Professor Peter Derrick

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87888
Email: p.j.derrick@auckland.ac.nz

I grew up in Hampshire, England, and was educated at King’s College London. After a Royal Society Research Fellowship in Physics in Stockholm, a spell as a staff member in the Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California Berkeley and the Ramsay Memorial Fellowship at University College London, I moved to the Antipodes and was Head of the School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney. I returned to England in 1987 to found the Institute of Mass Spectrometry at the University of Warwick. I came to New Zealand in 2007 as Head of the Institute of Fundamental Sciences at Massey University, and I am now a professor here at the University of Auckland.

Dr. Igor Philippov

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86327
Email: i.filippov@auckland.ac.nz

The focus of my research platform is the development and application of mass spectrometry as a science, including instrumentation and applications. My research, as a group leader in the world-leading Sheretov’s mass spectrometry laboratory (until 2009) was related mostly to fundamental developments in the field of quadrupole mass spectrometry. The major achievement was the discovery of fine structure in the stability diagram and the special character of ion movement within quadrupolar radio-frequency (RF) fields, which made it possible to increase resolution and sensitivity dramatically. Based on this discovery, intellectual property was obtained in 2006 and new unique instruments for space exploration and trace analyses were build as a part of my research funded by Russian Space Agency, Russian Ministry of Defence and Shimadzu Corporation. Another significant milestone was a development in 2007 of a new time-of-flight technology of ion-sorting within RF electric fields with quadratic potential-distributions. This completely new technology created a new area of analytical instrumentation and made possible manufacture of portable mass spectrometers with higher analytical parameters. Another substantial personal contribution lies in establishment of unique Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) technology. My expertise in mass spectrometry facilitated the commissioning at Massey University in 2009 of the first high-field (9.4T) FT-ICR mass spectrometer in New Zealand and promoted the establishment of a mass spectrometry centre. My current research interests include: FT-ICR ion measuring cell development, quadrupole mass spectrometry, time-of-flight technology, nano-arrays and field ionization, proteomics, petroleomics, improvements in transfer efficiency of injection optics, developing ion conveyor technology.

Dr. Emad Al-Imarah

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 86327
Email: e.al-imarah@auckland.ac.nz

Emad grew up in Iraq. Emad began his scientific work in the field of biochemistry, studying the applications of biopolymers in medicine. He completed his PhD in Chemistry at Massey University, New Zealand. Shortly thereafter he joined the University of Auckland as Post-Doctoral Research Fellow. His current research interests span a wide range of topics in the area of biophysics, mass spectrometry and proteomics applications in epigenetics, as well as molecular nanoscience in photovoltaics. He joined the department of physics in 2013.

Dr. Nicholas J. Demarais

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88339

Email: n.demarais@auckland.ac.nz

My research career began at the University of Colorado, Boulder where I investigated ion-neutral chemistry in the gas-phase with a flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube (FA-SIFT) mass spectrometer.  I joined the ion innovations laboratory in 2015.  My current research interests utilize ultra-high resolution Fourier-transform-ion cyclotron resonsance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry to investigate: protein folding/unfolding, complex mixtures related to oil sands processing, and unique ionization sources.

PhD Students

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Anna Radionova

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83365
Email: a.radionova@auckland.ac.nz

Anna Radionova comes from Moscow, Russia. She earned her B.S. and M.Sc. in Physics from the National Research Nuclear University (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute). Her research focuses on multi-turn time of flight mass spectrometry. She applies different ionization methods such as nano-electrospray, MALDI to expand the applicability of mass spectrometry to a broader range of analytical problems. Her favorite hobby is reading and knitting.

Ramin Nikzad

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83365
Email: r.nikzad@auckland.ac.nz

Ramin completed his BSC and MSc in Iran in Applied chemistry and Electro-analytical Chemistry, respectively. Now, He is doing PhD in Soft Matter Physics, applying high resolution mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the molecular recognition mechanism of naphthenic acids. Due to his research topic his is also involved in other related areas which are A) origin of carboxylic acids in crude oil, B) change in nature of non-covalent bonds during ionization in electrospray ionization source, C) finding a bridge to make a connection between solution and gas phase self-assembly behavior and D) different behavior of ions in different type of mass spectrometers.

Rasid Wimukthi

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83365
Email: j.rasid@auckland.ac.nz

Rasid is from Shri Lanka. He completed his Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Moratuwa in 2011. His current research area is Organic Photovoltaics and he is working on a project to enhance the durability and efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices by a surface structuring. He enjoys playing cricket and watching soccer.

Hima Kavuri

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83365
Email: hkav680@aucklanduni.ac.nz

I was born in Andhra Pradesh, India. I obtained Masters in Physics from Pondicherry University, India. I began my research career in Materials Physics at Pondicherry University (India) by studying the enhancement and tuning Surface Plasmon Resonance in noble metallic (Ag) ultra-thin films with respect to various temperatures and thickness. My PhD work focuses on identifying and improving strength and longevity of Organic photovoltaic cells which could be fabricated by different wet-chemistry methods and high vacuum techniques with cost –effective materials. I am trained in south Indian classical (carnatic) music both as vocalist and as violinist. I enjoy scientific as well as general discussions and listening music.

 Yinming Wu

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 83365

Email: yinming.wu@auckland.ac.nz

Yinming is a PhD candidate in Physics Department at the University of Auckland. He received his MEng degree in Microelectronics with honour from the University of Sheffield in England. During his undergraduate, he has studied at the University of Western Australia for a year as an exchange student. He is now working part time as a teaching assistant at university and the recruitment manager in NZCSA (New Zealand Chinese Student Association). His research is currently focusing on the effects of Nano-dimensional surface structure on solar cells. His project involves seeking viable approach through theoretical study and experimental attempt to maximise the light trapping process and therefore enhance the overall performance of solar cells.