Gordon Howarth

Professor Gordon Howarth

Professor

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Professor Gordon Howarth leads the University of Adelaide’s Digestive Health Research Group and was continuously supported by Cancer Council Australia Senior Research Fellowships from 2005 to 2014. He also holds Affiliate Professor status in the Gastroenterology Department of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Professor Howarth's research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which newly-identified bioactive agents act in the intestine. These bioactive agents include probiotics, probiotic-sourced bioactives, prebiotics, synbiotics and bioactive extracts of plant, animal and marine origin. Dr Howarth has developed a wide range of animal models of gastrointestinal disease over a 20-year period. These include models of gastric ulceration, NSAID-enteropathy, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, radiation enteritis, the inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and colon cancer. He has utilized these models to demonstrate therapeutic applications for a number of growth factors (eg IGF-I, the subject of Professor Howarth's PhD studies) and bioactive formulations including a whey-derived growth factor extract that is currently undergoing clinical trial for the treatment of oral mucositis. Although Professor Howarth has been an Affiliate title-holder in the University for many years, he joined the University of Adelaide as an Associate Professor in the Discipline of Agricultural and Animal Science in early 2006.

Professor Howarth was supported by Senior Research Fellowships from the Cancer Council for the period 2005-2014. Specific areas of research in the Howarth laboratory include: 

  • Application of probiotics and probiotic-sourced factors for prevention of bowel inflammation
  • The role of medium-chain fatty acids in the development of colon cancer
  • Effects of chemotherapy agents on intestinal stem cell expression
  • Effects of new bioactive agents on intestinal stem cell expression
  • Determining potential efficacy of prebiotics such as FOS/GOS in models of intestinal mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease
  • Determining potential efficacy of newly-identified bioactives including dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors, marine and land mollusc-sourced extracts, wine-sourced procyanidins and herbal extracts for treatment of intestinal mucositis, inflammatory bowel disease and other bowel disorders
  • Gut function analyses of congenital disorders such as mucopolysaccharidosis
  • Determining gene expression profiles in the intestine
  • Nutraceutical modification of animal diets to improve growth performance and animal welfare

Composition of Digestive Health Research Group

Professor Howarth currently leads a team of 22 researchers carrying out novel techniques to assess new treatment strategies for gastrointestinal disease utilising established in vivo model systems. Professor Howarth plays a key role in conceptualisation of research that is undertaken. With respect to his primary research interests, particularly the novel bioactive and animal model studies, he is clearly identified as the principal originator of this research. Moreover, he fulfils the role of a mentor to post-doctoral, research assistant and technical support staff in addition to providing career guidance and counselling to under-graduate, Honours and PhD students. Professor Howarth currently has full access to excellent laboratory space and equipment resources at the Women's and Children's Hospital Gastroenterology Department and at the Roseworthy campus of the University of Adelaide.

Research Collaborations

Professor Howarth has developed and established a significant number of collaborations with other researchers with similar interests in pre-clinical development of bioactive factors for treatment of intestinal disease, or with different applications and hypotheses that require similar technological solutions. The table below lists the collaborations, both with industry and with other researchers, with which he has been involved, with a level of involvement ranging from:

  1. Providing technical expertise on experimental conditions and analyses required to establish identified animal models of GI disease, or answer questions outside of my direct area of research interest;
  2. A contribution to the study design, interpretation of data and drafting of manuscripts, or
  3. Hands-on performance of research studies.
Chief Collaborator Institutions Status Details Of Project Level Of Involvement Industry Partners

Dr Ron Cox

CSIRO, Sydney NSW

Completed/ 1984

Development of a radio-receptor assay for detection of hormone receptors on breast tumours

Methodological expertise
Performance of studies

 

Professor Mathew Vadas

Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide

Completed/ 1987

Development of a new sensitive assay for anti-nuclear antibodies in human sera

Methodological expertise
Performance of studies

 

Dr John Ballard

CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair

Completed/ 1995

Identification of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as a potent growth stimulator in the gastrointestinal tract

