Rate My Professor Richard Cannon

Professor Richard Cannon, Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry, has dedicated over three decades to advancing oral microbiology. Holding a biochemistry undergraduate degree and a PhD in Candida yeast research from the University of Cambridge's Department of Biochemistry microbiology unit, he joined the Faculty of Dentistry in 1987 without prior dental training, following an encounter with Professor Max Shepherd. Currently, he serves as Director of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute—the research arm of the Faculty of Dentistry—and Deputy Dean, having previously held the position of Associate Dean Research for the Division of Health Sciences. Elected President of the New Zealand Microbiological Society in 2015, Cannon's leadership extends to fostering microbiology knowledge dissemination in New Zealand.

His research focuses on oral microbial infections, particularly the yeast Candida albicans, exploring mechanisms of oral colonization, disease causation, and antifungal drug resistance, including efflux pumps and molecular genetics. He pioneered tools for gene function studies in C. albicans, supplied to 48 laboratories in 13 countries, enabling global research advancements. Cannon's seminal contributions include elucidating saliva's role in C. albicans colonization and developing strategies to overcome fungal drug resistance through novel compounds and drug discovery. Supported by collaborations with institutions in the US (NIH-funded), Europe, Asia, and long-term partnerships in Japan and China, his work has significant international impact. Key publications encompass "Efflux-mediated antifungal drug resistance" (Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2009), "Oral Candida: clearance, colonization, or candidiasis?" (Journal of Dental Research, 1995), "Oral colonization by Candida albicans" (Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, 1999), "Multiple efflux mechanisms are involved in Candida albicans fluconazole resistance" (Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1996), and "Candida albicans drug resistance—another way to cope with stress" (Microbiology, 2007). In recognition of his lifelong achievements, he received the 2022 International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award for Research in Oral Biology. Additional interests include oral biology, oral physiology, and tissue regeneration.