Research Interests
Animal Behaviour Animal Neurobiology Brain Comparative Law Humane Animal TreatmentAssociate Professor Alexandra Whittaker
Associate Professor
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
College of Science
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD, but is currently at capacity - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Alexandra Whittaker has a diverse background being trained in veterinary/animal welfare science, law, and evidence-based practice. She holds dual veterinary specialist qualifications from the UK certification authority in animal welfare science, ethics, law (AWSEL) and laboratory animal science.Animal welfare is a complex issue that extends beyond the immediate, visible impact on animals; it has far-reaching implications for sustainability, society, economy, and the environment. Public perception, and consequent support (or otherwise), of animal industries can determine which industries sink or swim. Demonstrating best practice welfare and maintaining the public's trust, or a social licence to operate, is essential in building community support and avoiding costly legal bans or an increased regulatory environment. The very real impact of social licence loss can be seen with the phase out of the $92 million sheep live export industry and jumps racing bans in many states. Maintenance of social licence requires robust monitoring, and transparent reporting of animal welfare status, as well as a swift response when animal welfare is compromised. However, animal welfare is notoriously difficult to assess because we largely rely on human observations of behaviour, and interpret this in line with other evidence, but may end up taking a human-focussed interpretation.Alex's research tackles this challenge by exploring innovative methods for assessing animal welfare, focusing particularly on identifying positive indicators such as contentment or joy in animals. She is actively engaged in advancing welfare assessment methodologies to enhance practicality and reliability of assessment. For instance, her current work leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the detection and analysis of behaviours relevant to animal welfare among zoo-housed animals. Alex's work crosses species, but has a basis in the use of data or evidence, to make determinations on animal welfare status and inform policy and practice. Given her comprehensive training and experience in animal welfare science and law, she frequently collaborates on multi-disciplinary projects working towards integrated solutions for animal welfare challenges. Alex is committed to promoting science-based animal welfare policy development and regularly consults on science-to-policy issues both in Australia and overseas. To further these goals, she established the Evidence Synthesis Initiative for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ESIAVS) and serves as its director. This dynamic, cross-disciplinary group conducts rigorous evidence syntheses across a wide spectrum of topics within the animal and veterinary science domains, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering methodological progress in the field. She also sits on the Evidence Synthesis Taxonomy Initiative advisory board.Since 2012 she has published more than 80 scientific articles and presented her work at a range of national and international conferences. Alex is the recipient of a number of prestigious fellowships, honours and awards, including an NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellowship, Fresh Science Award, and South Australian Young Tall Poppy. Her research is regularly featured in the media.
I lead the Animal Welfare, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (AWCAN) laboratory at the University of Adelaide. Our research approaches issues of animal welfare using a multi-disciplinary approach considering not only the science of animal emotion, but the legal and social implications of practice change. Specific projects include:
- Validation and refinement of novel behavioural and neurobiological assessment tools for animal welfare, particularly the assimilation of welfare indices and automation of data capture.
- Assessment of welfare in understudied species, such as animals housed within zoos.
- The governance of animal research and the role of the veterinarian within that sphere.
- The impact of virtual fencing technology on cattle and sheep welfare.
- The development and dissemination of methodology for evidence syntheses within the animal sciences.
For further information please see our lab webpage: 
For further information on the Evidence Synthesis Initiative for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ESIAVS) please refer to our webpage:
You can also follow us on X 
Current Projects
1. Exploring attitudes of the Australian public to animal research: This project will use online focus groups, with subsequent thematic analysis to explore attitudes towards research animal governance and species use. Available for Honours in Animal Science.
2. The evidence synthesis landscape in animal science: Risk of bias tools: This is a scoping project to determine what risk of bias tools are available for use in animal sciences, and to assess the content and use of these. This is a desk-based project using evidence synthesis methodology to source, select, and appraise data on Risk of Bias tools. Available for Honours in Animal Science.
