments and field trials. Ultimately, this research advances both IPM and the wider objectives of sustainable agriculture, offering a more effective and ecologically intelligent strategy for grass grub suppression in New Zealand.

Research interests: Bacterium-plant extract interactions, IPM integration, Chemical ecology, co-formulation development, Sustainable agriculture

Lyxer Kent Dumlao (Masters student – 2026)

Alumni

2023

“Electrospinning Nanofiber Insert For Anterior Ocular Drug Delivery For Cataract Treatment“, J. Swaminathan, PhD, supervisor, Lincoln University

“Dermal delivery of Centella asiatica using hyaluronic acid niosomal system for wound healing”, S. Chen, PhD, co-supervisor, Auckland University

2020

“Surface Modification of Urea Granules for Controlled Release”, W. Liu, PhD, supervisor, Lincoln University

2019

“A 3D Printed Ballistic Drug Delivery System for Wildlife Administration”, J. Long, PhD, co-supervisor, Auckland University of Technology

“Effect of abiotic stress on the success of the vertical transmission and survival during seed storage of two novel endophytes in perennial ryegrass”, E. Duter-Nisivoccia, PhD, co-supervisor, Lincoln University

“Survival and Sensory Assessment of Probiotic Bacteria on Non-dairy Foods”, M. Min, PhD, supervisor, Lincoln University

2016

“The potential of sodium nitrite as a new tool for vertebrate pest control from formulation, efficacy and safety perspectives”, L. Shapiro, PhD, supervisor, Lincoln University

“Isolation, screening and characterisation of probiotic isolates from food and rumen”, N. Jose, PhD, supervisor, Lincoln University

2015

“Development of a novel drug delivery system to enhance the oral bioavailability of lactoferrin”, X. Yao, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Auckland

2014

“In vivo and in vitro studies of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide in wild-caught female brushtail possums and Norway rats and its potential as a fertility control agent“, A. Burd, PhD, Advisor, Lincoln University

“Improvement of a commercial probiotic product through metabolite profiling and quality assurance system development”, N. Koneswaran, MAppSc (1st class honours), co-supervisor, Lincoln University

“The effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on subclinical endometritis in dairy cows and the identification of at-risk cows“, N. Priest, MAgSci, Advisor, Lincoln University

“Azithromycin and Dexamethasone Loaded β-glucan Films for the Treatment of Blepharitis“, H. Alghamdi, MPharmSci, co-supervisor, University of Auckland

“Mucoadhesive film and PLGA based nanoparticle as carrier systems for sublingual delivery of glutathione”, G. Chen, MPharmSci, Co-supervisor, University of Auckland

2013

“Aspirin stability in gelatine or Vegecaps capsules”, S. Vijayalakshmi, MPharmSci, supervisor, University of Auckland

“Inoculant production and formulation for bioremediation”, S. Stelting, PhD, supervisor, University of Canterbury

2011

“Polymeric Systems for Transscleral Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides”, T. Thrimawithana, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Auckland

“Development and evaluation of a β-glucan biopolymer formulation of lactoferrin produced using a novel cryomilling technique”, H. Kumar, PhD, Supervisor, University of Auckland

“Characterisation and evaluation of β-glucan formulations as injectable implants for protein and peptide delivery”, S. Jacob, GradDip-Pharmaceutics/Dip-Pharmacy, co-supervisor, Saarland University

2008

“Development of an Intraruminal Controlled-Release Device”, B. McLellan, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Waikato

2007

“Development of a modified release intramammary delivery technology for mastitis treatment/dairy cow health”, S. Bhattarai, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Auckland

“The Development of a Novel Controlled Release Drug Delivery System”, K. Babu, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Waikato

“Preformulation and formulation of steroids and assessment of an electronically modulated intravaginal device for induced calving or oestrous synchronization of cattle”, A. Ismail, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Waikato

2005

“An evaluation of the PCL intravaginal insert”, G. Rennie, MSciTech (Distinction), co-supervisor, University of Waikato

“Use of poly(e-caprolactone) for the delivery of bioactive compounds via the vaginal mucosa of cattle”, S. Gardyne, MSciTech (Distinction), co-supervisor, University of Waikato

2004

“Design, development and optimisation of veterinary intravaginal controlled release drug delivery systems”, C. Ogle, PhD, co-supervisor, University of Waikato

2002

“External control and monitoring of intravaginal drug delivery in farm animals”, P. Cross, MSciTech (Distinction), supervisor, University of Waikato

1998

“Poly(e-caprolactone) as a biodegradable drug delivery system”, V. Woodward, MSciTech (Distinction), supervisor, University of Waikato