Rate My Professor Tanya Major

Dr. Tanya J. Major serves as a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Biochemistry within the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Otago. She earned her PhD in Complex Disease Genetics from the University of Otago in 2015, following a BSc (Hons) in Genetics in 2010 and a BA in Anthropology in 2011, both also from Otago. Her academic journey at the university spans over a decade, beginning with undergraduate studies and advancing through positions including Laboratory Demonstrator since 2012, Laboratory Supervisor in the Genetics Division from 2013 to 2015, and Research Associate and Assistant Research Fellow in Biochemistry since January 2016. In these roles, she has conducted genome-wide association studies on gout and related metabolic conditions, particularly in Polynesian populations, elucidating genetic factors influencing serum urate levels and gout risk. Major's research has demonstrated that genetics play a more significant role than diet in hyperuricemia, reshaping understandings of gout etiology, especially in high-prevalence groups like Māori and Pacific peoples.

Major's scholarly output includes high-impact publications such as 'A genome-wide association analysis reveals new pathogenic pathways in gout' (Nature Genetics, 2024), 'An update on the genetics of hyperuricaemia and gout' (Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2018), 'Evaluation of the diet wide contribution to serum urate levels: meta-analysis of population based cohorts' (BMJ, 2018), 'Discordant association of the CREBRF rs373863828 A allele with increased BMI and protection from type 2 diabetes in Māori and Pacific people' (Diabetologia, 2018), and 'A Polynesian-specific copy number variant encompassing the MHC Class I Polypeptide-related Sequence A (MICA) gene associates with gout' (Human Molecular Genetics, 2022). Her work has accumulated over 1,700 citations. Awards include the Marsden Fund Fast-Start Grant in 2019 ($300,000) for 'The Role of Epigenetics in the Inappropriate Activation of the Innate Immune System During Gout Flares,' Best Emerging Researcher from the Otago School of Biomedical Sciences in 2019, Best Student Presentation in 2016, and Arthritis Research Theme Travel Award in 2015. She teaches courses like BIOC 192 and CELS 191, supervises laboratories, and delivers public lectures on gout genetics.