3. Evaluation of a novel interactive cognitive enrichment tool for otters: In previous work a new cognitive enrichment device has been developed for otters. This requires cognitive skills and cooperation between a group of otters. This project will assess the prototype device for its impact on animal welfare/behaviour using behavioural analysis techniques. Available for Honours in Animal Science or Behaviour.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 - ongoing | Associate Professor | The University of Adelaide |
| 2017 - 2023 | Senior Lecturer | The University of Adelaide |
| 2008 - 2016 | Lecturer | The University of Adelaide |
| 2006 - 2008 | Laboratory Manager | Curtin University of Technology |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Achievement | Finalist ABC Top 5 | ABC | Australia | - |
| 2023 | Award | RSPCA Sybil Emslie Award for Animal Law | RSPCA | Australia | $1000 |
| 2023 | Award | South Australian Young Tall Poppy | Australian Institute of Policy and Science | Australia | - |
| 2022 | Award | Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Science Communication Prize | University of Adelaide | Australia | $500 |
| 2021 | Achievement | SA Fresh Scientist | Science in Public | Australia | - |
| 2018 | Award | ISAE New Investigator Award | International Society for Applied Ethology | United Kingdom | - |
| 2017 | Teaching Award | Excellence in Teaching Award | Faculty of Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2016 | Research Award | Edith Dornwell Medal for Early Career Research Excellence | Faculty of Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2016 | Nomination | Harold Woolhouse Prize for Best Thesis in Faculty of Sciences | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2016 | Award | Certificate of Scientific Accomplishment as an Early Stage Investigator | American Gastroenterological Association | - | - |
| 2016 | Achievement | Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence | The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2015 | Award | Prize for greatest number of publications in research theme | School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2014 | Award | Prize for greatest number of publications in research theme | School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2014 | Award | Prize for greatest quality publication in research theme | School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - 2026 | University of New England | Australia | Masters in AI and Machine Learning |
| 2021 | University of Manchester | United Kingdom | Masters in Public Health (Evidence-Based Healthcare) |
| 2017 | Supreme Court of South Australia | Australia | Barrister and Solicitor |
| 2016 - 2017 | The University of Adelaide | Australia | Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) |
| 2012 - 2015 | University of New England | Australia | LLB (Hons) |
| 2011 - 2016 | The University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD |
| 2011 - 2012 | The University of Adelaide | Australia | Graduate Certificate in Online Learning (GCOL) |
| 2010 - 2012 | Charles Sturt University | Australia | MBA |
| 2002 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | MA |
| 1998 - 2001 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | VetMB |
| 1995 - 1998 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | BA |
| Date | Title | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 - 2021 | Peter Doherty Biomedical Fellow | The University of Adelaide | Australia |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Certificate in Quality Auditing | Australian Online Courses | - |
| 2024 | INGUIDE Level I | McMaster University | Canada |
| 2023 | Freelance Writing | Australian Writers Centre | Australia |
| 2015 | Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM-AW) | European College of Veterinary Surgeons | - |
| 2011 | Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons | - |
| 2009 | Diploma in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons | - |
| 2008 | Membership in Animal Welfare | Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists | - |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Whittaker, A. (2022). Law Relating to Animals: A Concise Guide for Animal and Veterinary Scientists in Australia. CRC Press. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Whittaker, A. (2025). Strengthening the Nexus Between Animal Science and Law. In J. Kotzmann, & J. Kyriakakis (Eds.), Animal Law in Australasia: A Quiet Crisis (1st ed.). Federation Press. |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A., & Brown, C. (2023). Assessing Pain in Laboratory Species. In P. Jirkof, J. Lofgren, & D. Pang (Eds.), Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals (3rd ed., pp. 261-275). Elsevier. DOI Scopus1 |