Methodological expertise
Study design
Performance of studies

GroPep Pty Ltd

Dr Chris Goddard

CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair

Completed/ 1999

Investigations into the physiological role of betacellulin

Methodological expertise
Study design
Performance of studies

GroPep Pty Ltd

Mr Tony Scammell

Northfield Laboratories, Adelaide

Completed/ 1999

Whey-derived growth factors and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Performance of studies

Nutricia Inc

Dr Leanna Read

CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair

Completed/ 2002

Whey-derived growth factors and treatment of mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Performance of studies

TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd

Dr Anne Donnet-Hughes

Nestle Inc

Completed/ 2002

Effects of milk growth factors on gut immaturity

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

Nestle Inc

Dr Leanna Read

TGR BioSciences

Completed/ 2003

Milk growth factors and treatment of gastric ulceration

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd

Dr Barry Powell

Child Health Research Institute

Completed/ 2004

Development of a screening assay for intestinal barrier function

Methodological expertise

Nestle Inc

Dr Cathy Abbott

Flinders University

Completed/ 2006

The role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

Probiodrug Pty Ltd

Dr Phil Giffard

Queensland University of Technology

Completed/ 2006

Probiotic and prebiotic interactions in gastrointestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Professor Peter Howe

University of South Australia

Completed/ 2007

Anti-inflammatory lipids and gastrointestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

Pharmalink Pty Ltd

Mr Chris Booton

Nidor Pty Ltd

Completed/ 2008

Development of the sucrose breath test of intestinal function

Methodological expertise
Study design

Nidor Pty Ltd

Dr Marianne Hellers

BioInnovation SA

Completed/ 2006

In vivo models of GI disease

Study design

 

Dr Tony Clarkson

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Completed/ 1988

Aetiology of IgA Nephropathy

Methodological expertise
Performance of studies

 

Dr Kym Bannister

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Completed/ 1982

Studies on aetiology of Membranous Glomerulonephritis

Methodological expertise
Performance of studies

 

Dr Carlos-George Nascimento

UCLA Davis, California

Completed/ 1993

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and protection of the intestine

Methodological expertise
Study design
Performance of studies

 

Dr Cuong Tran

Women’s & Children’s Hosp.

Completed/ 2012

Effects of zinc supplementation on gastrointestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Dr Michael Conlon

CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition

Completed/ 1995

Insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-I) and –II (IGF-II) and gastrointestinal growth in rats and guinea pigs

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Dr Rob Fraser

Dept of Radiation Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital

Completed/ 2000

Insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-I) and radiation enteritis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Cory Xian

Dept of Orthopaedics, Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Completed/ 2000

Role of IGF-I, HGF and trefoil peptides in intestinal mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Art Hohmann and Dr Cory Xian

Child Health Research Institute

Completed/ 2000

Roles of IGF-I, TGFs and co-stimulatory molecules in acute, chronic and pre-neoplastic inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

 

Dr Peter Coyle

Inst of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide

Completed/ 2000

Role of zinc and metallothionein in intestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

A/Prof Ashley Blackshaw

Nerve-Gut Lab

Hanson Institute

Completed/ 2000

Effects of inflammation on bowel innervation

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Prof Cory Xian

Sansom Institute, University of South Australia

Completed/ 2012

Chemotherapy-induced mucositis and bone disease

Study design

 

Dr Aleta Knowles

Elanco Services (Eli Lilly), Vic; Melbourne

Completed/ 2006

Spinosad and repair of chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

Elanco Services (Eli Lilly), Vic; Melbourne

Dr Claire Roberts

Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide

Completed/ 2005

IGF-I and IGF-II: effects on intra-uterine growth retardation in guinea pigs

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Sharon Byers

Dept of Chemical Pathology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide

Current Commenced/ January 2005

Effects of new treatments for mucopolysaccharidosis on the gastrointestinal tract

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Kathy Lee

Dept of General Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide

Completed/
2005

Hypertonic saline and treatment of bronchiolitis in neonates

Study design

 

 

Mr John Waitzer

Queensland University

Completed/ 
2006

Effects of Lyprinol on intestinal mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Pharmalink Pty Ltd. Brisbane, Queensland.

