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 and behavioural neuroscientist who researches the impact of neuroimmune alterations on emotion and cognitive processing. Alex also has significant research expertise in applied animal behaviour and welfare assessment of animals. She leads an independent research group working on multiple projects in these areas. Alex also has an interest in animal law and is developing projects in this area.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
A link has recently been established within patients with general functional gut disorders and decreases in their cognition, with 70% of these patients experiencing psychological comorbidities. Dr Whittaker's research focusses on the effects of inflammatory processes in the gut on patient emotion and cognitive processing, and the neuroimmune mechanisms which contribute to this effect. This work is aimed at identifying ways in which gut-brain axis mechanisms can be targeted in gastrointestinal disease in order to prevent cognitive decline. One specific area where this will have application is in the prevention of 'chemobrain' ; a condition that affects cancer patients treated with chemotherapy agents, and cancer survivors many years after treatment cessation. Cognitive changes in chemobrain may manifest as impairment of patient’s learning and memory, reasoning and visuo-spatial skills amongst others. As a result activities of daily life become more challenging with patients’ ability to work and maintain relationships impacted. This profoundly affects quality of life.
Dr Whittaker also has an interest in animal cognition, affective state and animal welfare, and conducts research investigating these concepts in an applied fashion. Specific areas of research include:
- The neuroimmunological consequences of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in development of 'chemobrain'
- Validation and refinement of novel behavioural assessment tools
- Assessment of positive welfare outcomes
- Pain assessment in laboratory animals and comparison of therapeutics
- The legal status of animals- effects on attitudes towards them and their treatment
- The use of online technologies in promoting student learning
For further information please see our lab webpage: 
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
Project 2 - Can differential expression of microRNA’s distinguish valence of emotional state?
Project description: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been proposed as novel biomarkers for animal welfare or in major depressive disorder. MiRNA’s are small non-coding molecules that perform post-transcriptional regulation and control many developmental and cellular processes. Studies in humans and animals have demonstrated different expression patterns of miRNAs as a result of both acute and chronic stress. Furthermore, whilst they are particularly prevalent in brain sites, they can be detected in components of the blood. We propose a novel hypothesis that miRNA assessment may differentiate valence, or direction of emotion ie positive or negative state. This is a preliminary study to determine expression patterns of microRNAs in the blood and amygdala, from banked tissue samples. Techniques employed will include RNA extraction, and miRNA analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and affymetrix gene microarray technology.
Projects available for: Honours / HDR
Location: Helen Mayo Building
Research project start: Semester 1
Special requirements: Nil
Project 3 - Development and validation of behavioural tests in sheep
Project description: Sheep are widely used as animal models of disease and there is continuing attention into assessment of their welfare state. However, in comparison to other species there has been relatively little development and validation of tests to ascertain emotional states, such as anxiety and generalised affective state. In this project we will design and validate simple, ethologically relevant tests of emotion in sheep with a focus on measures of anxiety and social cognition.
Projects available for: Honours
Location: Roseworthy Campus/Turretfield
Research project start: Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: Nil
Project 4 - Sex Differences in Chemobrain Incidence? A systematic review +/-meta-analysis
Project description: Chemobrain is a common side effect experienced by cancer patients after administration of chemotherapy. A perusal of the literature on this condition suggests that the condition tends to occur more commonly in females. Whilst a number of factors have been identified which may lead to an increased incidence and severity of the condition in females, it remains unclear whether there actually is a specific gender predisposition. Instead there may be a reporting bias in the literature as a result of disproportions in funding for different cancer types, or access to patient populations. Students on this project will learn about and conduct a systematic review +/- meta-analysis of the literature on this topic following the format of an incidence review. Students will be assisted to develop a search strategy, select studies for inclusion, appraise studies, extract data and synthesise the information narratively. A protocol will be developed and published prior to study start.
Projects available for: 3rd year
Location: Helen Mayo
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Max. Number of students: 2
Special requirements: Nil
Project 5 - Neuroimmune expression in preclinical models of ‘chemobrain’: a systematic review
Project description: Chemobrain is a common side effect experienced by cancer patients after administration of chemotherapy. A body of literature suggests a role for neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of this condition but the specific pathways remain unclear. In this project we will conduct a scoping systematic review of the literature to determine expression patterns of neuroimmune expression in rodent models of chemobrain. Students will be assisted to develop a search strategy, select studies for inclusion, appraise studies using the SYRCLE risk of bias tool, extract data and synthesis the information narratively. A protocol will be developed and published prior to study start. The results of this review will inform future preclinical research targeting the mechanistic pathways elucidated.
Projects available for: 3rd year
Location: Helen Mayo
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Max. Number of students: 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 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 2018 University of Manchester United Kingdom Masters in 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 Welfar 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
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Journals
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Conference Items
Year Citation 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. 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. 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 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. 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.
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. 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 2015 International MASCC/ISOO Symposium (2015). Poster session presented at the meeting of Supportive Care in Cancer.
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. 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 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 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.
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. (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). -
Internet Publications
Year Citation 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.
| Date | Title | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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) program into:
ANIMLSC 3250RW - Animals and the Law (course founder and coordinator 2012-)
ANIMLSC 3100RW - Laboratory Animal Science
Minor Teaching Responsibilities
I also have teaching roles in:
ANIMLSC 3016RW - Animal Health
VET SC 2500RW - Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience II
VET SC 3500RW - Professional Skills in Veterinary Bioscience III (Course coordinator 2013-14)
VET SC 3516RW - Veterinary Epidemiology, Biosecurity, & Evidence-Based Med III
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 2019 Principal Supervisor Investigation of the Enforcement Gap in Animal Law Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Rochelle Morton 2018 Principal Supervisor Novel biomarkers of animal welfare in Pigs: MicroRNA, Immunology and on farm application Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Laura Emma Latimer-Marsh 2016 Co-Supervisor The role of opioids in modulating inflammation in chemotherapy-induced mucositis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Rebecca Peta George -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 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 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 Board Member Veterinary Sciences and One Health Hapres United Kingdom 2014 - ongoing Board Member Australian Animal Protection Law Journal — Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles
