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Contact Details

Phone
+64 3 479 7406
Email
natasha.flack@otago.ac.nz
Position
Lecturer
Department
Department of Anatomy
Qualifications
BSc(Hons) PhD
Research summary
Clinical anatomy and anatomical sciences education
Teaching
  • ANAT101: Anatomy for Sport and Exercise
  • ANAT331: Functional Anatomy
  • PHTY250: Anatomy for BPhty
  • ANAT451: Functional Human Anatomy
  • ANAT458: Current Topics in Anatomical Science
Memberships
2011-present: Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA), Member, Council Member, Treasurer.

Research

In her clinical anatomy research, Natasha's primary interest is in the musculoskeletal anatomy of the lower limb, and the ultimate aim of her research is to provide scientific, anatomical evidence for improving clinical treatments, procedures and outcomes. She incorporates a range of techniques such as imaging (MRI, ultrasound etc), dissection and histology into her research approaches. Recent projects have investigated the anatomy of the iliocapsularis muscle, the pubic symphysis, and the gluteal muscles, and their particular roles in different pathological conditions. Natasha has also recently been working with Podiatrists at the CDHB to develop a system for the accurate mapping and recording of diabetic foot ulcers.

In her anatomical sciences education research Natasha is focused on student’s perceptions of learning anatomy and in particular the role that using cadaveric tissue plays in the success of learning anatomy. Natasha is currently involved in studies that look at Science students' perceptions of using cadaveric tissue, and what support systems are in place, and/or are needed to ensure the success of their learning. Along with other members of the ASERT Natasha is interested in the link between motivation, attendance and learning, and identifying particular threshold concepts that may be associated with learning advanced anatomical knowledge.

Publications

Willoughby, B. R., Flack, N. A. M. S., Bird, R. J., & Woodley, S. J. (2024). Motivation to learn in university science students studying anatomy: A mixed-methods analysis of what drives learning. Anatomical Sciences Education. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/ase.2416 Journal - Research Article

Aravazhi, S., Timmermans, J., Smith-Han, K., Nicholson, H., & Flack, N. (2023, July). Dancing my PhD through the liminal space. Verbal presentation at the Threshold Concepts Conference, Port Macquarie, Australia. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Willoughby, B., Whitburn, L. Y., Webb, A. L., Flack, N. A. M. S., & Woodley, S. J. (2023). The development of a core neuroanatomy syllabus for undergraduate physiotherapy student education. Proceedings of the 10th Asia Pacific International Congress of Anatomists (APICA) and the 20th Australian & New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA) Conference: Reconnect, Ka Mua, Ka Muri. Retrieved from https://apica2023.com Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Papp, M., Zhang, M., & Flack, N. (2023). The tectorial ligament and its relationship with the posterior longitudinal ligament: A systematic review. Proceedings of the 10th Asia Pacific International Congress of Anatomists (APICA) and the 20th Australian & New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA) Conference: Reconnect, Ka Mua, Ka Muri. Retrieved from https://apica2023.com Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Aravazhi, S., Flack, N., Nicholson, H., Smith-Han, K., & Timmermans, J. (2023). Emotions: A curse or boon to learning? Exploring student experiences of learning head and neck anatomy through dissections. Proceedings of the 10th Asia Pacific International Congress of Anatomists (APICA) and the 20th Australian & New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA) Conference: Reconnect, Ka Mua, Ka Muri. Retrieved from https://apica2023.com Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

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