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Monday 14 December 2020 2:59pm

Three researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington, have received grants from the Marsden Fund to conduct research into topics ranging from tissue grafting to youth substance use to energy use in a warming world.

Dr Kirsty Danielson thumbnailDr Kirsty Danielson

Dr Kirsty Danielson from the Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia and Dr Jude Ball and Dr Kimberley O’Sullivan from the Department of Public Health have each been awarded Fast Start grants of $300,000 over three years.

Dr Danielson will research tissue grafting to gain more understanding of how information is shared between donor tissue and recipient tissue via extracellular vesicles (EVs).

“EVs can have positive effects on neighbouring cells but we currently know very little about how this works in fat grafts for breast reconstruction post cancer treatment,” she explains.

Jude Ball thumbanilDr Jude Ball

Dr Ball will investigate the reasons behind the dramatic decline in adolescent smoking, drinking and drug use in Aotearoa and other OECD countries over the past two decades. She hopes her findings will help local efforts to reduce substance-related harm.

Dr Kim O'Sullivan thumbnailDr Kimberley O'Sullivan

Dr O’Sullivan will examine New Zealanders’ summertime home energy use as the country adapts to a warming climate. The research will aid in developing recommendations for householders and policy makers on sustainable practices for summer heat management.

For more information, contact:

Cheryl Norrie
Communications Adviser
University of Otago, Wellington
Tel +64 4 918 6787
Mob +64 21 249 6787
Email cheryl.norrie@otago.ac.nz

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