Photo caption:听Fulbright Science and Innovation Graduate Award Katherine (Katie) Ellis with MFAT Divisional Manager Americas Division James Waite (left) and US Embassy Charge d鈥檃ffairs David Gehrenbeck (right).
Katie was honoured at the Fulbright New 蜜桃儿直播 2025 Grantee and Alumni Reception in Wellington last week, where she was recognised for her work at the intersection of chemical engineering, biomechanics, and women鈥檚 health.
Her upcoming Fulbright placement will see her collaborating with Professor Linda Griffith, a global expert in biological and mechanical engineering and director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)鈥檚 Gynepathology Research Centre.
At MIT, Katie will investigate how mechanical microenvironments influence the behaviour of endometriosis, a condition affecting an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide. Her project involves developing hydrogel models to improve scientific understanding of this debilitating disease.
Katie graduated with a BE (Hons First Class) from Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 蜜桃儿直播 (UC) in 2022 and is now undertaking PhD research in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. 听
Also recognised at the Fulbright reception was UC Adjunct Professor Dr Kelly Tikao, who received the Fulbright-Ng膩 Pae o te M膩ramatanga Scholar Award. Based at the University of Otago, Christchurch, Dr Tikao is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nursing and the Department of M膩ori Indigenous Health Innovation.
Her Fulbright research will explore how Native Hawaiian practitioners and traditional healers are rejuvenating customary maternity practices in both hospital and community settings. Her project contributes to a growing body of Indigenous health research focused on reclaiming and integrating traditional knowledge systems into modern care.
Both awards highlight the global impact and leadership of researchers connected to UC.
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