Rate My Professor Alexandra Tickle

Dr. Alexandra Tickle is the Commercialisation Manager at Otago Innovation Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Otago, in a role she has held since 2003. Possessing a PhD in Photochemistry from the University of Duisburg-Essen, along with earlier degrees in chemistry including a Masters/Diploma and BA in Organic Chemistry, her doctoral research focused on photocycloadditions to the skeleton of aromatic carboxylic acids. This scientific foundation underpins her expertise in assessing research innovations for commercial potential. Prior to her position at Otago Innovation, Dr. Tickle worked at Neuraxpharm in Germany, where she served as Product Manager from 2002 to 2003, leading product management and marketing, and as Pharmaceutical Representative from 2000 to 2002. She also held a scientific employee position at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 1996 to 2000.

At Otago Innovation, Dr. Tickle supports University of Otago researchers in commercialising discoveries, particularly those advancing health and wellbeing for people and animals. She has played key roles in projects spanning biotechnology, therapeutics, and medical devices, including facilitating first sales for 3D bio-printing technology in 2018 and supporting Proof of Concept grant winners. Notably, she helped negotiate a $14 million investment for spin-out Amaroq Therapeutics. Her contributions earned her a finalist spot in the Commercialisation Professional category of the 2021 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, as highlighted in the University of Otago Annual Report 2021. Dr. Tickle serves on the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator and Pipeline Committees and provides governance for start-up companies, health-related charities, and animal welfare groups. She holds directorships at Clutha Health First Trust since 2017, Periomedic since 2021, and Amaroq Therapeutics since 2021. Recently, she commented on the promise of ketamine-based treatments for depression emerging from Otago research. Residing on a lifestyle farm in Taieri Beach with her family and rescue animals, Dr. Tickle embodies her commitment to impactful science.