Alexandra Whittaker

Dr Alexandra Whittaker

Senior Lecturer

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences

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

Alexandra Whittaker is a veterinary scientist, lawyer, and behavioural neuroscientist who researches the impact of neuroimmune alterations on emotion and cognitive processing. She is a European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law, by virtue of holding diplomate status in this discipline. Alex has significant research expertise in applied animal behaviour and welfare assessment of animals, and leads an independent research group working on multiple projects in these areas. Alex founded the Evidence Synthesis Initiative for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ESIAVS) and directs this initiative. This cross-disciplinary group performs evidence syntheses on a range of topics related to the animal and veterinary science fields, and performs metascience evaluations. Alex also has an interest in animal law and is developing projects in this domain.

Dr Whittaker has an interest in the gut-brain axis and cognitive decline, animal cognition, affective state and animal welfare, and conducts research investigating these concepts in an applied fashion. She also has an interest in metascience or the study of science itself, data assimilation methods and reporting of research. Specific areas of research include:

  • The neuroimmunological consequences of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in development of 'chemobrain'
  • Validation and refinement of novel behavioural and neurobiological assessment tools for animal welfare
  • Assessment of positive welfare outcomes
  • Pain assessment in animals and comparison of therapeutics
  • The legal status of animals- effects on attitudes towards them and their treatment
  • The use of reporting guidelines, systematic review methodologies and implementation in animal and veterinary sciences
  • The use of online technologies in promoting student learning

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 twitter Twitter image

Characteristic Histological Changes in the Chemotherapy-Damaged Gut
    

 
Available Research Projects

Project 1 - Understanding the Acute and Chronic Effects of Paediatric Chemotherapy on Cognitive Function in the Developing Brain

Project description: For children who survive childhood cancer, the burden continues, with up to 70% of survivors experiencing chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). CICI impairs attention, and memory, which profoundly impacts academic and social performance, as well as quality of life. To date, the brain changes that give rise to these impairments are unknown. In this study we will analyse banked tissue using lab techniques such as western blotting and immunohistochemistry to determine the timecourse of expression of neuroimmune markers.  The results will facilitate development of targeted therapies for prevention of CICI, in addition to informing clinical assessment protocols and survivorship care plans.

Projects available for: Honours / HDR / Masters / Mphil
Location: Helen Mayo Building
Research project start: Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: Nil

 

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  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2017 Senior Lecturer The University of Adelaide
    2008 - 2016 Lecturer The University of Adelaide
    2006 - 2008 Laboratory Manager Curtin University of Technology

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    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 —

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    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

  • Postgraduate Training
    Date Title Institution Country
    2018 - 2021 Peter Doherty Biomedical Fellow The University of Adelaide Australia

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    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 —

