Heathier Lives researcher adds new role as Deputy Dean

We congratulate Professor Vicky Cameron, Healthier Lives Science Leadership Team member and principal investigator, on her appointment as Deputy Dean for the University of Otago Christchurch campus.

Professor Cameron is a firm believer in scientists’ responsibility to share findings with the community—particularly their research participants.

“I believe we owe it to those that participate in our research to explain how they may ultimately benefit from it.”

This is one of the reasons she is excited about becoming the Deputy Dean of the University of Otago’s Christchurch campus.

Part of the role involves getting out into the community and sharing information about the world-class health research and teaching happening at the University of Otago, Christchurch, and promoting it as a cool and quirky destination for students to come for health sciences postgraduate study.

Professor Cameron will continue her work as leader of the molecular biology and genetics section of the Christchurch Heart Institute alongside her role with Healthier Lives National Science Challenge. Within the next decade, this Challenge aims to reduce the burden and inequities in the four main non-communicable diseases by a quarter.

Professor Cameron is a lead investigator on several studies including the Christchurch Family Heart Study, and is co-leader on the Hauora Manawa/ Community Heart Study investigating cardiovascular risk factors in Maori communities. She is an International Fellow of the American Heart Association.

Professor Cameron will start in the role at the same time as the new Dean of the Christchurch campus, Professor David Murdoch.

Professor Murdoch says he is thrilled Professor Cameron will be his Deputy Dean.

“Vicky is perfect for the job. She has real mana in the research and academic world combined with a genuine enthusiasm for attracting new postgraduate students and communicating with the public about the meaningful research we do.”

(Content sourced with assistance from University of Otago Latest news and research)

• Predicting cardiovascular disease and diabetes Healthier Lives website