Rate My Professor Michelle Thunders

Thunders' research centers on analyzing RNA and DNA sequencing data to understand health, risk, and disease pathogenesis at the molecular level. Her interests include epigenomic biomarkers, particularly DNA methylation, and the legacy effects of physical and psychological stressors across generations, with implications for disease heritability, health equity, and risk assessment. She utilizes the earthworm as a model organism and has developed a research network with PhD students and collaborators at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Key expertise areas encompass cancer genetic research, human genetics and health, and epigenomic biomarkers for assessing human health and disease. Notable publications include 'A Delphi consensus exercise to determine a genetics and genomics curriculum for primary medical degree in Aotearoa New Zealand' (2023, with Kenwright et al.), 'Next level health: A holistic health and wellbeing program to empower New Zealand women' (2023, with Chinn et al.), 'Chromosomal instability and its effect on cell lines' (2023, with He et al.), 'Discovery and mechanism of action of a novel antimicrobial peptide from an earthworm' (2023, with Wu et al.), and 'Effect of arsenite on the proteome of earthworms Eisenia fetida' (2023, with Wang et al.). Earlier works feature the 'Gene of the month' series, such as TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2) (2020) and DICER1: ruler and controller (2021), both with Delahunt.