  • Research Interests
    Animal Behaviour Animal Neurobiology Brain Comparative Law Humane Animal Treatment
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  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2021 Bajic, J. E., Howarth, G. S., Mashtoub, S., Whittaker, A. L., Bobrovskaya, L., & Hutchinson, M. R. (2021). Neuroimmunological complications arising from chemotherapy-induced gut toxicity and opioid exposure in female dark agouti rats. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 14 pages.
    DOI
    2021 George, R., Semendric, I., Bowley-Schubert, E., Chivonivoni, C., Warrender, A., & Whittaker, A. (2021). Reporting in rodent models of 'chemobrain': a systematic review assessing compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines. Supportive Care in Cancer, 12 pages.
    DOI
    2021 Mota‐Rojas, D., Napolitano, F., Strappini, A., Orihuela, A., Ghezzi, M. D., Hernández-Ávalos, I., . . . Whittaker, A. (2021). Pain at the slaughterhouse in ruminants with a focus on the neurobiology of sensitisation. Animals, 11(4), 1-16.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2
    2021 Whittaker, A., Liu, Y., & Barker, T. (2021). Methods used and application of the mouse grimace scale in biomedical research 10 years on: a scoping review. Animals, 11(3), 1-27.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC1
    2021 George, R., Semendric, I., Hutchinson, M., & Whittaker, A. (2021). Neuroimmune reactivity marker expression in rodent models of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: a systematic scoping review. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 94, 392-409.
    DOI Scopus1 WoS1
    2021 Morton, R., Hebart, M., Ankeny, R., & Whittaker, A. (2021). Assessing the uniformity of Australian animal protection law: a statutory comparison. Animals, 11(1), 1-36.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1 Europe PMC1
    2021 Warwick, C., Grant, R., Steedman, C., Howell, T. J., Arena, P. C., Lambiris, A. J. L., . . . Wilson, A. (2021). Getting it straight: accommodating rectilinear behavior in captive snakes - a review of recommendations and their evidence base. Animals, 11(5), 1-21.
    DOI
    2021 Whittaker, A., Golder-Dewar, B., Triggs, J., Sherwen, S., & McLelland, D. (2021). Identification of animal-based welfare indicators in captive reptiles: a Delphi consultation survey. Animals, 11(7), 1-20.
    DOI
    2021 Semendric, I., Pollock, D., Haller, O., George, R., Collins-Praino, L., & Whittaker, A. (2021). ‘‘Chemobrain’’ in childhood cancer survivors — the impact on social, academic, and daily living skills: a qualitative systematic review protocol. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 19, 1-7.
    DOI
    2021 Marsh, L., Hutchinson, M., McLaughlan, C., Musolino, S., Hebart, M. L., Terry, R., . . . Whittaker, A. (2021). Evaluation of miRNA as biomarkers of emotional valence in pigs. Animals, 7(7), 1-19.
    DOI
    2020 Whittaker, A. L., & Hickman, D. L. (2020). The Impact of Social and Behavioral Factors on Reproducibility in Terrestrial Vertebrate Models.. ILAR journal, 60(2), 252-269.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC1
    2020 Whittaker, A., & Barker, T. (2020). A consideration of the role of biology and test design as confounding factors in judgement bias tests. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 232, 105126-1-105126-9.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS3
    2020 Loyer, J., Whittaker, A., Buddle, E., & Ankeny, R. (2020). A Review of Legal Regulation of Religious Slaughter in Australia: Failure to Regulate or a Regulatory Fail?. Animals, 10(9), 22 pages.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC1
    2020 Morton, R., Hebart, M., & Whittaker, A. (2020). Explaining the gap between the ambitious goals and practical reality of animal welfare law enforcement: a review of the enforcement gap in Australia. Animals, 10(3), 482-1-482-21.
    DOI Scopus5 WoS7 Europe PMC5
    2020 Whittaker, A., & Barker, T. (2020). The impact of common recovery blood sampling methods, in mice (Mus musculus), on wellbeing and sample quality: a systematic review. Animals, 10(6), 989.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC2
    2020 Mota-Rojas, D., Olmos-Hernández, A., Verduzco-Mendoza, A., Hernández, E., Martínez-Burnes, J., & Whittaker, A. (2020). The utility of grimace scales for practical pain assessment in laboratory animals. Animals, 10(10), 1838-1-1838-17.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS3 Europe PMC1
    2020 Latimer-Marsh, L., Terry, R., Whittaker, A., Hiendleder, S., & Ralph, C. (2020). Pronounced inter-individual variation in plasma cortisol response to fluoxetine hydrochloride in the pig. Animals, 10(3), 504-1-504-6.
    DOI
    2020 Chartier, L., Hebart, M., Howarth, G., Whittaker, A., & Mashtoub, S. (2020). Affective state determination in a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. PLoS ONE, 15(1), e0228413-1-e0228413-14.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS9 Europe PMC3
    2020 Barker, T., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2020). Subordination in female rats impedes learning as determined by a judgment bias training protocol. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 38, 56-60.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1
    2019 George, R., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2019). Use of the Rat Grimace Scale to evaluate visceral pain in a model of chemotherapy- induced mucositis. Animals, 9(9), 678.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS3 Europe PMC1
    2019 Stillman, M., & Whittaker, A. (2019). The use and efficacy of analgesic agents in sheep (Ovis aries) utilised as models in biomedical research. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 58(6), 755-766.
    DOI
    2019 Whittaker, A. L., & Marsh, L. E. (2019). The role of behavioural assessment in determining ‘positive’ affective states in animals. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, 14(010).
    DOI Scopus10
    2019 Benn, A. L., McLelland, D., & Whittaker, A. L. (2019). A review of welfare assessment methods in reptiles, and preliminary application of the Welfare Quality® Protocol to the pygmy blue-tongue skink, Tiliqua adelaidensis, using animal-based measures. Animals, 9(1), 1-22.
    DOI Scopus17 WoS16 Europe PMC7
    2018 Morton, R., Hebart, M., & Whittaker, A. (2018). Increasing maximum penalties for animal welfare offences in South Australia– has it caused penal change?. Animals, 8(12), 236.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS5 Europe PMC3
    2018 Barker, T., Kind, K., Groves, P., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2018). Oestrous phase cyclicity influences judgment biasing in rats. Behavioural Processes, 157, 678-684.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC2
