Sam Murray

Sam Murray

Senior Scientist – Marine Chemistry

Role at Cawthron

Sam is a marine scientist with over 15 years’ experience in research and commercial laboratories. He specializes in bioactive compounds produced from harmful algae, their accumulation in marine species, and their potential risk to human health. This research spans multiple projects covering existing and emerging risks to NZ, our Pacific neighbours, in particular ciguatera poisoning, and other coastal nations around the world.

His research uses various techniques, including state-of-the-art analytical chemistry instruments, that he has used to develop a wide range of methods for compound discovery and structural characterization. He is also an avid free diver and spearfisherman and uses these techniques to collect his research samples.

Sam is passionate about helping our Pacific neighbours and has led several analytical laboratory capability and capacity-building projects. The focus of these laboratories is to help improve public health and aid economic development via expanded/new trade agreements. He is also Cawthron’s Science Impact Leader for the Pacific, a cross-institute multi-disciplinary team focused on supporting resilient communities in the Pacific.

Technical skills

  • Bioactive compound discovery
  • Purification and structural characterisation
  • HPLC, LC-MS, NMR
  • Analytical method development and validation
  • Sampling of marine micro- and macro-algae, invertebrates, fish, and other aquatic organisms

Qualifications

  • PhD (Analytical Chemistry), University of Waikato, 2022
  • BSc in Chemistry (First Class Honours), University of Waikato, 2018
  • Graduate Diploma in Chemistry. University of Waikato, 2015
  • National Diploma in Science (Chemistry and Microbiology). Otago Polytechnic, 2004

Professional affiliations:

  • Editorial advisory board member – Marine Drugs journal

Sam Murray