Rate My Professor Anne O'Connell

Dr. Anne O'Connell is a researcher specializing in sheep genetics and reproduction, currently serving as Business Development Manager in the University of Otago's Research and Enterprise Office. She earned her MSc and PhD from the University of Otago, completing her doctorate between 2006 and 2010 on embryo survival in prolific ewes under supervision in the Health Sciences division. Her academic career includes contributions to reproductive biology through collaborations with AgResearch and the University of Otago, focusing on genetic factors influencing ovulation rate, follicular development, and fertility in sheep.

O'Connell's key publications demonstrate significant impact in the field. She co-authored the seminal paper identifying a mutation in the intracellular kinase domain of bone morphogenetic protein IB receptor (ALK-6) in highly prolific Booroola sheep (Biology of Reproduction, 2001), which has garnered 854 citations. Other major works include studies on growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 essential for ovarian follicular development (Biology of Reproduction, 2002; 482 citations), populations of granulosa cells in small sheep ovarian follicles (Reproduction, 1999; 268 citations), control of early ovarian follicular development (Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement, 1999; 230 citations), growth and paracrine factors regulating follicular formation (Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2000; 210 citations), physiological effects of major genes affecting ovulation rate (Genetics Selection Evolution, 2005; 149 citations), patterns of expression of GDF9, BMP15, and related receptors during follicular development (Biology of Reproduction, 2007; 103 citations), effects of age, weight, and sire on embryo and fetal survival (Journal of Animal Science, 2013; 53 citations), causes of poor reproductive performance in juvenile ewes (Animal Reproduction Science, 2016; 42 citations), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the LEPR gene associated with puberty onset in Davisdale ewes (Biology of Reproduction, 2014; 40 citations). With over 1,800 citations across 27 publications, her research has advanced understanding of reproductive genetics in livestock. In her current role, she facilitates connections between Otago researchers and industry in agriculture, genetics, and clinical trials.