Contact details +6469517714
Dr Matthew Savoian BSc, PhD, FHEA
Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology
Doctoral Supervisor School of Food Technology and Natural SciencesDirector - Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre (MMIC)
Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging CentreMy research focuses on identifying how the cytoskeleton- a series of dynamic cellular polymers found in all cells, drive events within different developmental niches. Cytoskeletal dysfunction can lead to a host of different pathologies depending on the tissue or developmental stage in which they occur.
We are currently investigating how the cytoskeleton governs reproduction in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Earthworms are a fundamental determinant of global food biosecurity with a significant economic impact on agricultural industries. We are defining how the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton control chromosome segregation and cytoplasmic partitioning during the specialised meiotic divisions of the male germline to make genetically stable cells and how these then differentiate into functional sperm. This work is providing a blueprint for subsequent translational research studies that determine how different man-made materials ranging from chemical fertilisers to microplastics, affect earthworm reproduction. The data can be used to assay compounds for their effects on the male germline cytoskeleton and reveal sensitive processes towards enhancing food biosecurity.
I am a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology and Director of Massey's microscopy facility. My laboratory investigates how the cytoskeleton drives cellular events in different developmental contexts. A primary aim of the laboratory is to define how the cytoskeleton controls animal reproduction through its roles in cell division and differentiation, processes which when aberrant cause tissue abnormalities, cancer or sterility. I have cross-species expertise in cytoskeletal and cell division regulation, Drosophila molecular genetics and specialise in quantitative super-resolution multi-dimensional microscopy of living and fixed specimens.
Professional
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science - University of California (1996)
- Doctor of Philosophy - State University of New York (2001)
Fellowships and Memberships
- Member, Higher Education Academy (Fellow) (2024)
Prizes and Awards
- Centrosomes control cell division for sperm formation - Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation (2019)
- Meiotic kinetochore composition and function - Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation (2019)
- Research funding awarded to M.S. Savoian for work entitled "Defining how chromosomes move to make genetically stable sperm" - Massey University (2014)
Research Expertise
Research Interests
cell division, mitosis, meoisis, karyokinesis, cytokinesis, sperm development, cytoskeleton, kinesin, kinetochore, spindle, nucleoporin
Thematics
Health and Well-being
Area of Expertise
Field of research codes
Biochemistry and Cell Biology (060100):
Biological Sciences (060000):
Cell and Nuclear Division (060402):
Cell Development, Proliferation and Death (060103):
Genetics (060400):
Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions (excl. Medical Proteomics) (060109)
Keywords
cytoskeleton, microtubule, motor protein, kinesin, mitosis, meiosis, spermatogenesis,flagellum, spindle, kinetochore, chromosome, microscopy, cell division, drosophila, aneuploidy, fertility, sterility, gamete, sperm, primary culture, spermatocyte, neuroblast, imaging, live-cell imaging, centromere, chromatin, microtubule associated protein, proteomics, genetics, segregation, cell biology, karyokinesis, cytokinesis, male fertility
Research Projects
Completed Projects
Project Title: Building a Better Sperm: Deciphering the Role of Megator in Spermatognesis
Date Range: 2022 - 2022
Funding Body: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust
Project Team:
- Dr Matthew Savoian - Project Leader
Research Outputs
Journal
[Journal article]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Midwinter, A., Rogers, L., Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Mesarich, C., Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Marshall, J., Midwinter, A., Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M., Scott, I.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Book
[Chapter]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Chapter]Authored by: Holt, K., Savoian, M.

Conference
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.

[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.

[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Holt, K., Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.

[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.

[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Other
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Internet publication]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
[Internet publication]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Uncategorised
[Preprint]Authored by: Fitzsimons, H., Hawley, H., Savoian, M., Sutherland-Smith, A.
Teaching and Supervision
Teaching Statement
Biology of Cells
The Molecular Cell
Proteins & Cell Biology
Graduate Supervision Statement
Postgraduate education is an opportunity to enhance one's skills, understanding of biological processes and learn how to critically evaluate data and then present it. I take a traditional approach of helping to provide students with this foundation and then let them learn by doing. I do not employ a micro-managing style and have a philosophy of guidance complemented with independance. Students are expected to be enthusiastic, motivated and to keep abreast of the literature. this allows them to write their own manuscripts with significant support from me as needed.
Dr Matthew Savoian is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.
Summary of Doctoral Supervision
| Position | Current | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Co-supervisor | 0 | 1 |
Completed Doctoral Supervision
Co-supervisor of:
-
2018
-
Nazanin Noorifar
-
Doctor of Philosophy
How does Epichloe festucae avoid host defence response?