| 2021 | Whittaker, A. (2021). The Laboratory Animal Veterinarian’s Contribution to One Welfare. In T. Stephens (Ed.), One Welfare in Practice: The Role of the Veterinarian (pp. 24 pages). Boca Raton, Florida, USA: Taylor and Francis- CRC press. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Cui, Q. -Z., Yuan, X., Partoon, J., Whittaker, A. L., Xu, L. -X., Liu, L., & Shi, P. (2024). Animal Behavior Monitoring Based on Sequence to Sequence Model. In 2024 International Conference on Wavelet Analysis and Pattern Recognition (ICWAPR) (pp. 1-6). Miyazaki, Japan: IEEE. DOI |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A. (2023). Finding the 'positives' in animal welfare assessment strategies. In Australian Veterinary Association. Adelaide. |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A. (2023). The Challenges of Welfare Assessment in Reptiles. In Animal Concepts Webinar. |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A., & Errington, M. (2023). Animal 'Research': Where's the ethical line?. In Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Goldcoast, Australia. |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A. (2023). What does the Australian Public think about Animal Welfare Regulation and Priorities for Species Protection?. In https://anzccart.adelaide.edu.au/events/list/2023/08/2023-anzccart-conference. Adelaide. |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A. (2023). An exploration of the Australian public’s viewpoints on the content and enforcement of animal protection law. In https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1073269. Adelaide. |
| 2023 | Kennewell, T., Mhlanga, S., Howarth, G., Chartier, L., Fujino, J., Mitchell, C., . . . Mashtoub, S. (2023). Kampo medicine (orengedokuto) improves stool consistency in a mouse model of 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis. In JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY Vol. 38 (pp. 200). WILEY. |
| 2021 | Olsson, A., Camerlink, I., Pongrácz, P., Camila Ceballos, M., Golledge, H., Nielsen, B., . . . Whittaker, A. (2021). Ethics for applied ethology and animal welfare research. In https://isae2021.exordo.com/files/messages/2228/Proceedings_of_the_54th_Congress_of_the_ISAE_2021.pdf. Online- 54th Congress. |
| 2021 | Whittaker, A. (2021). Panel Discussion Member. In https://www.tecniplast.it/usermedia/au/news/Tecniplast_Animal_Welfare_2021.pdf. Adelaide. |
| 2021 | Whittaker, A. (2021). The Use of Evidence Synthesis Methods in Laboratory Animal Science. In Medicine and Management of Laboratory Animals Chapter. Online. |
| 2021 | Whittaker, A. (2021). The varied roles of veterinarians in care and use of animals in research and teaching. In Australian Veterinary Association- AVAWE Webinar Series. |
| 2019 | Whittaker, A., & Schutz, K. (2019). Navigating the courtroom experience in an online environment. In Transforming Futures: International Research Based Education Conference. Adelaide. |
| 2019 | Whittaker, A., & Barker, T. H. (2019). Is It Really All Positive? Inherent Factors Influencing Judgement Bias Responses in Rats. In Australasia-Africa - International Society for Applied Ethology Regional Conference. Wellington, New Zealand. |
| 2019 | Morton, R., Hebart, M., & Whittaker, A. (2019). Reducing the Enforcement Gap in Animal Law - An Investigation into the Causes. In Australasia-Africa - International Society for Applied Ethology Regional Conference. Wellington, New Zealand. |
| 2018 | Morton, R., Hebart, M., & Whittaker, A. (2018). Amending Animal Welfare Laws in SA - Does it Work?. In Animal Law Education Workshop 2018. Sydney, Australia. |
| 2017 | Barker, T. H., George, R. P., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2017). The Assessment of Housing Density and Social Hierarchy of Laboratory Rats on Behavioural Measures to Assess Welfare. In 2017 Australian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching Conference, ‘Maintaining Social License in a Changing World’. Queenstown, New Zealand. |
| 2016 | Whittaker, A. L., Bajic, J. E., Bobrovskaya, L., Hutchinson, M. R., & Howarth, G. S. (2016). Chemotherapy Induces Intestinal Inflammation and Central Changes Which Are Modified by Analgesics via Neuro-Immune Mechanisms. In GASTROENTEROLOGY Vol. 150 (pp. S52). San Diego, CA: W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC. DOI |
| 2016 | Bajic, J., Whittaker, A., Bobrovskaya, L., Hutchinson, M., & Howarth, G. (2016). Intestinal mucositis induced by 5-Fluorouracil results in glial changes modified by analgesics via neuro-immune mechanisms. In Australian Society for Medical Research. Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Whittaker, A. (2015). Is there a nexus between animal welfare science and legal reform?. In Animal Law Workshop. Monash University. |
| 2015 | Whittaker, A., & Franceschilli, T. (2015). An Instructor’s Reflections on the Use of a Video Assessment Tool for Group Project Work. In HERGA. Adelaide. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Whittaker, A. (2024). Integrating AI Use in the Teaching of Evidence-based Practice: A Case Study. Poster session presented at the meeting of Festival of Learning and Teaching- Marketplace of Ideas. |
| 2024 | Whittaker, A. (2024). Guiding the Next Generation: Mentorship and Training in Animal Research for ECRs. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Goldcoast, Queensland. |
| 2017 | George, R. P., Barker, T., Lymn, K., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2017). Is chemotherapy-induced mucositis associated with pessimistic behaviour as demonstrated by negative judgement biases in the rat?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Society for Medical Research. South Australia. |
| 2017 | George, R. P., Barker, T. H., Lymn, K., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2017). Cognitive bias as a measure of affective state in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Conference. South Australia. |
| 2016 | Barker, T. H., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2016). Judgment Biases: Metabolic cage housing and sex effects. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Auckland, New Zealand. |
| 2016 | Bajic, J. E., Whittaker, A. L., Bobrovskaya, L., Hutchinson, M. R., & Howarth, G. S. (2016). Intestinal mucositis induced by 5-Fluorouracil results in glial changes modified by analgesics via neuro-immune mechanisms. Poster session presented at the meeting of Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer. Adelaide. |
| 2016 | Barker, T., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2016). Correlation between cognitive bias and other measures of stress in rats. Poster session presented at the meeting of International Society for Applied Ethology. Edinburgh. |
| 2016 | George, R., Barker, T., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2016). Mice do not exhibit pessimistic judgement biases in response to metabolic cage housing: reflection on housing type or cognitive bias methodologies.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Conference. Auckland. |
| 2016 | George, R., Barker, T., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2016). Mice do not exhibit pessimistic judgement biases in response to metabolic cage housing: reflection on housing type or cognitive bias methodologies.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Society for Medical Research. Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Lymn, K. A., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2015). The use of different classes of analgesic in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis:A technician’s perspective. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australia and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Conference. Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Whittaker, A., Leach, M. C., Preston, F. L., Lymn, K. A., & Howarth, G. S. (2015). The assessment of pain using behaviour and the rat grimace scale in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Asociation. Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Francisco, C. C., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2015). Effects on Animal Wellbeing and Sample Quality of Two Techniques for Collecting Blood from the Facial Vein of Mice.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Abstracts of the MASCC/ISOO 2015 Annual Meeting Supportive Care in Cancer Abstracts (2015). Poster session presented at the meeting of SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER. Germany: SPRINGER. DOI WoS1 Europe PMC1 |
| 2015 | Whittaker, A., Preston, F., Lymn, K., & Howarth, G. (2015). Addressing the translational validity of animal models of chemotherapy-induced mucositis; the assessment of pain using behaviour and the rat grimace scale.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Society for Medical Research (SA Chapter). Adelaide. |
| 2015 | Stillman, M., & Whittaker, A. L. (2015). Analgesia in the sheep as an animal model. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Conference. Adelaide. |
| 2014 | Mashtoub, S., Feo, B., Whittaker, A. L., Lymn, K. A., Martinez-Puig, D., & Howarth, G. S. (2014). Oral Nucleotides Partially Attenuate 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Mucositis in Rats. Poster Presentation P36.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Society for Medical Research (SA Chapter). Adelaide. |
| 2014 | Whittaker, A., Lymn, K. A., Nicholson, A., & Howarth, G. S. (2014). The Assessment of General Wellbeing Using Spontaneous Burrowing Behaviour in a Short- Term Model of Chemotherapy-induced Mucositis in the Rat.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Canberra. |
| 2014 | Mashtoub, S., Feo, B., Whittaker, A. L., Lymn, K. A., Martinez-Puig, D., & Howarth, G. S. (2014). Oral Nucleotides Partially Attenuate 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Mucositis in Rats.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Support Care Cancer. Miami. |
| 2014 | Mashtoub, S., Feo, B., Whittaker, A., Lymn, K., Martinez-Puig, D., & Howarth, G. (2014). Oral nucleotides only minimally improve 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in rats. Poster session presented at the meeting of Abstracts of the 2014 World Cancer Congress Abstracts, as published in Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Broadbeach, Qld.: Wiley. DOI |
| 2014 | Vaughan, L. V., Kloppers, M., & Whittaker, A. L. (2014). Influence of preputialectomy on aggression and injury in group-housed male Swiss mice. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australia and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Canberra, Australia. |
| 2014 | Whittaker, A. (2014). Animal law teaching in non-law disciplines: incorporation in animal and veterinary science curricula. Poster session presented at the meeting of Animal Law Workshop. Goldcoast, Australia. |
| 2013 | Whittaker, A. (2013). Aggression and laboratory mouse welfare. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australia and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Perth, Australia. |
| 2012 | Whittaker, A. (2012). A review of the effects of space allocation and housing density on measures of wellbeing in laboratory mice. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian and New Zealand Council for the care of animals in research and teaching (ANZCCART). Perth. |
| 2011 | Whittaker, A. L. (2011). Regulation of Laboratory Animal Care and Use: An International Perspective. Poster session presented at the meeting of JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE. AMER ASSOC LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE. |
| 2010 | Whittaker, A. (2010). Researcher animal ethics training at the University of Adelaide. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week. |
| 2010 | Whittaker, A., Noonan, D., & Chew, F. (2010). Investigation of training and development options for research and teaching animal users. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australia and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. |
| 2009 | Whittaker, A. (2009). Teaching Animal Welfare in an Integrated Veterinary Curriculum. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Science Week. Goldcoast, Australia. |
| 2008 | Whittaker, A. (2008). Investigating alternatives to the use of animals in veterinary undergraduate teaching. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australia and New Zealand Laboratory Animal Association. Sydney. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Whittaker, A. (2015). The Price of a Four-Legged Friend: Non-economic damage award in pet litigation. (Undergraduate Dissertation, The University of New England). |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Domínguez-Oliva, A., Mota-Rojas, D., & Whittaker, A. (2023). Are vegan pet diets as unhealthy as they’re claimed to be? Here’s what the evidence says. The Conversation. |
| 2022 | Turner, J., & Whittaker, A. (2022). Was Tricia the elephant happy? Experts on the ethics of keeping such big, roaming creatures in captivity. The Conversation. |
| 2021 | Barker, T., & Whittaker, A. (2021). The effect of pain, and its amelioration, on mouse grimace scale scores in laboratory mice. PROSPERO Sytematic Review Registration. |
| 2021 | Haller, O., Whittaker, A., George, R., Semendric, I., & Collins-Praino, L. (2021). Investigating the effects of anti-inflammatory agents in pre-clinical models of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment – a systematic review protocol. PROSPERO- registration no: CRD42021240789. |
| 2021 | Semendric, I., Haller, O., George, R., Pollock, D., Whittaker, A., & Collins-Praino, L. (2021). Experience of the impact of chemobrain in childhood cancer survivors: a qualitative systematic review protocol. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021240573. PROSPERO. |
| 2019 | Whittaker, A., & Morton, R. (2019). Penalties for animal cruelty double in SA but is this enough to stop animal abuse?. The Conversation. |
| 2019 | Whittaker, A. (2019). The impact of common blood sampling methods in mice on welfare and sample quality: a systematic review protocol. |
| - | Morphett, J., Whittaker, A., Reichelt, A., & Hutchinson, M. (n.d.). Perineuronal net structure as a non-cellular mechanism of affective state, a scoping review. INPLASY - International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols. DOI |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Partoon, J., Sherwen, S., Smith, M., Riley, L., & Whittaker, A. (2025). From Concept to Action: Operationalising Animal Welfare Strategies in Zoos and Aquaria. DOI |
| 2024 | Whittaker, A., Aromataris, E. A., Ankeny, R., Rem Jessen, L., Scahill, K., Brennan, M., . . . Barker, T. (2024). The Value of Evidence Synthesis in Animal Sciences: A Discussion and Call to Action. DOI |
| 2024 | Haller, O., Semendric, I., Collins-Praino, L., Whittaker, A., & George, R. (2024). Changes in cognition and neuroinflammation in a rodent model of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment are variable both acutely and chronically. DOI |
| 2023 | Whittaker, A. L. (2023). Methods used for assessment of laboratory mouse affective state or welfare: a protocol for a systematic mapping review. DOI |
| 2022 | Turner, J. T., Whittaker, A. L., & McLelland, D. (2022). Behavioural Impact of Captive Management Changes in Three Species of Testudinidae. DOI |
| Date | Title | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Reducing Animal Testing in the Healthcare Sector | Dukes, J, Ankeny R, Whittaker A, Khani T, White S, Atherton A | Stewart Investors | $67,000 |
| 2023 |
Innovative Sensory Fusion and AI-empowered Analysis for Enhancing Animal Welfare Monitoring |
Whittaker A, Yuan X, Shi, P | Faculty of SET, Sandlands Bequest | $32,000 |
| 2022 | Can cognitive function be improved in childhood cancer survivors with the use of a custom cognitive gaming suite? | Collins- Praino L, Whittaker A, Hobbs D, Pope K, Semendric I, Haller O, George R, O'Loughlin B. | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation | $100,000 |
| 2021 | Research Survey on Australian Attitudes to Animal Research | Ankeny R, Whittaker A, | ANZCCART | $30,000 |
| 2021 | Barbara Kidman Women's Fellowship | Whittaker, A | University of Adelaide | $30,000 |
| 2020 | Community Knowledge and Expectations on Animal Protection Law Enforcement in Australia | Whittaker, A | AFUW-SA | $5000 |
| 2019 | A Benefit or Hindrance? The Impact of Globalisation on Industrial Agricultural Expansion and Animal Welfare in Low and Middle Income Countries Reliant on Halal Production Practices | Whittaker A, Ankeny R, Buddle E | Tiny Beams | $11,655 |
| 2019 |
Development of a welfare assessment tool for routine use with captive reptiles |
Whittaker A, Mclelland D, Sherwen S |
AVA Animal Welfare Trust | $9,300 |
| 2019 | Inflaming the Brain: Understanding the Acute and Chronic Effects of Paediatric Chemotherapy on Cognitive Function in the Developing Brain | Whittaker, A. George R, Collins- Praino L | NeuroSurgical Research Foundation | $29,615 |
| 2018 | Validation of real-time use of the Mouse Grimace Scale in a murine colon cancer model | Chartier L, Whittaker AL, Mashtoub S | AVA Animal Welfare Trust | $8,231 |
| 2018 |
Validation of MicroRNA's as a Novel Laboratory Animal Welfare Assessment Tool |
Whittaker AL, Cameron R, Tilbrook A, Hiendleder S | American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine | $39,288 |
| 2018 | 'Navigating' the Court Room Experience in an Online Environment | Whittaker AL, Hewitt A, Nosworthy B, Elms P, Henderson S, Franceschilli T | University of Adelaide, Learning Enhancement and Innovation Grants | $2,200 |
| 2018 | 'Chemobrain': a Culmination of Central Nervous System Inflammatory Events? | Whittaker AL | Australian Federation of University Women | $4,891 |
| 2017 | ‘Chemobrain’: Neuroimmunological Consequences of Chemotherapy-induced Mucositis and Opioid Palliation in Development of the Condition | Whittaker AL | National Health and Medical Research Council, Early Career Fellowships | $318,768 |
| 2017 | 'Novel biomarkers of animal welfare in pigs; microRNA, immunobiology and on farm application' | Terry R, Hiendleder S, Whittaker AL | Australian Pork Limited | $226,102 |
| 2017 |
Neuroimmunological Consequences of Chemotherapy-induced Mucositis and Opioid Palliation in the Development of ‘Chemobrain’ |
Whittaker AL, Howarth GS, George RP | School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Seed Grant, The University of Adelaide | $3,000 |
| 2015 | The utility of cognitive bias testing to assess therapeutic improvements in emotional state in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis | Whittaker AL, Barker T, Howarth GS | School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Seed Grant, The University of Adelaide | $4,000 |
| 2012 | Funding for night vision animal surveillance cameras | Howarth G, Stott P, Whittaker AL | Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Minor Equipment Round $8,700 | $8,700 |
