Biography: Farhana is a Senior Scientist and Programme Leader of the New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Ltd (PFR). After completing a PhD on microbial/plant metabolomics from The University of Auckland (UoA), New Zealand, Farhana started working in PFR to further an applied research project that aimed to develop technologies for the production of lower alcohol wines using metabolomics. Over the last 13 years, she has contributed to some of the pioneering work on the application of targeted and untargeted metabolomics in grape and wine research. She has developed and optmised workflows in metabolomics, lipdomics and imaging approaches using mass spectrometry to study fermentation outcomes, grape and yeast metabolism. Farhana’s current research focused on investigating the impact of biodiversity and ecosystem services in horticultural systems in New Zealand. In addition, she also collaborates with different national and international research groups to develop flavoromics approaches to be used for the production of premium quality of fermented food products.
Farhana is the current President of Australia and New Zealand Metabolomics Society where she has taken initiatives to bring the metabolomics community together. She is also one of the key organizers of ANZ metabolomics conference (ANZMET) and Virtual Podium Asia Pacific. Farhana is an editorial board member of Food Research International and a guest editor of special issues of MDPI journal Metabolites.
Statement of Purpose: Over the last decade, metabolomics (as a research tool and also as a community) has developed tremendously. Metabolomics society, previous board members and many other society members worked hard to develop guidelines and workflows to ensure the growth of the field. It is, therefore, a privilege to present myself now as a potential candidate of the metabolomics society board where I believe I can play a constructive and positive role using my past experiences as an organiser.
Since I started my PhD in metabolomics, I have tried to involve myself with different activities occurred within regional and international metabolomics community. As President of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Metabolomics Society, I have undertaken many initiatives to bring members together within region and also to encourage early career researchers to be involved in networking and showcasing their research work. I also had the opportunity to work along my colleagues from different parts of world, which resulted in publishing a few important perspective articles that dealt with the opinions and trends in metabolomics. In addition to professional societies, my current job also provides me ample of opportunities to connect with students, industry and local partners where I get to present what role metabolomics can play to improve current food production systems. I would now like to extend my contribution to a wider community of metabolomics researchers and if elected by your vote, I will try to work towards these goals:
1) Better connection of ANZ metabolomics community to international metabolomics researchers
2) Cross talk with other omics communities as I believe we have a lot to learn from shared interactions and conversations
3) More support to early career researchers by proving them guidance towards career development
4) Contribute to enhance and ensure diversity and inclusion within metabolomics society