Clinical Research Nurse
BN PGDipHealSc(Nursing) BAppSc(Human Nutrition)
Email grace.gray@otago.ac.nz
Grace is a member of the Department of Surgery and Critical Care at the University of Otago, based in Ōtautahi. Her research focuses include optimising anastomotic healing following colorectal cancer resection, with particular interest in technologies designed to support and protect healing anastomoses. She also investigates the role of the gut microbiome in surgical recovery and the development of anastomotic leaks.
Since becoming a registered nurse in 2014, Grace has gained extensive experience across older persons’ health, acute surgical services, gastroenterology, surgical high dependency care, and enteral feeding. She has held positions including Clinical Nurse Specialist (Enteral Feeding), Clinical Assessor, and senior ward-based nurse. These roles have enabled her to develop advanced clinical skills, support the education of healthcare professionals and patients, and contribute to the development and implementation of clinical policies and practice guidelines.
Grace is currently completing a Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), building on her extensive clinical experience and research interests.
Research interests
- Colorectal cancer
- Anastomosis healing
- Microbiome
- IBD and cancer risk
- Optimisation of patient outcomes through evidence-based practice