Dr Matthew Knox staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517884

Dr Matthew Knox PhD, MSc

Research Officer

Doctoral Co-Supervisor
School of Veterinary Science

Matt Knox is an ecologist and molecular biologist with 8 years’ experience working internationally and at Massey University. After completing a PhD on the diversity of deep-sea crustaceans at University of Waikato, Matt worked for 3 years as a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University studying the effects of climate change on the fauna of the Antarctic Dry Valleys. Since returning home to New Zealand and his current role at Massey University, Matt’s research has focussed on cross species transmission (spillover) of infectious diseases, particularly protozoa (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) and viruses in New Zealand and abroad. 

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: +64 (06) 356 9099 86176
    Location: 2.34, Hopkirk
    Campus: Manawatu

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Waikato (2013)
  • Master of Science - University of Waikato (2005)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

molecular biology, phylogenetics, protozoa, Cryptosporodium, Giardia, viruses, detection, disease surveillance, ecology,

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Animal Systematics and Taxonomy (060301): Biogeography and Phylogeography (060302): Biological Sciences (060000): Ecology (060200): Evolutionary Biology (060300): Genetics (060400): Host-Parasite Interactions (060307): Microbiology (060500): Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (060411): Virology (060506)

Keywords

molecular biology, phylogenetics, protozoa, Cryptosporodium, Giardia, viruses, detection, disease surveillance, ecology

Research Projects

Completed Projects

Project Title: Rutherford Discovery Fellowship - From individuals to populations: multi-scale approaches to pathogen emergence

Date Range: 2018 - 2023

Funding Body: Royal Society of New Zealand

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Knox, MA., Bromhead, C., & Hayman, DTS. (2025). Correction: Development of a non-infectious control for viral hemorrhagic fever PCR assays(PLoS Negl Trop Dis, (2024), 18, 4, (e0011390), 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011390). Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2025-July
[Journal article]Authored by: Bromhead, C., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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Munday, JS., French, AF., Broughton, L., Lin, X., Bond, SD., Kraberger, S., . . . Knox, MA. (2025). First Detection and Genetic Characterization of Felis catus Papillomavirus Type 11, the First Treisetapapillomavirus Type to Infect Domestic Cats. Animals. 15(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Bond, S., Knox, M., Munday, J.
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Ogbuigwe, P., Biggs, PJ., Garcia-Ramirez, JC., Knox, MA., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2025). Metabarcoding captures genetic diversity and links cases in outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis in New Zealand. Journal of Infection. 90(2)
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Velathanthiri, N.
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1
Knox, MA., Biggs, PJ., Garcia-R, JC., & Hayman, DTS. (2024). Quantifying Replication Slippage Error in Cryptosporidium Metabarcoding Studies.. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 230(1), e144-e148 Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/230/1/e144/7603955#476157190
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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Knox, MA., Bromhead, C., & Hayman, DTS. (2024). Development of a non-infectious control for viral hemorrhagic fever PCR assays. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases. 18(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Bromhead, C., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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1

