Rate My Professor Rachel Bates

Rachel Bates is the Administrator at the Graduate Research School (GRS) of the University of Otago, where she delivers essential administrative support to the GRS team. The GRS focuses on providing pastoral care, training programs, and professional development opportunities to both staff and graduate research candidates across the university's divisions. Located in Room G.08 at 103 St David Street in Dunedin, Bates is noted for her enthusiasm in assisting everyone who visits the office. Her direct contact information includes telephone +64 3 479 5737 and email rachel.bates@otago.ac.nz. Her appointment to this role was announced in a university news article dated November 15, 2024, introducing new personnel at the GRS, including Dean Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu and Deputy Dean Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith.

Beyond the GRS, Rachel Bates holds the position of Administrator for the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit (NZPSU), operated under the University of Otago. The NZPSU undertakes national surveillance of rare and emerging paediatric conditions, aiding in epidemiological research and public health responses. She is credited in the NZPSU annual reports for 2022 and 2023, supporting initiatives such as monitoring delayed access to paediatric care during the COVID-19 lockdown period and surveillance for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Bates is also named among the creators of the conference paper 'Paediatricians in Aotearoa contribute to rare disease surveillance,' presented at the Paediatric Society of New Zealand Te Kāhui Mana Rongoā event. Furthermore, she contributes to postgraduate student engagement by co-leading the 3MT University of Otago 2025 Grand Final with Dr. Nick Baker, and serving as the primary contact for events like the Postgraduate Co-ordinator Forum scheduled for April 2, 2026, and the Graduate Research School quiz night.