Our Team
Our team coordinates national efforts in space health research, bridging medicine, engineering, and space science. We work collaboratively to position Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of this emerging field.
Dr Lisa Brown
Founder and Lead
Dr Lisa Brown, Ngāi Tahu, is a New Zealand trained Hepatic, Pancreatic & Biliary Surgeon with further training and research experience in Aerospace Medicine. Following a PhD in Surgery at The University of Auckland, Lisa was the Aerospace Medicine Research Fellow at The University of Oxford. She has completed training in Space Medicine at ESA and was the first New Zealander to complete the UTMB Principles of Aerospace Medicine short course with NASA. Lisa has multiple research projects with international collaborators. She has previously sat on the Space Medicine Association Executive Committee and is the current President-Elect of the Space Surgery Association.
lisa.brown@auckland.ac.nz
Professor Anthony Phillips
Founder and Lead
Professor Anthony Phillips is a medical doctor and applied basic scientist who is basedin the Dept of Surgery and School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. His areas of specialist research interest include lymphatic biology, critical illness pathophysiology and wound healing. He currently runs a funded space health research program in relation to the effects of microgravity on cell biology and wound healing.
a.phillips@auckland.ac.nz
Catherine Qualtrough
Founder and Space Operations Manager
Catherine Qualtrough is the Research Operations Manager for Space at the University of Auckland, and Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute. She also serves as the Outreach Manager for the University’s role in New Zealand’s first government-funded space mission, MethaneSAT. In her roles, Catherine supports strategic space research, education, and outreach initiatives across the University. With an academic background in astrophysics, and extensive experience in science communication and outreach, Catherine has worked in space-related roles throughout her career in the UK, US and New Zealand. She was a founding member of Aerospace Auckland Inc and is currently Secretary of Aerospace NZ. She is part of the Sustainable Space Initiative, actively supporting its mission to drive sustainable solutions in the space sector. Catherine is passionate about fostering multidisciplinary partnerships to support the future of space research and innovation.
catherine.qualtrough@auckland.ac.nz
Hope Harding
Partnerships & Innovation Manager
Hope Harding, based in Auckland, NZ, is currently a Partnerships and Innovation Manager at Uniservices. Hope brings experience from previous roles at Uniservices. Hope holds a 2015-2016 Master’s Degree in Bioscience Enterprise at University of Auckland. With a robust skillset that includes Teamwork, Commercialization, Research, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and more.