Rate My Professor Rhodri Harfoot

Rhodri Harfoot is the Head Technician in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Otago. In this capacity, he supports advanced research in microbial pathogens and immune responses. Previously, Harfoot served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. His research career focuses on virology, particularly the development of antiviral interventions for respiratory viruses including influenza subtypes and SARS-CoV-2. Notable contributions at Otago include the characterization of New Zealand's first SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolates, neuroproteomic analyses revealing impacts on neurodegeneration pathways post-infection, incorporation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike N-terminal domain into receptor-binding domain protein nanoparticles to elicit superior neutralizing immunity, and optimization of spray-drying conditions for inhalable ivermectin dry powders. He has also investigated synthetic host defense peptides that potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and inhalable dry powder formulations combining remdesivir with disulfiram for potential therapeutic delivery.

Harfoot has produced 25 research works accumulating 359 citations. His key publications include "Synthetic host defense peptide inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro" (2025), "Inhalable dry powder containing remdesivir and disulfiram: Preparation and in vitro characterization" (2023), "Incorporation of SARS-CoV-2 spike NTD to RBD protein nanoparticles elicits superior neutralizing immunity" (2023), "Neuroproteomic Analysis after SARS-CoV-2 Infection Reveals Impacts on Neurodegeneration-Related Pathways" (2023), "Manipulation of Spray-Drying Conditions to Develop an Inhalable Ivermectin Dry Powder" (2022), "Characterization of the First SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from New Zealand" (2022), "Dephosphorylation of YB-1 is Required for Nuclear Translocation in Mutant p53 Expressing Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells" (2020), "H5 influenza, a global update" (2017), and "Prognostic Association of YB-1 Expression in Breast Cancers: A Matter of Antibody" (2011). These publications trace his progression from molecular studies in pathology to cutting-edge virology and drug delivery innovations, impacting therapeutic strategies against emerging viral threats.