Our people

Our team consists of experienced researchers who have backgrounds in physiotherapy, psychology, neurophysiology and biomechanics who are interested in helping individuals, families, and communities with pain prevention, management and rehabilitation in musculoskeletal conditions.

Peter McNair
Peter McNair

Kia ora.  I am a Professor of Physiotherapy and lead this research group.  My work is focused on biomechanics and neuromuscular deficits associated with upper and lower limb pathologies, particularly joint injuries and osteoarthritis. I work closely with colleagues at North Shore Hospital on studies related to orthopaedic conditions such as fractured neck of femur and osteoarthritis of the knee.  I have a specific interest in exercise rehabilitation and its effects on improving function in work and sporting activities.

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Gwyn Lewis
Gwyn Lewis

Kia ora. My background is in neuroscience and rehabilitation. My research has focused on neural pathways involved in acute and chronic pain, predicting outcomes of pain treatment, and understanding novel treatment methods for pain. I have a particular interest in cultural aspects of pain and improving equity in chronic pain management in Aotearoa.

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David Rice
David Rice

Kia ora koutou. My background is as a physiotherapist and clinical neurophysiologist. I have interests in the mechanisms and management of chronic pain conditions, rehabilitation after joint injury and arthritis, and enhancing recovery after surgery.

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Debbie Bean
Debbie Bean

Tēnā koe. Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ahau. I am a health psychologist and researcher in the field of pain management. I focus on understanding psychological influences on pain, equity in pain management and supporting effective clinical care for people with pain.

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Nico Magni
Nico Magni

Kia ora. I am a physiotherapist and registered hand therapist working in Tāmaki Makaurau. My research interest is in prediction modelling and artificial intelligence for upper limb precision rehabilitation.

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Tom Adams
Tom Adams

Kia Ora. After a 20 year career in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice I am now working on completing my PhD which involves studying force control at the shoulder joint. I am interested in research that helps to improve outcomes for individuals with shoulder injuries.

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David Toomey
David Toomey

Kia ora, Dia dhuit. I am a physiotherapist, educator and researcher with a passion for improving client and professional outcomes. I am currently undertaking my PhD investigating the pain-relieving effects of exercise in knee osteoarthritis, having been awarded the AUT Vice Chancellor Doctoral Scholarship.

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Michal Kluger
Michal Kluger

Kia ora. I am a specialist physician committed to providing the best possible patient-centred care in anaesthesia and pain management.  I work at North Shore Hospital primarily.  In research, I like to explore innovative practices in medicine with a view to incorporating some into clinical practice.   My most recent research is centred upon perioperative recovery following orthopaedic procedures.

Monica Skarin
Monica Skarin

Kia Ora. With a background in physiotherapy, I have been an integral part of the research teams at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Health New Zealand Waitematā for over a decade. As a researcher at North Shore Hospital, I specialise in implementing, coordinating, and conducting clinical research within the bustling hospital environment. Currently, my focus is on preventing orthostatic intolerance after elective hip and knee surgery, mitigating delirium risk after acute hip fracture surgery, and exploring culture and equity in chronic pain management.

Jill Collier
Jill Collier

Kia ora.  I am a Senior Research Officer at North Shore Hospital (Health New Zealand - Waitematā). I have a clinical background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and have worked in research at AUT and Waitematā DHB for 25 years.  My current work is focused upon hospital care with a number of studies in orthopaedic and perioperative management. In addition, I am investigating  cultural barriers to accessing pain management in conjunction with Waitemata Pain Services.

Natalie Tuck
Natalie Tuck

Kia ora. Nō Tāmaki Makaurau ahau. I am a registered health psychologist and senior research fellow. I am interested in the relationships between psychosocial factors and physical health. My research is currently focused on the development, delivery, and evaluation of pain prevention and rehabilitation programmes.

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Current research projects

Find out what our research team is currently working on.

Our research