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Munday, JS., Bond, SD., Piripi, S., Soulsby, SJ., & Knox, MA. (2024). Canis Familiaris Papillomavirus Type 26: A Novel Papillomavirus of Dogs and the First Canine Papillomavirus within the Omegapapillomavirus Genus. Viruses. 16(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Bond, S., Knox, M., Munday, J.
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4
Knox, MA., Biggs, PJ., Garcia, JCR., & Hayman, DTS. (2024). Quantifying Replication Slippage Error in Cryptosporidium Metabarcoding Studies. Journal of Infectious Diseases. 230(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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2
Munday, JS., Gedye, K., Knox, MA., Pfeffer, H., & Lin, X. (2023). Genetic characterisation of Felis catus papillomavirus type 7, a rare infection of cats that may be associated with skin cancer. Veterinary Microbiology. 284
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M., Munday, J.
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6
Munday, JS., Gedye, K., Knox, MA., Robinson, L., & Lin, X. (2023). Genomic Characterization of Canis Familiaris Papillomavirus Type 25, a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with a Viral Plaque from the Pinna of a Dog. Animals. 13(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M., Munday, J.
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3
Ogbuigwe, P., Roberts, JM., Knox, MA., Heiser, A., Pita, A., Haack, NA., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2023). A novel, stain-free, natural auto-fluorescent signal, Sig M, identified from cytometric and transcriptomic analysis of infectivity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 13
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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3
Hayman, DTS., Garcia-Ramirez, JC., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N., Knox, MA., Ogbuigwe, P., . . . Gilpin, BJ. (2023). Diagnosis of protozoa diarrhoea in Campylobacter patients increases markedly with molecular techniques. Plos Global Public Health. 3(5)
[Journal article]Authored by: Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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1
Knox, MA., Wierenga, J., Biggs, PJ., Gedye, K., Almeida, V., Hall, R., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2023). Abundant dsRNA picobirnaviruses show little geographic or host association in terrestrial systems. Infection Genetics and Evolution. 112
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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1
Hayman, D., Garcia-Ramirez, JC., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N., Knox, M., Ogbuigwe, P., . . . Gilpin, B. (2023). Diagnosis of protozoa diarrhoea in Campylobacter patients increases markedly with molecular techniques. PLOS Global Public Health.
[Journal article]Authored by: Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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McCutchan, JL., Knox, MA., Naikatini, A., Hayman, DTS., & Gartrell, BD. (2023). Molecular Evidence of Leptospira spp. in Isolated Fijian Bats. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 59(1), 202-206
[Journal article]Authored by: Gartrell, B., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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3
Munday, JS., Gedye, K., Knox, MA., Ravens, P., & Lin, X. (2022). Genomic Characterisation of Canis Familiaris Papillomavirus Type 24, a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Extensive Pigmented Plaque Formation in a Pug Dog. Viruses. 14(11)
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M., Munday, J.
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10
Ogbuigwe, P., Biggs, PJ., Garcia-Ramirez, JC., Knox, MA., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2022). Uncovering the genetic diversity of Giardia intestinalis in isolates from outbreaks in New Zealand. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 11(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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7
Muylaert, RL., Davidson, B., Ngabirano, A., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., MacGregor, H., Lloyd-Smith, JO., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2021). Community health and human-animal contacts on the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Plos One. 16(11 November)
[Journal article]Authored by: Fayaz, A., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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5
Hayman, DTS., & Knox, MA. (2021). Estimating the age of the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae using host divergence times as calibration ages at two internal nodes. Virology. 563, 20-27
[Journal article]Authored by: Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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6
Knox, MA., Garcia-r, JC., & Hayman, DTS. (2021). Draft genome assemblies of two cryptosporidium hominis isolates from New Zealand. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 10(26)
[Journal article]Authored by: Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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3
Knox, MA., Garcia-R, JC., Ogbuigwe, P., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N., & Hayman, DTS. (2021). Absence of Cryptosporidium hominis and dominance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in patients after Covid-19 restrictions in Auckland, New Zealand. Parasitology. 148(11), 1288-1292
[Journal article]Authored by: Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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17
1
Garcia-R, JC., Ogbuigwe, P., Pita, AB., Velathanthiri, N., Knox, MA., Biggs, PJ., . . . Hayman, DTS. (2021). First report of novel assemblages and mixed infections of Giardia duodenalis in human isolates from New Zealand. Acta Tropica. 220
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Garcia Ramirez, J., Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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5
French, AF., Castillo-Alcala, F., Gedye, KR., Knox, MA., Roe, WD., & Gartrell, BD. (2020). Ventral dermatitis in rowi (Apteryx rowi) caused by cutaneous capillariasis. International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife. 13, 160-170
[Journal article]Authored by: Castillo Alcala, F., Gartrell, B., Knox, M., Roe, W.
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2
Ogbuigwe, P., Pita, AB., Knox, MA., Velathanthiri, N., & Hayman, DTS. (2020). High-Yield Purification of Giardia intestinalis Cysts from Fecal Samples. Current Protocols in Microbiology. 59(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Hayman, D., Knox, M., Pita, A., Velathanthiri, N.
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Crump, JA., Thomas, KM., Benschop, J., Knox, MA., Wilkinson, DA., Midwinter, AC., . . . Zadoks, RN. (2021). Investigating the Meat Pathway as a Source of Human Nontyphoidal Salmonella Bloodstream Infections and Diarrhea in East Africa. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 73(7), E1570-E1578
[Journal article]Authored by: Benschop, J., French, N., Knox, M., Midwinter, A., Prinsen, J.
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3
Knox, MA., Hogg, ID., Pilditch, CA., Garcia-R, JC., Hebert, PDN., & Steinke, D. (2020). Contrasting patterns of genetic differentiation for deep-sea amphipod taxa along New Zealand's continental margins. Deep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers. 162
[Journal article]Authored by: Garcia Ramirez, J., Knox, M.
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3
2
Ross, PM., Knox, MA., Smith, S., Smith, H., Williams, J., & Hogg, ID. (2018). Historical translocations by Māori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Scientific Reports. 8, Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-35564-4
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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4
Knox, MA., Gedye, KR., & Hayman, DTS. (2018). The challenges of analysing highly diverse picobirnavirus sequence data. Viruses. 10(12)
[Journal article]Authored by: Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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18
9
Franco, ALC., Knox, MA., Andriuzzi, WS., De Tornasel, CM., Sala, OE., & Wall, DH. (2017). Nematode exclusion and recovery in experimental soil microcosms. SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY. 108, 78-83
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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12
Knox, MA., Andriuzzi, WS., Buelow, HN., Takacs-Vesbach, C., Adams, BJ., & Wall, DH. (2017). Decoupled responses of soil bacteria and their invertebrate consumer to warming, but not freeze-thaw cycles, in the Antarctic Dry Valleys. ECOLOGY LETTERS. 20(10), 1242-1249
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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13
Knox, MA., Wall, DH., Virginia, RA., Vandegehuchte, ML., Gil, IS., & Adams, BJ. (2016). Impact of diurnal freeze-thaw cycles on the soil nematode Scottnema lindsayae in Taylor Valley, Antarctica. POLAR BIOLOGY. 39(4), 583-592
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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12
Adams, BJ., Wall, DH., Virginia, RA., Broos, E., & Knox, MA. (2014). Ecological Biogeography of the Terrestrial Nematodes of Victoria Land,Antarctica. ZOOKEYS. (419), 29-71
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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23
Knox, MA., Hogg, ID., Pilditch, CA., Loerz, A-N., & Nodder, SD. (2012). Abundance and diversity of epibenthic amphipods (Crustacea) from contrasting bathyal habitats. DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS. 62, 1-9
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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18
Knox, MA., Hogg, ID., Pilditch, CA., Loerz, A-N., Hebert, PDN., & Steinke, D. (2012). Mitochondrial DNA (COI) analyses reveal that amphipod diversity is associated with environmental heterogeneity in deep-sea habitats. MOLECULAR ECOLOGY. 21(19), 4885-4897
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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23
Knox, MA., Hogg, ID., & Pilditch, CA. (2011). The role of vicariance and dispersal on New Zealand's estuarine biodiversity: the case of Paracorophium (Crustacea: Amphipoda). BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY. 103(4), 863-874
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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16
Makino, W., Knox, MA., & Duggan, IC. (2010). Invasion, genetic variation and species identity of the calanoid copepod Sinodiaptomus valkanovi. FRESHWATER BIOLOGY. 55(2), 375-386
[Journal article]Authored by: Knox, M.
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Conference

