The Division of Health Sciences aims to be fully engaged and committed to internationalising its teaching, research and service, and embedding these attitudes as part of the normal university culture.
Information for current or prospective international students of health sciences
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, Dunedin School of Medicine. 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