Dr Bob Hughes

 

 

Current
Commenced/
2006

Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on intestinal function in poultry

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

SARDI

Poultry CRC

Dr Ric van Tol

 

 

Completed/ 
2007

Effects of new bioactives in a rat model of HIV infection

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

Numico Pty Ltd

Mr Chris Gregory

 

 

Current
Commenced/
2006

Effects of Emu Oil on chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

Emu Tracks

Dr Roger Campbell

 

Completed/
2010

Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on intestinal function in pigs

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

SARDI

Pork CRC

Dr Luis Borges

 

 

Completed
Commenced/ 2006

Effects of Palifermin on chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

Amgen Inc

Dr Adrian Cummins

 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Current
Commenced/
2007

Effects of probiotics on intestinal stem-cell expression in chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Susan Bastian

 

University of Adelaide

(Oenology)

Current
Commenced/ 2007

Effects of grape seed extract on chemotherapy-induced mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

A/Prof Christine Feinle-Bisset

 

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Completed/
2007

Effects of Iberogast on chemotherapy-induced mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Luby Simson

 

University of Canberra

Completed/ 
2009

Effects of mistletoe extract on intestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Prof Andrea Yool

 

University of Adelaide (Physiology)

Current
Commenced/ 
2010

Effects of rhubarb extract on aquaporin channels in inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Lindsay Burns

 

Pain Therapeutics

Completed/
2012

Effects of new analgesic agents on inflammatory bowel disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Prof Allison Cowin

Dr Zlatko Kopecki

University of South Australia

Current
Commenced/
2013

Effects of new bioactive agents on bowel inflammation in a model of epidermolysis bullosa

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr David Stone

 

SARDI

Flinders University

Current
Commenced/
2013

Effects of new probiotics and prebiotics on abalone growth

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Cuong Tran

CSIRO

Commenced/
2012

Effects of zinc supplementation on gastrointestinal disease

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Dr Michael Story

Story Pharmaceuticals

Commenced/
2014

Zinc Monoglycerolate and Emu Oil for treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Methodological expertise
Study design

Emu Tracks Pty Ltd

Dr Roger Yazbek

 

Flinders University

Commenced/
2014

Volatile organic compounds in breath as markers of systemic disease

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Suzanne Mashtoub

University of Western Australia

Commenced/
2014

Effects of Emu Oil on inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer

Methodological expertise
Study design

 

Dr James Munro

Prof Mary Barton

University of South Australia

Commenced/
2015

Bacteriophage treatment of water supplies to prevent infectious diarrhoea

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Dr Philip Marshall

ORIL Pty Ltd

Commenced/2016

Testing new anti-colon cancer compounds

Methodological expertise
Study design
Coordination of studies

 

Research Experience and Research Goals - Bioactive factors and Gastrointestinal Disease

Utilising in vivo animal model systems, our group was the first to identify insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) as a potent growth factor for the small intestine. Since this discovery, I have been responsible for the development and evolution of animal model systems and novel methodologies that have provided new insights into the mechanisms of growth factor action in vivo . I have been invited to review the role of growth factors in the gastrointestinal tract in the Current Opinion series and Journal of Nutrition. To this end, I have previously investigated the clinical and nutraceutical application of growth factors including epidermal growth factor, IGF-I, IGF-II, transforming growth factor-a, transforming growth factor-b, hepatocyte growth factor, trefoil factors and betacellulin in addition to other agents, such as zinc and whey-derived growth factors.  Since 2005 I have broadened my research interests to include mechanistic and pre-clinical studies of naturally-sourced bioactive agents including plant-extracts, marine extracts and probiotics, this culminating in successful grant awards from NHMRC in 2008 and RIRDC in 2009.

