The Monthly
We host monthly seminars via zoom where we members of our network are able to present talks and facilitate discussions on a variety of menstrual cycle health research. Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with upcoming seminars and see the information below to get an idea of what we talk about.
For the zoom link and regular updates on our seminar series please sign up to our mailing list.
28th May 2026
Understanding internalised misogyny in O&G training and practice
Jackie Smalldridge is a retired O&G specialist of 30 years and now a second year PhD student at the O&G Department, Wellington School of Medicine working remotely from Auckland. Her thesis aims to find out what the hidden curriculum O&G training and practice look like and how misogynistic attitudes and beliefs become assimilated into trainees and specialists. Jackie has completed 40 qualitative interviews with O&G trainees and specialists and will share the emerging findings.
30th April 2026
Laura Gemmell-Sinnott is currently based in New York as a Fullbright Scholar as a Visiting Researcher at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. Laura's research explores mātauranga Māori about sex, sexuality, and reproductive health and examines how this knowledge can inform more equitable and culturally responsive health policy design. Sexual and reproductive health shapes so many aspects of life. Her goal is to ensure this space receives the attention it deserves, and that policy decisions are informed by Indigenous knowledge, evidence, and lived experience, because our communities deserve nothing less. Laura hopes this research helps shift how sexual and reproductive health is understood and prioritised, not as an afterthought, but as a core component of our health.
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March 2026 - Postgraduate Session
We heard from Rose Harper and Nicholas Anderson, two current PhD students.
Rose is a PhD student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago, supervised by Claire Henry and her PhD title is: Investigating peroxidase enzymes for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis
Nicholas is also a PhD student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago, supervised by Michael Pankhurst and his PhD investigates the contirbution of oocyte quality and oocyte quantity to age related infertiltiy.
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February 2026 - Trak Gray
Media and Engagement
In this interactive workshop Trak guided us through the Ottawa charter for health promotion and the key principles that form an effective headline for science outreach and communication. In this hybrid session we worked to apply this framework to our own work and come up with headlines that highlight the outstanding work happening in the Network.
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September 2025
Planning for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle Research
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August 2025 - Megan Leask
“Linking Genetics to the Biology of PCOS”
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July 2025 - Zoe Koroneos
“Comorbid effects of endometriosis and adenomyosis on fertility and pregnancy outcomes”
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June 2025 - Anjuli Muller and Courtenay Jamieson
“Untangling co-producing research through a case study of women’s health.”
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May 2025 - Dr. Gendie Lash
“An Introduction to Menstrual Health Research in Guangzhou”
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April 2025 - Jane MacDonald and Anna Adcock
“Can we eliminate cervical cancer? Qualitative and Quantitative Findings in HPV Self Testing. ”
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March 2025 - Student Presentations
Liz Jonas,
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago
“Mapping Epistemic (In)justices in Gynecological Care”Isabel Pearson ,
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, Massey University
Fertility tracking apps that use hormone tracking technology through urine testing.Nicole De Jesus
Monash University
“Effects of hormonal therapies on control of weight and cardiometabolic health in women”Rose Harper
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago
“Novel Methods for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis”Elizabeth Derby
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago
“Investigating neutrophil extracellular traps as a biomarker for endometriosis”Jackie Smalldridge
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago
“Understanding misogyny in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Aotearoa/New Zealand “_____________
October 2024 - Olivia Hall and Katie McCullough
“An Intro to STIEF: Sexually Transmitted Infections Education Foundation”
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September 2024 - Various
“Research Bites” - This month we heard small updates from ongoing projects within the Network
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August 2024 - Ragnar Anderson
Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa"Parents and Young People’s Communication about Sex, Sexuality and Relationships: Meaning-Making and Affect" - Special Edition on Periods and Puberty
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July 2024 - Caroline Decourt and Greg Anderson
Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago"The Role of Neuropeptides in Preventing Miscarriage and How Body Weight Impacts Fertility"
_____________June 2024 - Dr. Mike Armour
NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University"The role of medicinal Cannabis in treating gynaecological pain"
_____________May 2024 - Fiona McNamara and Belinda Narayanan
“Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa - Health promotion strategy and menstrual health resources”
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April 2024 - Dr Sathana Ponnampalam
“Clinical Perspective on the Abnormal Uterine Bleeding guidelines”
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March 2024 - Deborah Bush
“Endometriosis Awareness Month - Awareness Campaigns and Who is Shouting What from the Rooftops?”
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February 2024 - Bryndl Hohmann-Marriott
“Reporting Back: Society for Menstrual Cycle Research”
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October 2023 - Elizabeth Bromley
“Holistic perspectives on presentation and intervention of PCOS”
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September 2023 - Dr Emma O’Loughlin
“Menstrual Health in a Sports Medicine Context”
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August 2023 - General Updates Session
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July 2023 - Kate Sparks
“Designing New Zealand Focused Menstrual Education Resources”
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Have an exciting research idea, newly found results or looking for feedback? Our monthly seminars are the perfect place for you to share ideas and information get in contact or email menstrualhealth@otago.ac.nz for more information.