| 2011-2012 | Novel Strategies to enhance creep attractiveness and reduce piglet mortality |
Whittaker AL, Van Wettere W, Kirkwood, R. | Pork CRC innovation grant | $15,665 |
| 2010 |
Evaluation of space requirements for breeding pigs at different parities |
Whittaker AL |
|
$9,000 |
| 2009-2010 | Evaluation of space requirements for breeding pigs at different parities | Van Wettere W, Hughes P, Whittaker AL | Australian Pork Limited (APL) | $11,820 |
Major Teaching Responsibilities
The majority of my teaching is in the Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) and Bachelor of Veterinary Technology programs into:
ANIMLSC 3250RW - Animals and the Law (course founder and coordinator 2012-)
4060ARW/BRW-Honours Animal Science Project and 4050ARW/BRW- Advanced Animal Science (Hons) (Honours Coordinator)
Professional Communication
VET TECH 1030RW - Evidence-based Veterinary Technology I
ANIMLSC 3100RW - Laboratory Animal Science
Minor Teaching Responsibilities
I also have teaching roles in:
ANIMLSC 3016RW - Animal Health
AN BEHAV 2000RW- Foundations in Animal Behaviour
VET SC 2500RW - Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience II
VET SC 3500RW - Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience III (Course coordinator 2013-14)
VET SC 7223RW - Veterinary Public Health
VET SC 7005RW - Clinical Research Project
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Captive Snake Welfare - Assessing and Improving Zoo Snake Exhibits | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Sara Louise Hanson |
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Animal Interaction Programs and their welfare impact on zoo-housed animals | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Bridget Kristin Cooper-Rogers |
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Understanding the social dynamics of flocking bird species and their implications of welfare | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Paige Anna Klingner |
| 2025 | Principal Supervisor | Investigation of elephant welfare monitoring tools | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Raman Ghimire |
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Zoo Welfare | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Justine Kate Partoon |
| 2024 | Co-Supervisor | An analysis of the current legal status of non-human animals in Australia. | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Frankie Madeleine Bray |
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Exploring Interactive and Technological Enrichment in Zoos | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Lesia Marie Hryhorenko |
| 2023 | Principal Supervisor | Animal Welfare Regulation of Animal Research in Australia; A critical evaluation of its effectiveness, the risk of regulatory capture, and the veterinary voice in animal welfare policy. | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Lisa Josephine Craig |
| 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Investigating Correlations Between Behaviour, Affect, and Welfare in Reptiles | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Mrs Jessica Thea Turner |
| 2021 | Co-Supervisor | Chemobrain impact and remediation: a focus on the paediatric patient | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Miss Ines Semendric |
| 2021 | Co-Supervisor | Exploring the neurobiological bases of affective states | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Jane Cerina Morphett |
| 2021 | Co-Supervisor | Quantification of the lifetime experience of pain in livestock and its implications on productivity and animal husbandry practices, including applications to human health and wellbeing | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Miss Charlotte Helen Johnston |
| 2021 | Principal Supervisor | The physiological impacts of virtual fencing on sheep and cattle in South Australia. | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Miss Megan Beth Willis |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 - 2025 | Principal Supervisor | A multi-faceted approach to explore the role of neuroinflammation in chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: From systematic review to in vitro and in vivo modelling | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Olivia Jane Haller |
| 2019 - 2023 | Principal Supervisor | Investigating the Gap Between the Ambitious Goals and Practical Reality of Animal Welfare Law: Understanding the Contributors of the Enforcement Gap in Australia | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Rochelle Palazzo |
| 2018 - 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Exploration of microRNAs as biomarkers of affective state in the pig | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Laura Emma Marsh |
