Associate Deans (International)
The Associate Deans (International) role helps guide and support key leaders and staff in Health Sciences on international matters, following the University’s goals and policies. They also take a leadership role in coordinating engagement between the Division and the International Office.
Associate Professor Htin Aung, Associate Dean (International)
Harnessing his first-hand experience both as an international student and a global health researcher, Htin is committed to fostering international partnerships and collaborations and contributing to a world-class research, teaching and student experience for international students at the University of Otago.
Htin is a molecular biologist based at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Htin began his academic journey at the University of Otago in 2001 as an international student in the Foundation Studies programme (now the Pathway and English Language Centre [PELC]). Today, Htin spearheads an internationally recognised transdisciplinary research programme spanning Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific that integrates biomedical sciences, social sciences, and public health to address complex global health challenges, particularly infectious diseases.
Contact
Htin Lin Aung
Associate Dean (International)
Tel +64 3 479 5091
Email htin.aung@otago.ac.nz
Web Htin Aung profile
Associate Professor Anirudda Chatterjee, Associate Dean (International)
Aniruddha believes that it is important to remain globally relevant and work with international partners and communities. A more globalised and connected University will strongly position us nationally and internationally. He is keen to utilise compassionate leadership, diversity and the energy to use this opportunity to make a difference in the internationalisation domain at the Division of Health Sciences.
Aniruddha is an epigeneticist and cancer biologist based in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Dunedin. Aniruddha is a highly ranked scholar globally in the field of DNA methylation. His work has identified aberrant epigenetic and gene expression patterns in many tumour types and has identified new epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in cancer. Currently, his team is working on cancer and chronic diseases for early detection, treatment response in patients, and developing new therapeutic interventions. His research work involves collaboration worldwide (Europe, several parts of Asia, USA, UK), and he is highly connected internationally.
Contact
Aniruddha Chatterjee
Associate Dean (International)
Tel +64 21 070 1558
Email aniruddha.chatterjee@otago.ac.nz
Web Aniruddha Chatterjee profile
Dr Jackie Tagg, Professional Practice Fellow and International Adviser for the Health Sciences Division
I serve as both a Professional Practice Fellow and the International Adviser in the Division of Health Sciences, where I combine teaching expertise, academic support and lead initiatives that aim to strengthen academic success and support international student engagement.
With over two decades of experience in tertiary education in New Zealand and overseas, I have taught English for General and Academic Purposes (EAP), foundation studies, and academic skills for tertiary contexts. My work has also involved enhancing communication across diverse settings and designing inclusive assessments that recognise the needs of students from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Currently, my focus is on supporting international and multilingual students to succeed in the highly competitive Health Sciences professional programmes.
My PhD examined the advantages of tertiary EAP bridging programmes for students with English as an additional language, and I continue to research how cultural backgrounds shape wellbeing, teaching, and learning experiences in Western university contexts.
As international student numbers continue to grow, my role has expanded to align with Pae Tata and the University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. I am passionate about creating pathways that enable EAL and international learners to not only succeed academically, but also to feel a sense of belonging and confidence as future health professionals.
Contact
Jackie Tagg
Professional Practice Fellow
Tel +64 3 479 3935
Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz
Riiti Conway Professional Practice Fellow and Equity Group Lead
My role focuses on strengthening the Division’s equity work programmes under Admissions Policy for Health Sciences Professional Programmes, supporting quality improvement across Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) papers, and enhancing access pathways for students from rural and refugee backgrounds into Health Professional Programmes through guided support.
With over six years of experience in the health sector and a background in Public Health – including primary care, public health research, and health promotion, I have led equity-focused teams and co-designed initiatives that support Māori, Pacific, and under-served communities across the Southern region of Te Waipounamu.
My postgraduate study is focused on strategic leadership, to improve my capacity to influence systems change and advance equity across health and education.
Contact
Riiti Conway
Professional Practice Fellow
Tel +64 3 556 7631
Email riiti.conway@otago.ac.nz
Professor Fiona McDonald, Director of Health Sciences First Year
Contact
Fiona McDonald
Professor
Email directorhsfy@otago.ac.nz
Professor Lois Surgenor, Associate Dean (Academic)
Lois is Divisional Associate Dean (Academic) in the Divisional office though is based at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus. As well as Associate Dean duties (.3FTE) she is also Associate Professor in Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch (.5FTE) with the remainder of her time working as a professional advisor for a health regulatory authority.
Lois currently conducts research in the diverse areas of eating / weight disorders, brain injury and health practitioner regulation. She is on the Editorial Board of two international journals and regularly serves on professional and government health practice guideline groups in New Zealand and Australia.
Contact
Lois Surgenor
Associate Dean (Academic)
Tel +64 3 479 7421
Email lois.surgenor@otago.ac.nz
Professor Chrys Jaye, Associate Dean Postgraduate, Health Sciences Division
Chrys is a medical anthropologist based in the Dunedin School of Medicine for 20 years. Her research interests are eclectic, and have included explorations of teaching and learning, and the operation of communities of practice in clinical settings. At the moment she is focused on topics in rural health, ageing, and moral economy. She is also the Director of the CARE Research Theme.'
Contact
Chrys Jaye
Professor
Tel +64 3 479 5767
Email chrystal.jaye@otago.ac.nz