Neuroscientists at the University of Otago are located in various departments depending on their area of specialisation. The neuroscientists listed below are part of the Department of Physiology. They may be available to supervise your neuroscience research.
Professor Colin Brown BSc(Hons) PhD
The neuroendocrine control of reproduction, in particular the regulation of oxytocin neuron function. Oxytocin and vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) neuron control of body weight, fluid balance and blood pressure.
Professor Brown's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Dr Rebecca Campbell BSc PhD
The central nervous system regulation of fertility and the central defects that contribute to infertility.
Dr Campbell's profile onthe Division of Health Sciences website
Associate Professor Patricia Cragg BSc(Hons) PhD
Control of breathing.
Associate Professor Cragg's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Dr Ruth Empson MA PhD DIC
Electrophysiology and molecular approaches to better understand neuronal circuits within the brain, with a special reference to those circuits that contribute to our ability to make controlled movements.
Dr Empson's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Professor Allan Herbison BMedSc MB ChB PhD FRSNZ
Neural mechanisms underlying the control of fertility and the manner in which gonadal steroid hormones influence brain function.
Professor Herbison's profile on the Centre for Neuroendocrinology website
Dr Phil Heyward BSc(Hons) PhD
Synaptic interactions and membrane properties of brain neurons involved in the sense of smell. Actions of drugs used to treat depression, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder on brain circuits and neurons.
Dr Heyward's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Professor Brian Hyland BMedSc MB CHB PhD
Midbrain dopamine systems and pathways which modulate dopamine neuron activity. Abnormal dopamine activity, such as in Parkinson's disease.
Professor Hyland's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Dr Karl Iremonger BPhed BSc MSc PhD
Hypothalamic brain circuits that control the stress response. Synaptic, dendritic and axonal properties that control hypothalamic neuron excitability.
Dr Karl Iremonger's profile on the Department of Physiology website
Associate Professor Phil Sheard BSc PGDipSc PhD
Early interactions between nerve cells and skeletal muscle fibres. Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, especially the role of the motor nerve.
Associate Professor Sheard's profile on the Division of Health Sciences website
Dr Alexander Tups DipBiol PhD
The central nervous system regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis. Is Alzheimer’s disease type 3 diabetes?
Dr Alexander Tups's laboratory page on the Department of Physiology website