| 2016 - 2021 | Co-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 |
| 2015 - 2018 | Co-Supervisor | Analysis of the Judgement Bias Test for Welfare Assessment in Rats | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Timothy Hugh Barker |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 - ongoing | Principal Supervisor | Exploring the Australian Publics Attitudes Towards Research on Animals: A Qualitative Study | The University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Animal Science (Honours) | Honours | Full Time | Jock Bache |
| 2022 - ongoing | Principal Supervisor | Affective state and peri-neuronal nets | University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Abdul Abbas |
| 2021 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Validation of a reptile welfare assessment tool | The University of Adelaide | Honours in Animal Science | Honours | Full Time | Narelle Jones |
| 2021 - 2021 | Principal Supervisor | Validation of a Reptile Welfare Assessment Tool | The University of Adelaide | Honours in Animal Science | Honours | Full Time | Jessica Turner |
| 2020 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | MiRNA's as indicators of affective state | the University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Jane Morphett |
| 2020 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | Role of the neuroimmune response in chemobrain | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Olivia Haller |
| 2020 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | Development of a welfare assessment tool for captive reptiles | the University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Brianna Golder-Dewar |
| 2020 - 2020 | Principal Supervisor | Development of a welfare assessment tool for captive reptiles | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Jordyn Triggs |
| 2019 - 2019 | Principal Supervisor | Are there gender difference in predisposition to Chemotherapy-induced Cognitive Impairment | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Carolyn Mitchell |
| 2019 - 2019 | Principal Supervisor | The utility of MicroRNA’s as indicators of valence of affective state | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Jason Cutler |
| 2019 - 2019 | Principal Supervisor | The long-term effects of cancer chemotherapy administration on cognition | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Ines Semendric |
| 2018 - 2018 | Principal Supervisor | Speciesism in Animal Law: Does animal species impact penalties given for cruelty offences? | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Rochelle Morton |
| 2018 - 2018 | Principal Supervisor | Validation of an Attention Bias Model of Affective State in Mice | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Sheryn Thomas |
| 2017 - 2017 | Principal Supervisor | The role of empathy in influencing cognitive biasing | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Peta Groves |
| 2017 - 2017 | Co-Supervisor | Providing peri-parturient sows with alternative nesting material to improve welfare | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Alice Rainsford |
| 2015 - 2015 | Principal Supervisor | The effects of metabolic cage housing on cognitive bias expression in mice | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Rebecca George |
| 2014 - 2014 | Principal Supervisor | The effects of metabolic cage housing and sex on cognitive bias expression in rats | The University of Adelaide | - | Honours | Full Time | Timothy Barker |
| Date | Role | Board name | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - ongoing | Director | Veterinary Surgeons Board | VSBSA | Australia |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | Animal Welfare Committee | National Health and Medical Research Council | Australia |
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | Animal Welfare Advisory Board | Morris Animal Foundation | United States |
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | American Association for Laboratory Animal Science | United States |
| 2017 - ongoing | Member | Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Society | - |
| 2016 - ongoing | Member | The Law Society of South Australia | - |
| 2013 - ongoing | Member | International Society for Applied Ethology | - |
| Date | Role | Editorial Board Name | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - ongoing | Editor | Scientific Reports | Scientific Reports | United States |
| 2022 - ongoing | Member | Frontiers in Veterinary Science | Frontiers | United Kingdom |
| 2019 - ongoing | Member | Animals- Reviewer Board | MDPI | Switzerland |
| 2014 - ongoing | Board Member | Australian Animal Protection Law Journal | - | Australia |
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