Senior Research Fellow and Head of Clinical and Translational Research, Department of Surgery and Critical Care, University of Otago, Christchurch
Vice President, New Zealand Society for Oncology (NZSO)
Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship Recipient
Dr. Rachel Purcell is a distinguished molecular biologist and cancer geneticist, currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Clinical and Translational Research in the Department of Surgery and Critical Care at the University of Otago, Christchurch. Her research primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis, exploring the intricate relationships between the human microbiome and cancer development.
After completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Dr. Purcell worked in a diagnostic laboratory before pursuing her PhD at the University of Otago, Christchurch. Following the Christchurch earthquake, she joined the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, where she coordinated the publication of the World Health Organization’s “Blue Books” on Tumour Classification. In 2018, she returned to New Zealand as a Research Fellow at the University of Otago and was awarded a Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship by the Health Research Council of New Zealand in 2019.
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Dr. Purcell was awarded the Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship in 2024. This fellowship supports her investigation into how the human microbiome influences colorectal cancer development, aiming to uncover new diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. Her innovative approach integrates gene expression, microbiome data, and individual patient information to explore how the microbiome can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy and whether bacterial genetic material in the bloodstream can serve as indicators of cancer metastasis. Additionally, she is examining how dietary modifications might improve treatment outcomes by altering the gut microbiome.
Beyond her research endeavors, Dr. Purcell holds leadership roles in professional organizations. She serves as the Vice President of the New Zealand Society for Oncology (NZSO), contributing to the advancement of oncology research and practice in New Zealand.
Dr. Purcell’s dedication to understanding the role of the microbiome in cancer progression positions her at the forefront of translational cancer research, with her work offering promising avenues for improved patient outcomes in colorectal cancer.