    2018 George, R., Barker, T., Lymn, K., Bigatton, D., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2018). A judgement bias test to assess affective state and potential therapeutics in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Scientific Reports, 8(8193), 9 pages.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS8 Europe PMC4
    2018 Barker, T. H., Howarth, G. S., & Whittaker, A. L. (2018). Increased latencies to respond in a judgment bias test are not associated with pessimistic biases in rats. Behavioural Processes, 146, 64-66.
    DOI Scopus7 WoS7 Europe PMC2
    2017 Barker, T., Bobrovskaya, L., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2017). Female rats display fewer optimistic responses in a judgment bias test in the absence of a physiological stress response. Physiology and Behavior, 173, 124-131.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS11 Europe PMC2
    2017 Barker, T., George, R., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2017). Assessment of housing density, space allocation and social hierarchy of laboratory rats on behavioural measures of welfare. PLoS ONE, 12(9), 1-22.
    DOI Scopus18 WoS12 Europe PMC6
    2016 Barker, T., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2016). The effects of metabolic cage housing and sex on cognitive bias expression in rats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 177, 70-76.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS10
    2016 Whittaker, A., & Vine, M. (2016). The price of a four-legged friend: non-economic damage award in Australian pet litigation. Tort Law Review, 24(2), 99-123.
    2016 Whittaker, A., Lymn, K., Wallace, G., & Howarth, G. (2016). Differential effectiveness of clinically-relevant analgesics in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. PLoS One, 11(7), e0158851-1-e0158851-19.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC4
    2016 Whittaker, A., Lymn, K., & Howarth, G. (2016). Effects of Metabolic Cage Housing on Rat Behavior and Performance in the Social Interaction Test. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 19(4), 363-374.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS11 Europe PMC3
    2016 Whittaker, A., Leach, M., Preston, F., Lymn, K., & Howarth, G. (2016). Effects of acute chemotherapy-induced mucositis on spontaneous behaviour and the grimace scale in laboratory rats. Laboratory Animals, 50(2), 108-118.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS11 Europe PMC6
    2015 Whittaker, A. (2015). Halal Certification:Food for thought? (Opinion piece). Australian Animal Protection Law Journal, 10, 37-38.
    2015 Whittaker, A., Plush, K., Terry, R., Hughes, P., Kennaway, D., & Van Wettere, W. (2015). Effects of space allocation and parity on selected physiological and behavioural measures of well-being and reproductive performance in group-housed gestating sows. Livestock Science, 176, 161-165.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1
    2015 Whittaker, A., Lymn, K., Nicholson, A., & Howarth, G. (2015). The assessment of general well-being using spontaneous burrowing behaviour in a short-term model of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the rat. Laboratory Animals, 49(1), 30-39.
    DOI Scopus17 WoS17 Europe PMC10
    2015 Vaughan, L., Kloppers, M., & Whittaker, A. (2015). The influence of bilateral preputialectomy on aggressive behaviour, and incidence of aggression-related injury, in group-housed male Swiss mice. Animal Technology and Welfare, 14(2), 77-84.
    2015 Francisco, C., Howarth, G., & Whittaker, A. (2015). Effects on animal wellbeing and sample quality of 2 techniques for collecting blood from the facial vein of mice. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animals, 54(1), 76-80.
    Scopus10 WoS11 Europe PMC10
    2014 Whittaker, A., Howarth, G., & Lymn, K. (2014). Evaluation of Facebook© to create an online learning community in an undergraduate animal science class. Educational Media International, 51(2), 135-145.
    DOI Scopus30
    2014 Whittaker, A. (2014). Incorporation of a stand-alone elective course in animal law within animal and veterinary science curricula. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 41(1), 55-59.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC2
    2014 Whittaker, A. (2014). Animal research regulation in Australia - does it pass the test of robustness?. Global Journal of Animal Law, 1, 1-14.
    2014 Whittaker, A., & Howarth, G. (2014). Use of spontaneous behaviour measures to assess pain in laboratory rats and mice: how are we progressing?. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 151, 1-12.
    DOI Scopus37 WoS34
    2014 Vaughan, L., Dawson, J., Porter, P., & Whittaker, A. (2014). Castration promotes welfare in group-housed male Swiss outbred mice maintained in educational institutions. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 53(1), 38-43.
    Scopus4 WoS4 Europe PMC1
    2013 Wang, H., Brook, C., Whittaker, A., Lawrence, A., Yazbek, R., & Howarth, G. (2013). Effects of Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in a rat model of doxorrubicin-induced mucositis. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 48(8), 959-968.
    DOI Scopus14 WoS14 Europe PMC8
    2013 Whittaker, A., & Anderson, G. (2013). A policy at the University of Adelaide for student objections to the use of animals in teaching. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 40(1), 52-57.
    DOI Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC5
    2013 Whittaker, A. (2013). Animal law teaching in non-law disciplines: incorporation in animal and veterinary science curricula. Australian Animal Protection Law Journal, 9, 113-115.
    2012 Terry, R., Van Wettere, W., Whittaker, A., Herde, P., & Howarth, G. (2012). Using the noninvasive ¹³C-sucrose breath test to measure intestinal sucrase activity in swine. Comparative Medicine, 62(6), 504-507.
    Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2
    2012 Whittaker, A., Van Wettere, W., & Hughes, P. (2012). Space requirements to optimize welfare and performance in group housed pigs: a review. American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 7(2), 48-54.
    DOI Scopus12
    2012 Whittaker, A., Noonan, D., & Chew, F. (2012). Investigation of training and development options for research and teaching animal users: a case study. Animal Technology and Welfare, 11(1), 21-21-29,33,36,39.
    2012 Whittaker, A., Howarth, G., & Hickman, D. (2012). Effects of space allocation and housing density on measures of wellbeing in laboratory mice: a review. Laboratory Animals, 46(1), 3-13.
    DOI Scopus22 WoS23 Europe PMC20