I am fully aware of the imperatives for research translation and commercial application of research and have previously utilised model systems of chemotherapy-induced mucositis to test the therapeutic application of a whey-derived growth factor extract. A Phase 1b clinical trial of this extract for treatment of oral mucositis was completed successfully through Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in 2002 and Phase IIb studies were completed in February 2008. I am the co-inventor of this treatment and international patents have now been granted. I have used in vivo model systems to test fundamental mechanistic hypotheses relating to the processes of intestinal protection, injury, repair, inflammation and transformation. To date we have developed models of gut immaturity, oral mucositis, gastritis, gastric ulceration, H pylori infection, NSAID-enteropathy, radiation enteritis, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and colonic carcinoma. This repertoire of animal models and associated novel analytical methods, which is available to other researchers, is a valuable resource that is unique in Australia, and possibly, the world.  The primary aim of my future research ventures is to further our understanding of nutrition, and the importance of bioactive dietary supplementation in animals and humans, specifically as this relates to diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal system. I am in the process of expanding my previous research on bioactive factors and the gut to include modulation of the glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2)/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPIV) axis in addition to the investigation of probiotics, prebiotics and other naturally-sourced bioactive factors, for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as intestinal mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease. My current research focuses on the recent development of non-invasive techniques to assess functions of the intestine, including absorption and indicators of intestinal transit, inflammation and ulceration. Although our group has only recently begun investigations into this exciting new research area, we have already been successful in attracting a $500,000 Biotechnology Innovation Fund grant for development of one of the tests (the sucrose breath test - SBT), becoming the first group to describe the SBT and its applicability to intestinal disease.

Currently held Competitive Grants

Title Funding Body Investigators Years Funds
New inhibitors of colon cancer development

Oncology Research International

G Howarth
S Mashtoub

2016-2017

$126,000

Biomarker development to monitor disease progression in Huntington’s transgenic sheep Brain Research New Zealand G Howarth
R Snell
2016-2017 $219,980

Currently held Industry Grants

Title Funding Body Investigators Years Funds
ZMG-Emu Oil and experimental colitis  Story Pharmaceuticals

G Howarth
S Mashtoub

2015 $37,714

Past Support

Title Funding Body Investigators Years Funds
Insulin-like growth factors and treatment of gastric ulceration disease CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair

G Howarth
L Read

1997-2002 $700,000
Milk growth factors and treatment of experimental inflammatory bowel disease Nutricia Inc

G Howarth
L Read

1997-1999 $320,000
Whey growth factors and prevention of oral mucositis R&D Syndicate

L Read
G Howarth
G Regester

1995-1998 $3.4 mill
Milk-derived growth factors and treatment of intestinal mucositis Mead-Johnson Inc Cephalon Inc

L Read
G Howarth
R Burns
J Farah

1993-1994 $50,000
Effects of IGF-I on DSS-induced colonic carcinoma in rats Anti-Cancer Foundation of South Australia

G Howarth
L Read
C Xian

1995-1996 $17,000
IGF-I effects on IBD-induced colon cancer

Crohn’s and Colitis Association of South Australia Equipment Grant

G Howarth

1996 $4,500
Whey growth factors and treatment of oral mucositis Channel 7 Children's Medical Research Foundation of South Australia

G Howarth
L Read

1995-1996 $20,000
Milk-derived growth factors and treatment of gastritis CRC for Tissue Growth and Repair

L Read
G Howarth

1998-2003 $700,000
Whey growth factor effects on ulcerative colitis

Crohn’s and Colitis Association of South Australia (Equipment grant),

G Howarth

1999 $2,500
Milk-derived growth factor formulations for treatment of gut immaturity and ulceration Nestle Inc

L Read
I Penttila
G Howarth
J Clarke
A Donnet-Hughes

2000-2002 $800,000
Milk-derived growth factor formulations for treatment of gastric ulceration Biotechnology Innovation Fund

