Principal Investigator
Dr Jenny Clarkson
Email jenny.clarkson@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 8207
Research interests
Research in my laboratory focuses on understanding the neural circuits that regulate fertility and investigating how their function changes across the lifespan, particularly in relation to the development of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. We are especially interested in understanding the pivotal role of kisspeptin neurons in coordinating both reproductive hormone secretion and thermoregulation. Our laboratory employs a range of neuroscience techniques, including fibre photometry, optogenetics, and chemogenetics, to monitor and manipulate the activity of these neurons in vivo while measuring physiological variables.
Current and proposed projects
- Unravelling the neurobiology of hot flushes
- Putting hot flushes to rest – understanding the link between menopausal hot flushes and sleep disturbance
Clarkson Laboratory students
Celine Gan, Honours student
Research Funders
- Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund
- Health Research Council