Rate My Professor Emma Gowing

Emma Gowing serves as an Assistant Research Fellow in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Division, at the University of Otago. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Massey University between 2004 and 2006. Her academic and research career has been centered at the University of Otago, where she previously worked as a research technician in the Basal Ganglia Research Group from 2009 to 2010. Gowing's contributions are prominently featured in neuroscience research, particularly focusing on neuroprotection, functional recovery after stroke, and related brain injury models in rodents. She has co-authored 26 publications, accumulating over 540 citations, demonstrating her impact in the field.

Key publications include 'Delayed post-treatment with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells is neuroprotective and improves functional recovery after neonatal focal stroke' (2015, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, cited by 51), where she contributed to studies on mesenchymal stem cell efficacy in hypoxia-ischemia models. Other significant works are 'Combined ampakine and BDNF treatments enhance neurogenesis and pyramidal cell connectivity in the hippocampus after pediatric traumatic brain injury' (2015, Experimental Neurology, cited by 96), 'Sonic hedgehog stimulates neurite outgrowth in a mechanical stretch model of reactive astrogliosis' (2016, Scientific Reports, cited by 34), 'GHB analogs confer neuroprotection through specific recognition of GABAB1 receptor' (2021, Neuropharmacology, cited by 51), and 'The Gliopeptide ODN, a Ligand for the Benzodiazepine Site of GABAA Receptors, Corrects Cortical Hyperexcitability and Sensorimotor Deficits after Stroke in Mice' (2021, Journal of Neuroscience, cited by 22). Gowing has also contributed to behavioral studies, such as effects of nidopallium caudolaterale inactivation on serial-order behavior in pigeons (2018, Journal of Neurophysiology) and prefrontal cortex stroke impairments (2016, Behavioural Brain Research). Her technical expertise in stroke surgeries, brain sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral assessments has supported numerous projects within the Brain Health Research Centre. In December 2023, she received the Research Support Outstanding Contribution Award from the School of Biomedical Sciences.