L Read
G Howarth
G Regester
G Dandie

2001-2003 $500,000
The potential role of DPIV in inflammatory bowel disease Channel 7 Children's Medical Research Foundation of South Australia

G Howarth
C Abbott

2003-2004 $35,000
Development of a novel non-invasive test to monitor intestinal function Biotechnology Innovation Fund

R Butler
G Howarth
G Davidson
C Booton

2003-2005 $498,000
Inhibitors of DPIV and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease Channel 7 Children's Medical Research Foundation of South Australia

G Howarth
C Abbott

2004-2005 $55,000
Folate-producing probiotics and amelioration of intestinal mucositis Cancer Council SA

G Howarth
R Butler

2005-2006 $50,000
Research Fellowship Cancer Council SA

G Howarth

2005-2008 $250,000

Refurbishment of Small Animal House and installation of Metabolism caging

University of Adelaide

G Howarth

2006 $70,000
Spinosad and repair of chemotherapy-induced mucositis Elanco Animal Services (Eli Lilly)

G Howarth
A Knowles
R Butler

2006 $20,000
New bioactive factors for treatment of HIV Numico Pty Ltd

R Butler
G Howarth

2006-2007 $120,000

Effects of increasing dietary fat content on carcass composition in pigs

Pork CRC

R Campbell
G Howarth
J Pluske
F Dunshea
D Pethick

2006

2007

2008

$20,000

$20,000

$20,000

Palifermin (KGF) and repair of chemotherapy-induced mucositis Amgen Pty Ltd

G Howarth
R Butler

2006-2008 $80,000

Clinical trial of Lactermin for treatment of chemotherapy-induced mucositis

Commercial Ready

*Awarded to TGR BioSciences
GS Howarth is co-inventor on this patented new treatment

2006-2008 *$1,300,000
Emu Oil : role in chemotherapy-induced mucositis and IBD Emu Tracks

G Howarth
R Butler

2007-2008 $30,000

The extent of competition between the native and introduced herbivores of Kangaroo Island

ARC

P Stott
R Bosworth
G Howarth

2007
2008
2009

$35,000
$35,000
$15,000

Novel probiotics and naturally- sourced extracts as a treatment strategy for chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis

Cancer Council SA

G Howarth
R Butler

2008 $82,750
Probiotic effects on chronic colonic inflammation and DNA methylation status during tumourigenesis Cancer Council SA

G Howarth
R Butler

2008 $82,750
Evaluation of a novel nutraceutical from muricid molluscs as complementary medicine for gastrointestinal diseases Bushell Foundation

K Benkendorff
G Howarth
C Abbott

2008

2009

$108,100

$105,000

Development of a new treatment for canine mucositis

Nidor Pty Ltd/

BioIberica Inc

G Howarth

C Booton

2009-2010 $80,000
Novel probiotics and naturally-sourced extracts in chemotherapy-induced mucositis Sally Birch Cancer Council Senior Research Fellowship in Cancer Control

G Howarth

2009
2010
2011

$100,000
$100,000
$100,000

Novel probiotics and naturally-sourced extracts in chemotherapy-induced mucositis NHMRC Complementary Medicine

G Howarth
A Cummins
R Butler

2008
2009
2010

$121,750
$121,750
$121,750

Emu Oil treatments for gastrointestinal disease Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation G Howarth

2010
2011
2012

$120,000
Filamin A binding compounds and protection from intestinal disease Pain Therapeutics Pty Ltd G Howarth 2012 $30,000
Night camera video imaging for animal model behaviour studies Faculty of Sciences

G Howarth

P Stott

2013 $8,700
Novel nutraceutical formulations for alleviation of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis SA Cancer Research Collaborative Fellowship G Howarth

2012
2013
2014

$105,000
$105,000
$105,000

Teaching Interests

Professor Howarth is the coordinator for the Laboratory Animal Science course that was introduced in the B Sc (Animal Science) program in 2007.  Professor Howarth is a work experience student coordinator at the University and at the Women's and Children's Hospital. He also supervises groups of 3rd year Physiology students and DVM-1 students in research projects annually. Professor Howarth currently supervises 9 PhD students and two Honours students in his laboratory.

