Rate My Professor Emily Paterson

Emily Paterson is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Surgery and Critical Care within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, part of the Health Sciences Division. She earned her Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc (Hons)) from the University of Otago in 2021 and completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the same institution, with a thesis titled 'Endometriosis biomarkers: extracellular vesicles and cervicovaginal fluid,' supervised by Dr Claire Henry and Dr Kirsty Danielson. Her doctoral research focused on investigating extracellular vesicles in cervicovaginal fluid as potential biomarkers for endometriosis. Paterson's academic career has progressed from honours research on extracellular vesicles in endometrial cancer to her current postdoctoral role, where she continues to advance non-invasive diagnostic methods for gynaecological conditions. Her work emphasizes the analysis of miRNA profiles, proteomics, and extracellular vesicle isolation techniques from clinical samples such as cervical brushes and vaginal swabs.

Paterson has authored several key publications in prominent journals. Notable works include 'Recommendations for extracellular vesicle miRNA biomarker research in the endometrial cancer context' (Translational Oncology, 2022), co-authored with C Blenkiron, K Danielson, and C Henry; 'A promising future for endometriosis diagnosis and therapy: extracellular vesicles - a systematic review' (Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2022), with S Scheck and CE Henry; 'Retrospective review of endometriosis surgery at Te Whatu Ora–Capital and Coast' (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2024); and 'Comparison of cervicovaginal fluid extracellular vesicles isolated from paired cervical brushes and vaginal swabs' (Journal of Extracellular Biology, 2024). Additional publications cover proteomic analysis of cervicovaginal fluid for endometriosis biomarkers (PROTEOMICS–Clinical Applications, 2026) and cardiovascular responses in preterm models (Physiological Reports, 2024). Her research has garnered citations, contributing to the field of biomarker discovery in reproductive health. Beyond research, Paterson served as co-president of the Otago Postgraduate Association of Wellington (O-PAW), earning a Silver Service Award in 2024 for outstanding service to postgraduate students. She has presented at international conferences, including the World Congress on Endometriosis.