  • Books
    Year Citation
    2022 Whittaker, A. (2022). Law Relating to Animals: A Concise Guide for Animal and Veterinary Scientists in Australia. CRC Press.

  • Book Chapters
    Year Citation
    2021 Whittaker, A., & Brown, C. (2021). Assessing Pain in Laboratory Species. In P. Jirkof, J. Lofgren, & D. Pang (Eds.), Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
    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.

  • Conference Papers
    Year Citation
    2021 Whittaker, A. (2021). The Use of Evidence Synthesis Methods in Laboratory Animal Science. In Medicine and Management of Laboratory Animals Chapter. Online.
    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.

  • Conference Items
    Year Citation
    2021 Whittaker, A. (2021). Panel Discussion Member. Poster session presented at the meeting of https://www.tecniplast.it/usermedia/au/news/Tecniplast_Animal_Welfare_2021.pdf. Adelaide.
    2021 Whittaker, A. (2021). The varied roles of veterinarians in care and use of animals in research and teaching. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Veterinary Association- AVAWE Webinar Series.
    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. Poster session presented at the meeting of https://isae2021.exordo.com/files/messages/2228/Proceedings_of_the_54th_Congress_of_the_ISAE_2021.pdf. Online- 54th Congress.
    2019 Whittaker, A., & Barker, T. H. (2019). Is It Really All Positive? Inherent Factors Influencing Judgement Bias Responses in Rats. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australasia-Africa - International Society for Applied Ethology Regional Conference. Wellington, New Zealand.
    2019 Whittaker, A., & Schutz, K. (2019). Navigating the courtroom experience in an online environment. Poster session presented at the meeting of Transforming Futures: International Research Based Education Conference. Adelaide.
    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. Poster session presented at the meeting of 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.
    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 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. Poster session presented at the meeting of GASTROENTEROLOGY. San Diego, CA: W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC.
    DOI
    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.
    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. Poster session presented at the meeting of Australian Society for Medical Research. Adelaide.
    2015 Whittaker, A. (2015). Is there a nexus between animal welfare science and legal reform?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Animal Law Workshop. Monash University.
    2015 Abstracts of the MASCC/ISOO 2015 Annual Meeting [corrected]. (2015). Poster session presented at the meeting of Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. Germany: Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    DOI 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 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 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.
    2015 Whittaker, A., & Franceschilli, T. (2015). An Instructor’s Reflections on the Use of a Video Assessment Tool for Group Project Work. Poster session presented at the meeting of HERGA. 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.
    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., 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 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 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.