Postgraduate and Undergraduate Teaching

In addition to his position at the University of Adelaide, Professor Howarth has been appointed to affiliate academic positions in the other South Australian universities: the University of South Australia and Flinders University.  These affiliations have considerably expanded his ability to attract quality students to his research group. Professor Howarth has also been actively involved in giving presentations to tertiary student bodies such as the Wilto Yerlo Centre for Australian Indigenous Research & Studies (2006).

Undergraduate Teaching

  • Completed the University of Adelaide (Centre for Professional Learning and Certificate course: “Teaching at University (TaU)” [2005] Invited to present my work in the TaU course at the ‘Investigations into University Learning and Teaching’ Tri-institutional Symposium held in Adelaide (February 2006)
  • Completed the introductory MyUni course at the University of Adelaide [2005]
  • Participant in the ‘Twinning’ Program bridging Scientists with School Science Teachers [2004-Present].
  • Commenced undergraduate lecturing at University of Adelaide (Roseworthy campus) [Animal Biotechnology] in February 2006.
  • First student evaluation of teaching conducted in June 2008. Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) analysis resulted in the following scores (median responses) for the 3rd year Laboratory Animal Science course (91% responses).
    • Evaluation rated from 1 (unsatisfactory) to 7 (outstanding)
    • Effectiveness as a University teacher: SELT score = 6
    • Organization of the teacher: SELT score = 6
    • Concern for students: SELT score = 6
    • Demonstrates enthusiasm for encouraging student learning: SELT score = 6
    • Teacher encourages student participation: SELT score = 6
    • Teacher stimulates my interest in learning in this course: SELT score = 5
    • Teacher gives clear explanations: SELT score = 6
    • eSELT score: Effectiveness as a teacher = 6 (2015)
  • 2006-2008, Nutrition and Metabolism [3rd year BSc (An Sci)] Course Coordinator together with Ms Sarah Pain– Semester II
  • 2007-Present, Laboratory Animal Science [3rd year BSc (An Sci)] Course Coordinator with Dr Sarah Pain (2007 and 2008); Dr Roger Yazbek (2009 and 2010); Dr Alexandra Whittaker (2011 to 2015)

Undergraduate Research Students

  • 1999- Present, University of Adelaide, Discipline of Physiology (3rd year research Project students: 4 students/year)
  • 2001- 2007,  University of SA, School of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (4th year Biotechnology students: 1-2 students for 3-months each year)
  • 2000- Present, University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health Sciences (4th year research Project students: occasional student)
  • 2000- Present, Flinders University, School of Biological Sciences (final year research projects occasional student)
  • 2005, Ms Hanh Lam (Final-year student) Co-supervisor. Health Sciences, University of South Australia
  • 2005, Ms Alvina Lim (Final-year student) Co-supervisor. Health Sciences, University of South Australia
  • 2005, Ms Lisa Nicholas, Ms Lisa Philp, Ms Nivanee Nair, Ms Jane Chapman, Ms Kelly Roberts and Ms Cassie Smith. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2006, Ms Kim Maiolo, Ms Eugenie Lim, Ms Kris Hyang, Ms Grace Chan, Ms Shervi Lie, Ms Flavia Lee. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2007, Ms Miranda Leach, Ms Annika Wendland, Ms Rachel Jennings, Ms Suzanne Mashtoub. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2008, Ms Xiao Dan Ding, Ms Megan Vu, Ms Masooma Sultani, Mr Bang Hoang. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2009, Mr James Milosh, Ms Jessica Ryan, Ms Ellen Musolino. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2010, Ms Ella Bourne, Ms Kristen Brown, Ms Christine Nguyen, Mr James Selby. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Sole supervisor. Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2011, Ms Jessica Panini, Ms Zahra Lotfollahi, Mr Damiano Stomaci, Mr Liam Hoyle, Ms Elaine Penascoza. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Co-supervisor (with PhD student, Ms Suzanne Abimosleh). Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2012, Ms Juliana Bajic, Ms Elaine Penascoza. 3rd Year Physiology Project students. Co-supervisor (with PhD student, Ms Suzanne Abimosleh). Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2013, Mr Karl Ramsden, Ms Imogen Abernethy, Ms Erica Freitas Lima Lemos. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Co-supervisor (with post-doc, Dr Roger Yazbek). Dept of Physiology, University of Adelaide
  • 2014, Ms Dania Ruminski-Smith, Ms Lauren Chartier, Mr Scott Barker, Ms Hana Seo, Ms Romina Ghaemi, Ms Jacinta Fong. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Co-supervisor (with post-doc, Dr Suzanne Mashtoub). Dept of Physiology, University of Western Australia
  • 2015, Ms Jacqueline Edwards, Ms Rosa Harmer, Ms Yunsi Lei, Ms Samantha Perera. Ms Jessica Flavel. 3rd Year Physiology Research Project students. Co-supervisor (with post-doc, Dr Suzanne Mashtoub). Dept of Physiology, University of Western Australia

