Professor Roslyn Kemp, Associate Dean (Research)
Professor Roslyn Kemp has a background in fundamental T cell biology in the context of homeostasis and cancer. Her current work focuses on the local immune response in people with colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases. Specifically, she studies the role of inflammation and the unique features of different subsets of T cells and myeloid cells; and how these cell subsets are involved in patient outcome.
Ros is the Secretary General of the International Union of Immunological Societies, responsible for leading policy and strategic direction, and representing the society with the World Health Organisation and the International Science Council. She has previously had leadership roles in the Australia and New Zealand Society for Immunology and the New Zealand Society of Oncology.
Contact
Professor Roslyn Kemp
Associate Dean (Research)
Tel +64 3 479 7708
Email roslyn.kemp@otago.ac.nz
Dr Andrew Clarkson, Deputy Associate Dean (Research)
Andrew Clarkson is a behavioural neuropharmacologist and Senior Lecturer of neuroanatomy. Andrew received his PhD in Neuropharmacology at the University of Otago before undertaking Postdoctoral research both at the University of Otago and the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Andrew re-joined the University of Otago in 2010 as a Hercus Fellow, when he established his own research laboratory in the area of behavioural neuropharmacology with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms linked to functional recovery after stroke (motor and cognitive impairments) and more recently mild traumatic head injury. The approaches used involve novel combinations of intensive rehabilitation, drug therapy and stem cells to enhance brain repair processes, and he utilises behavioural, electrophysiological, optical imaging and anatomical measures to assess recovery. Notably, Andrew was to first to definitely show that boosting brain excitability by dampening tonic GABA inhibition improved motor functional recovery, which has resulted in the establishment of Phase IIb clinical trials.
Andrew in a member of the Stroke Recovery Research Roundtable and is section chair for cognitive impairments after stroke and also a member of the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance contributing to the translational working group. Andrew’s research builds on a strong international collaborative approach, especially with medicinal chemists and leading industry partners, such as, Hoffmann La-Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim and BioGen.
Contact
Dr Andrew Clarkson
Deputy Associate Dean (Research)
Tel +64 3 479 7326
Email andrew.clarkson@otago.ac.nz
Dr Michele Coleman, Research and Development Manager
After completing her PhD on the PrP protein associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy at Edinburgh University, Michele came to Otago to complete a Marsden-funded postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry. Since then she has held a number of positions in the Division of Health Sciences, culminating in her present role.
Michele advises the Pro-Vice-Chancellor on all aspects of research strategy within the Division. This includes development of strategy, responses to government initiatives, and allocation of Divisional funding for research.
Contact
Dr Michele Coleman
Research and Development Manager
Tel +64 3 479 3076
Mob +64 27 284 4629
Email michele.coleman@otago.ac.nz
Claire Gallop, Research Infrastructure Centre Manager
Claire started her career at the University of Otago teaching ethics in the Philosophy Department and the Bioethics Centre. Over the last ten years she has worked at the as a professional staff member. She has worked in managerial roles primarily in the Research Division (in the Graduate Research School) and the Division of Health Sciences (in the Faculty of Dentistry) and has enjoyed working with a wide range of teams across the institution. Immediately prior to the Research Infrastructure Manager role, she was a project manager working in the Enabling Excellence Programme focusing on a clinical administration process improvement project in the Faculty of Dentistry.
In addition to her formal work for the University, Claire is a member of the Ethical Behaviour Network and SMART (the Sexual Misconduct Action Response Team).
Contact
Claire Gallop
Research Infrastructure Centre Manager
Tel +64 3 479 8626
Email claire.gallop@otago.ac.nz
Elise Velenski, Administrator Client Services
Contact
Elise Velenski
Administrator Client Services
Tel +64 3 479 8580
Email ric.admin@otago.ac.nz
Dr Manon Knapen, Scientific Officer
Manon came to Otago to do a PhD in Science Communication, looking at the importance of evidence in people’s health decision making. After finishing her PhD she worked as a researcher for the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) National Challenge before joining Research & Enterprise as a Research Advisor.
Manon’s role is to assist the Division’s Research and Development Manager. This includes managing the Summer Research Scholarship Programme, the PhD Travel Fund, and supporting the organisation of the annual Forum.
Contact
Dr Manon Knapen
Scientific Officer
Mob +64 21 279 1225
Email manon.knapen@otago.ac.nz
