Rate My Professor Michaela Pettie

Dr. Michaela Pettie (Ngāti Pūkenga) serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch, where she is affiliated with the Gene Structure and Function Laboratory and the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) study. She also holds connections to the Department of Psychological Medicine. Holding a BA, BSc (Hons), and PhD from Victoria University of Wellington, her doctoral research focused on the genetic and environmental factors involved in Autism Spectrum Disorders within the field of Behavioural Neurogenetics. Following completion of her PhD, Dr. Pettie has worked extensively with communities, including over the last four years with sexual abuse support organizations, particularly those supporting men and members of the rainbow community. As a wāhine rainbow community member with disabilities, she advocates for individuals affected by trauma and chronic health issues.

Dr. Pettie's current research centers on the perspectives and experiences of eating disorders, with particular emphasis on those of Māori and Rainbow/LGBTQIA+ community members. She collaborates with tangata whenua and key communities to identify needs and develop support strategies for whānau impacted by eating disorders. Her contributions to the academic field are evidenced by recent peer-reviewed publications, including 'The Cost of Belonging: School Uniform Affordability in Aotearoa New Zealand' (Reidy, Pettie, & Telfar Barnard, 2026, Kōtuitui), 'Māori Experiences of Eating Disorders: A Scoping Review of How Little We Know' (Pettie et al., 2026, European Eating Disorders Review), 'Assessment of Maladaptive Exercise History Among Individuals with Eating Disorders' (Schaumberg et al., 2026, European Eating Disorders Review), 'Long-term Outcomes Associated with Adolescent ADHD Symptomatology: Birth Cohort Study' (Foulds et al., 2025, British Journal of Psychiatry), and 'Maladaptive Exercise in People with a Lifetime History of Eating Disorders' (Watson et al., 2025, International Journal of Eating Disorders). These works highlight her influence in advancing understanding of health disparities, public health interventions, and genetic factors in mental health conditions.