Vacation Scholarship Students (6-8 week summer placements)

  • 1998, Ms Fiona Clark (School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University)
  • 1999, Ms Olgatina Bucco (Discipline of Physiology, University of Adelaide)
  • 2001, Mr Adrian Liston (Discipline of Physiology, University of Adelaide)
  • 2002, Ms Katy Ramsden (Discipline of Physiology, University of Adelaide)
  • 2003, Ms Rasha Kamil (Discipline of Physiology, University of Adelaide)
  • 2005, Ms Swagatha Sundar (School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia)
  • 2005, Mr Simon Moretta (School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia)
  • 2006, Ms Lauren Savage (School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide)
  • 2006, Ms Amanda McLean (School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide)
  • 2009, Ms Caitlin Brook (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide)
  • 2010, Ms Andrea Fernandez (School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide)
  • 2011, Ms Zahra Lotfollahi (School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide)
  • 2012, Mr Brett Lange (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide)
  • 2014, Ms Farrah Preston (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide)
  • 2015, Ms Amy Bates and Ms Georgia Wallace (School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide)

International Research Students (6-8 week placements)

  • 2010, Mr Loic Antoine (Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Toulouse, France)
  • 2010, Mr Baptiste Pouchan (Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Toulouse, France)

Previous Postgraduate Student Training (with resulting peer-reviewed publications)

