Senior Lecturer
Group Lead, Surgical Immunology Research Group

Kathryn Hally is a cellular immunologist and a Lecturer within the Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. As a newly appointed academic, she is currently establishing an independent research group in the field of surgical immunology. In her research, she is particularly interested in leveraging the immune response to surgery as a functional biomarker for predicting adverse postoperative recovery. “I have thoroughly enjoyed upskilling in, and using, spectral flow cytometry to achieve this goal and I also support a team of early-career scientists who primarily use flow cytometry to answer their research questions”, Hally says. In addition to her research commitments, a substantial part of Hally’s academic role is to educate medical students, specifically around broadening their understanding of the cellular mechanisms that drive postoperative inflammation. She has also established flow cytometry as an accessible tool for researchers across our campus which has included building capacity, educating users and providing research support.

What inspired you to apply to the LDP or what are you looking forward to with the LDP?

Dr. Marylou Ingram was described as someone who took great pride in her students and their accomplishments. As a woman in science who currently supervises a team of early-career women undertaking their postgraduate research, I resonate deeply with this sentiment. Among other reasons, I am looking forward to investing in my professional growth as a cytometrist and as a supervisor during my time as a Marylou Ingram Scholar (and beyond), and to expanding my community of peers and mentors. I have always been very keen to ensure that we train excellent cytometrists and also look forward to the opportunity to be involved in delivering education to a wider audience.

How did you get into Cytometry?

My first experiment as a postgraduate student involved flow cytometry and, safe to say, the technique stuck. I have always been involved in research with a translational and clinical lens, with the goal of effectively and efficiently deploying personalized medicine driven by cytometry. Throughout my research career, I have firmly believed that cytometry is a perfect technique for maximizing information from precious clinical samples and for supporting clinical decision-making. 

Participation / Support of ISAC (This can be your involvement on a committee(s), CYTO conference involvement etc.)
• Co-Chair, CYTO2024
• Workshop co-presenter, ‘Ensuring reproducibility in longitudinal studies’, CYTO2024

Website/LinkedIn Profile Link
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-hally-07b6a1146/
• https://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/departments/surgeryanaesthesia/staff/kathryn-hally