Encourages students to explore new ideas.
Susan Deans serves as the Technical Manager in the Department of Physiology at the University of Otago, which is part of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences within the Division of Health Sciences. Located in the Lindo Ferguson Building at 270 Great King Street, Dunedin, she plays a crucial role in the department's technical operations and student support services. As the designated disability support person, Ms. Deans provides essential information and assistance to students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusion in physiology courses such as PHSL 231 Neurophysiology, PHSL 233 Cellular, GI & Renal Physiology, and PHSL 232 Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology. Her contact details are readily available for students and staff needing support: phone +64 3 479 5106 and email sue.deans@otago.ac.nz.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Susan Deans received the University of Otago Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff in 2010. She has maintained a long tenure at the university, contributing significantly to laboratory functions and teaching support. Her expertise is acknowledged in departmental research outputs, including a 2024 publication in Advances in Physiology Education on associations between heart size and anthropometric factors, where she and colleague Carolyn Porteous were thanked for invaluable assistance in laboratory sessions. Additionally, she co-presented with colleagues Colin H. Brown and Philip W. Sheard at the 2011 ANZCCART Conference, representing the Department of Physiology's practices. Susan Deans also engages in departmental recruitment, as seen in job postings for teaching laboratory technicians directed to her. Her dedication supports the department's mission in biomedical sciences education and research.