  • 1983, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith (FRCPA and PhD, with Dr Andrew Woodroffe)
  • 1983, Dr Amanda Gramp (FRCPA, with Professor Barrie Vernon-Roberts)
  • 1984, Dr Kym Bannister (MD, with Dr Andrew Woodroffe)
  • 1993, Ms Karen Ribbons (PhD, with Dr Leanna Read)
  • 1994, Mr Andrew Lemmey (PhD, with Dr Leanna Read)
  • 1995, Mr Michael Conlon (PhD, with Dr Frank Tomas)
  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Co-Supervisor Clinical trial of orally-administered Emu Oil in children with ulcerative colitis Master of Philosophy (Medical Science) Master Full Time Ms Sisanda Nomcebo Mhlanga
    2023 Co-Supervisor An investigation of enabling factors and obstacles to successful animal management programs in Australian indigenous communities. Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Dr Megan Heather Ann Pickering
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2017 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Emu Oil in Combination with Herbal Preparations Provides a Novel Adjunctive Approach to Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer Prevention Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Lauren Claire Chartier
    2016 - 2021 Principal Supervisor An Investigation into Neuroimmune, Cognitive and Affective Behaviour after Chemotherapy Exposure in a Rat Model: Implications for Chemotherapy-induced Gut Toxicity and 'Chemobrain' Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Rebecca Peta George
    2016 - 2022 Co-Supervisor PROMOTION OF CRYPT FISSION BY THE WNT-b-CATENIN SIGNALLING PATHWAY IN HUMANS AND RATS Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Zenab Mustansir Dudhwala
    2015 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Thermoregulation in exercising horses: Aspects of temperature monitoring during field exercise Doctor of Philosophy under a Jointly-awarded Degree Agreement with Doctorate Part Time Dr Lidwien Verdegaal
    2015 - 2018 Co-Supervisor Antimicrobial resistance in companion animal pathogens in Australia and assessment of pradofloxacin on the gut microbiota Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Sugiyono Saputra
    2015 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Analysis of the Judgement Bias Test for Welfare Assessment in Rats Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Timothy Hugh Barker
    2014 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Biomarkers of Increased Intestinal Permeability in Chickens Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Saad Gilani
    2014 - 2019 Co-Supervisor From the Bottom Up: Chemotherapy-Induced Gut Toxicity, Glial Reactivity and Cognitive Impairment Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Juliana Esma Bajic
    2012 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Naturally-Fermented Milk from Indonesia: A Study of Microbial Diversity and Probiotic Potency for the Potential Treatment of Intestinal Mucositis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Yoga Dwi Jatmiko
    2012 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Probiotic-Derived Factors as Potential Chemopreventive Agents for Intestinal Mucositis and Colon Cancer Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Hanru Wang
    2011 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Evaluation of Indices of Affective State in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-induced Mucositis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time APrf Alexandra Whittaker
    2011 - 2012 Co-Supervisor A Test of the Hutchinson Theory of Interspecific Competition Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Richard Bosworth
    2010 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Emu Oil Promotes Intestinal Repair in Rat Models of Enteric Inflammation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Suzanne Mashtoub
    2008 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Heat Stress in Racing Greyhounds Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Jane McNicholl
    2008 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Grape Sourced Bioactives: A Potential New Treatment Strategy for Intestinal Mucositis and Colon Cancer Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Ker Yeaw Cheah
    2008 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Probiotic-Derived Factors for the Treatment and Prevention of 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Luca Prisciandaro
    2006 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Wnt/B-Catenin Inhibitors as Adjunctive Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agents Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Jane Fauser
    2006 - 2007 Principal Supervisor An in vivo Model to Study Mucin-bacterial Interactions During Early Post-hatch Development of Broiler Chickens Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Bec Forder
    2004 - 2007 Principal Supervisor Probiotics and Prebiotics as a Therapeutic Strategy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Mark Geier
    2004 - 2007 Co-Supervisor Short-Chain Fatty Acid Modulation of Apoptosis in Gastric and Colon Cancer Cells' Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Geoffrey Matthews
    2003 - 2007 Co-Supervisor Detection of Small Intestinal Mucositis Utilising the Non-Invasive 13 C-Sucrose Breath Test' Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mrs Katie Tooley
  • Committee Memberships

    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2016 - 2016 Chair Program Management Committee: Animal Science University of Adelaide Australia
    2015 - ongoing Member Research and Educational Development Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2015 - ongoing Member Welfare, Health and Safety Committee - SAVS University of Adelaide Austria
    2015 - ongoing Chair Faculty HDR Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2014 - ongoing Chair Research Committee - School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences University of Adelaide Australia
    2014 - ongoing Member Faculty of Sciences Research Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2013 - ongoing Member Executive Committee - School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences University of Adelaide Australia
    2008 - ongoing Co-Chair HDR/Honours Committee - School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences University of Adelaide Australia
    2006 - ongoing Founder University Institutional Biosafety Committee University of Adelaide Australia
  • Editorial Boards

    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2013 - 2018 Editor-In-chief Advances in Veterinary Science Research Global Science and technology Foundation Singapore
    2004 - ongoing Associate Editor Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism - United States
  • Position: Professor
  • Phone: 83137885
  • Email: gordon.howarth@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 83137972
  • Campus: Roseworthy
  • Building: J.S. Davies, floor G
  • Org Unit: School of Animal and Veterinary Science

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