Manpreet Dhami

Dr Manpreet Dhami received her PhD in 2013 from Waipapa Taumata Rau The University of Auckland. She then went on to work as a Scientist at Manatū Ahu Matua the Ministry for Primary Industries before working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University, California, USA. She then returned to Aotearoa New Zealand to Manaaki Whenua where she is now a Senior Researcher and Capability Leader. She also has a joint appointment at the University of Auckland and is an adjunct at University of Canterbury and Lincoln University. Dr Dhami has received numerous awards and recognition for her research into microbial communities of relevance to agriculture and conservation.

Animals host a diversity of microorganisms within their gut, known as the gut microbiome, which plays vital roles in digestion, nutrient production, immune system function, and defence against disease. The gut microbiome in birds can vary significantly and is known to be shaped by diet and environment. Threatened bird populations of Aotearoa New Zealand are maintained by conservation practices such as captive rearing, supplemental feeding, medical interventions and translocations, all of which can impact the gut microbiome. When captive-raised kiwi are released into the wild they undergo significant dietary and environmental change, which impacts their gut microbiome, and often has negative health consequences. Dr Dhami will focus on how a more natural diet and exposure to soil from natural habitats may improve the resilience of the gut microbiome in captive-reared kiwi. A resilient gut microbiome is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and improving metabolism and immune function, promoting overall health. In seeking to understand gut microbiome resilience mechanisms, this project is essential achieving robust wild populations of our taonga treasure, the kiwi.

Dr Dhami processing samples in the field, Tuahara Station (Photo: Dr John Hunt, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research)