McCutchan, J., Gartrell, B., Hayman, D., & Knox, M. (2019). Leptospirosis, bats and people in Fiji. In 2019 Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference Program Abstracts(pp. 13 - 13). , 2019 Wildlife Disease Association Australasia Conference Little Swanport, Tasmania, Australia: Wildlife Disease Association Australasia
[Conference Abstract]Authored by: Gartrell, B., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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Collins, G., Hogg, I., Duggan, I., Beet, C., Banks, J., & Knox, M.An assessment of New Zealand rotifer diversity and global affinities using COI barcodes. GENOME. 58 (5)(pp. 206 - 206). 0831-2796.
[Conference]Authored by: Knox, M.

Uncategorised

Knox, MA., Bromhead, C., & Hayman, DTS.MayFebruaryKnox, MA., Bromhead, C., & Hayman, DTS.MayJanuaryJanuaryKnox, MA., Bromhead, C., & Hayman, DTS.MayJanuaryJanuary
[Preprint]Authored by: Bromhead, C., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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Muylaert, RL., Davidson, B., Ngabirano, A., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., MacGregor, H., Lloyd-Smith, JO., . . . Hayman, DTS.JulyJanuaryMuylaert, R., Davidson, B., Ngabirano, A., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., MacGregor, H., Lloyd-Smith, J., . . . Hayman, D.JulyMuylaert, RL., Davidson, B., Ngabirano, A., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., MacGregor, H., Lloyd-Smith, JO., . . . Hayman, DTS.FebruaryFebruaryMuylaert, RL., Davidson, B., Ngabirano, A., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., MacGregor, H., Lloyd-Smith, JO., . . . Hayman, DTS.JulyFebruaryFebruary
[Preprint]Authored by: Fayaz, A., Hayman, D., Knox, M.
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Teaching and Supervision

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

My skills lie in the area of molecular biology, particularly in detection of protozoan (Cryptosporodium and Giardia) biology, detection of pathogens from environmental samples, disease surveillance and phylogenetic analyses. 


Dr Matthew Knox is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 0
Co-supervisor 0 4

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • David Ajani - Doctor of Philosophy
    Understanding Toxoplasma gondii genotypes and transmission pathways using cats, prey and sentinel species in New Zealand

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2025 - Valter Dos Anjos Almeida - Doctor of Philosophy
    Genetic diversity of enteric microbes and its impacts on host switching
  • 2024 - Meredith Davis - Doctor of Philosophy
    Genomics and eDNA provide a holistic understanding of microbial communities and zoonoses in Aotearoa's waters
  • 2022 - Janelle Wierenga - Doctor of Philosophy
    Interpreting highly diverse dsRNA viral sequences from Picobirnaviridae within and among species for interspecies transmission inference
  • 2021 - Paul Ogbuigwe - Doctor of Philosophy
    The role of protozoan genetic diversity in human disease: Implications for the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in New Zealand