  • Theses
    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).

  • Working Paper
    Year Citation
    2021 Whittaker, A., George, R., & O'Malley, L. (2021). Prevalence of cognitive impairment following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Wiley.
    DOI

  • Internet Publications
    Year Citation
    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.
    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.
    2019 Whittaker, A. (2019). The impact of common blood sampling methods in mice on welfare and sample quality: a systematic review protocol.
    2019 Whittaker, A., & Morton, R. (2019). Penalties for animal cruelty double in SA but is this enough to stop animal abuse?. The Conversation.
    — 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
    — Whittaker, A. L., George, R. P., & O’Malley, L. (n.d.). Prevalence of cognitive impairment following chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
    DOI
Date Title Investigators Funding Body Amount
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

AVA Animal Welfare Trust

 $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) 

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

 

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  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2021 Principal Supervisor Understanding the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment with a focus on neuroinflammation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Olivia Jane Haller
    2021 Co-Supervisor Chemobrain impact and remediation: a focus on the paediatric patient Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Ines Semendric
    2021 Co-Supervisor Exploring the neurobiological bases of affective states Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms 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 Full Time Miss Charlotte Helen Johnston
    2019 Principal Supervisor Investigation of the Enforcement Gap in Animal Law Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Rochelle Morton
    2018 Principal Supervisor New Project title: Exploration of microRNA as biomarkers of affective state in the pig. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Laura Emma Marsh

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    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

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2021 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Validation of a reptile welfare assessment tool The University of Adelaide Honours in Animal Science Honours Full Time Narelle Jones
    2021 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Validation of a Reptile Welfare Assessment Tool The University of Adelaide Honours in Animal Science Honours Full Time Jessica Turner
    2020 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Role of the neuroimmune response in chemobrain The University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Olivia Haller
    2020 - ongoing Principal Supervisor MiRNA's as indicators of affective state the University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Jane Morphett
    2020 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Development of a welfare assessment tool for captive reptiles the University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Brianna Golder-Dewar
    2020 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Development of a welfare assessment tool for captive reptiles The University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Jordyn Triggs
    2019 - ongoing Principal Supervisor The long-term effects of cancer chemotherapy administration on cognition The University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Ines Semendric
    2019 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Are there gender difference in predisposition to Chemotherapy-induced Cognitive Impairment The University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Carolyn Mitchell
    2019 - ongoing Principal Supervisor The utility of MicroRNA’s as indicators of valence of affective state The University of Adelaide — Honours Full Time Jason Cutler
    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
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  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2017 - ongoing Member Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Society —
    2016 - ongoing Member American Society for Nutrition —
    2016 - ongoing Member The Law Society of South Australia —
    2013 - ongoing Member International Society for Applied Ethology —

  • Editorial Boards
    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2019 - ongoing Member Animals- Reviewer Board MDPI Switzerland
    2019 - ongoing Board Member Veterinary Sciences and One Health Hapres United Kingdom
    2014 - ongoing Board Member Australian Animal Protection Law Journal — Australia
  • Position: Senior Lecturer
  • Phone: 83137868
  • Email: alexandra.whittaker@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 8313 7956
  • Campus: Roseworthy
  • Building: Corridor Block, floor G
  • Room: G 04
  • Org Unit: School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Connect With Me
External Profiles