Areas of interest
Regulation and adaptation in cell metabolism (Mitochondrial and bacterial systems), Proton/electron transport, Lipid-membrane protein interactions, Biomimetic membrane, and bioelectrochemical technologies, Biomineralization, Enzymology.
The overarching theme of Duncan's research explores microbial and mitochondrial metabolism using a broad variety of tools such as classical microbiology/cell culture, ‘omics, enzymology, and biomimetic membrane technologies. Duncan and his group investigate the adaptations of life to selective environmental pressures with particular focus on the dynamics between membrane proteins and lipids (e.g. receptor/transporter function), and the role of respiratory enzymes (e.g. dehydrogenases, oxidases, and ATP synthases) in health and disease. Given his expertise in surface science, membrane biology, and enzyme engineering, Duncan also develops new technologies in the fields of membrane protein research, drug delivery, and biomineralization.
Teaching
Duncan is involved in teaching at Undergraduate level and Postgraduate levels with a focus on Metabolism, the Cell membrane, and Biotechnology.
He teaches on:
- BlMMT1; Introduction to Medical Technologies (MSc: Masters in Biotechnology)
- Bl3lB2; Integrated Biochemistry (Part 3)
- Bl3ABT1; Advanced biological techniques (Part 3)
- Bl2AB1; Applied Biochemistry: from Disease to Diagnostics (Part 2)
- BI2BR5; The Bacterial Cell (Part 2)
- Bl1FB2; Fundamentals of Biochemistry (Part 2)
- Bl0BF1, Foundation Biology (Part 0)
Duncan also supervises undergraduate, MSc and PhD research projects.
Project areas include:
- Adaptations of E. coli and Staphylococcus to environmental change
- Changes in lipid composition during disease and the effects on mitochondrial metabolism
- Alkaliphile bioenergetics and adaptation to extreme environments
- Effects of lipid environment on protein function
- Regulation of electron transport and signal transduction in membrane proteins
- External electron transport
- Mechanics and regulation of ATP synthases
Directly applied projects:
- Development of new membrane technologies
- Development of electrochemical biosensor technologies
- Plant derived anti-bacterial compounds and anti-opioid addiction therapies targeting membrane proteins with Dr S. Tetteh (Univ. Cape coast, Ghana)
Impact, Enterprise and Outreach
2024 - Invited Exhibitor at the Vitra Design Museum, Germany. ‘Designing the Energy of the future’ Exhibition and featured in the associated book: ‘Sun Catcher’ – with the Artist T. van Dongen - https://www.design-museum.de/en/exhibitions/current-exhibitions.html
2023 - Invited Presenter/Exhibitor at the Highlight Delft Festival ‘Sun Catcher’ – with the Artist T. van Dongen.
2022 - Interviewed by Delta Magazine (NL): ‘We need a solar cell that is both cheap and accessible’.
2021 - Press coverage about Duncan's recommendation for Managed Isolation Procedures in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic. January 21-31 2021.
2020 - Press coverage: Van Amelrooij et al 2020. in Advance Sustainable Systems. March 10- April 23, 2020
2019 - Press Coverage about Urbani et al 2019. Published in Nature Communications. Asahi Shimbun (Japan): Major National newspaper (October 07, 2019). - ‘What are the mitochondrial “holes” that lead to aging and disease?’ - https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASM9T533HM9TPLZU001.html
Interviewed by the New Zealand Microbiological Society - featured as a ‘Flying Kiwi’ in The New Zealand Microbiological Society newsletter of November 2019
2018 - Press Coverage: Hards et al 2018. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA.
New Zealand Herald (NZ): National level Newspaper article on July 08, 2018
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-scientists-closing-in-killer-infectious-disease/OSGN42Z7KHZROGO6XRHD6PMFX4/
2015 - Interviewed by Nature publishing group. Nature Jobs Asia-Pacific Careers Guide: Japan. Nature. 524, S16-S18. doi:10.1038/524S16a
