Profiles
Renee Ross

Renee Ross
Senior Lecturer in Biomedicine
Room Level 2 , Medical Science Precinct: MS2
Biography
Dr Renee Ross is a Teaching and Research based Academic in the School of Medicine with expertise in biochemistry, metabolism and physiology. Dr Ross teaches extensively into undergraduate programs within the College of Health and Medicine and coordinates the Bachelor of Medical Research.
Dr Ross completed her PhD, researching the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, under emeritus Professor Michael Clark and Professor Stephen Rattigan. Dr Ross’ research continues to focus on muscle metabolism and vascular function and how this is altered in insulin resistance, with a particular interest in the mechanisms by which exercise helps to prevent and treat this disease. Dr Ross has continued her research in this field as a member of the Muscle and Vascular Research Group (MVRG) at the University of Tasmania and supervises Honours and PhD students in this area.
Career summary
Qualifications
- PhD (Medical Research), Exercise and Insulin: Muscle Haemodynamics and Metabolism, University of Tasmania, 2007
- GradCert(Commercialisation), 2007
- GradDipSci (1st class Hons), Cytokines and Insulin action in perfused muscle, University of Tasmania, 2003
- BHM (1st class Hons), The Effects of Caffeine on Anaerobic Performance after Prolonged Exercise in Trained Cyclists, University of Tasmania, 2002
Memberships
Other
- Member of the Australian Physiological Society (AuPS)
Teaching
Biochemistry, metabolism, physiology, research, diabetes
Teaching expertise
Dr Ross is course coordinator of the Bachelor of Medical Research, and unit coordinator of CHP207 Human Physiology. Dr Ross has expertise in the areas of biochemistry, metabolism and physiology, and supervises both Honours and PhD students.
Teaching responsibility
CAM101/CAM102 Foundations of Medicine
CAM201/CAM202 Fundamentals of Clinical Science
CZZ102 Human Anatomy and Physiology
CHP207 Human Physiology
CBA260 Biochemistry: Metabolism & Nutrition
CBA221 Biochemistry A (Pharmacy)
CAM209 Chronic Disease
CHP330 Applied Physiology
CAM315 Research Projects in Medical Research A
CAM316 Research Projects in Medical Research B
Unit Coordinator: CHP207 Human Physiology
Course Coordinator: Bachelor of Medical Research
Research Appointments
Dr Ross was appointed to the Australian Physiological Society (AuPS) Council in 2016, and is currently serving as an elected member of Council. Renee was Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the AuPS national conference in 2015, and is Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the 2022 national conference in Hobart.
View more on Dr Renee Ross in WARP
Expertise
Dr Ross's research has a broad focus on the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Research themes include:
- Investigating the mechanisms which regulate glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle, including microvascular blood flow
- Examining the effect of physical activity interventions in both clinical and workplace settings
- Assessing the impact of shift work on chronic markers of health
Research Themes
Dr Ross's research aligns to the University's research theme of Better Health. The number of people who are overweight or obese is rising rapidly worldwide, with poor lifestyle and decreased physical activity levels being major contributors. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, diseases which effect ~30% of the Australian population. A common feature of these conditions is insulin resistance which primarily effects the liver, skeletal muscle and blood vessels. Renee's research focuses on the development of insulin resistance in these tissues and how exercise and nutritional interventions can be used to help prevent and treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Current projects
- How does exercise improve insulin sensitivity?
- What is the role of nitric oxide in exercise-mediated improvements in insulin sensitivity?
- The role of Flowmotion in Regulating Basal and Insulin-mediated Skeletal Glucose Uptake
- Vitamin D, liver function and insulin resistance
- Sleep patterns and physiological markers of stress in graduate Paramedics
- School of Medicine Healthy Living Initiative
Fields of Research
- Endocrinology (320208)
- Systems physiology (320803)
- Cardiology (incl. cardiovascular diseases) (320101)
- Zoology (310999)
- Medicine, nursing and health curriculum and pedagogy (390110)
- Paramedicine (320219)
- Medical bacteriology (320701)
- Health services and systems (420399)
- Health and community services (420305)
- Animal physiology - biophysics (310908)
- Public health nutrition (321005)
- Epigenetics (incl. genome methylation and epigenomics) (310504)
- Cell metabolism (310103)
- Medical biotechnology (320699)
- Motor control (420703)
- Medical biochemistry - amino acids and metabolites (320501)
Research Objectives
- Clinical health (200199)
- Expanding knowledge in the health sciences (280112)
- Assessment, development and evaluation of curriculum (160301)
- Expanding knowledge in the biomedical and clinical sciences (280103)
- Occupational health (200507)
- Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)
- Human diagnostics (240802)
- Nutrition (200410)
- Human pharmaceutical treatments (240803)
Publications
Total publications
31
Highlighted publications
(2 outputs)Year | Type | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Journal Article | Ross RM, Kolka CM, Rattigan S, Clark MG, 'Acute blockade by endothelin-1 of haemodynamic insulin action in rats', Diabetologia, 50, (2) pp. 443-451. ISSN 0012-186X (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00125-006-0525-8 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 30Web of Science - 27 Co-authors: Kolka CM; Rattigan S; Clark MG | |
2007 | Journal Article | Ross RM, Wadley GD, Clark MG, Rattigan S, McConell GK, 'Local nitric oxide synthase inhibition reduces skeletal muscle glucose uptake but not capillary blood flow during in situ muscle contraction in rats', Diabetes, 56, (12) pp. 2885-2892. ISSN 0012-1797 (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2337/db07-0745 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 59Web of Science - 60 Co-authors: Clark MG; Rattigan S |
Journal Article
(21 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2022 | Betson JR, Kirkcaldie MTK, Zosky GR, Ross RM, 'Transition to shift work: Sleep patterns, activity levels and physiological health of early-career paramedics', Sleep Health, 8, (5) pp. 514-520. ISSN 2352-7218 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2022.06.001 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Kirkcaldie MTK; Zosky GR | |
2020 | Choi-Lundberg DL, Al-Aubaidy HAM, Burgess J, Clifford CA, Cuellar WA, et al., 'Minimal effects of reduced teaching hours on undergraduate medical student learning outcomes and course evaluations', Medical Teacher, 42, (1) pp. 58-65. ISSN 0142-159X (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1652258 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 11 Co-authors: Choi-Lundberg DL; Al-Aubaidy HAM; Burgess J; Clifford CA; Cuellar WA; Errey JA; Harper AJ; Malley RC; Williams A-MM; Hays R | |
2019 | Attrill EH, Ramsay C, Ross R, Richards S, Sutherland BA, et al., 'Metabolic-vascular coupling in skeletal muscle: a potential role for capillary pericytes?', Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 47, (3) pp. 520-528. ISSN 0305-1870 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13208 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Attrill EH; Richards S; Sutherland BA; Premilovac D | |
2019 | Roberts-Thomson KM, Betik AC, Premilovac D, Rattigan S, Richards SM, et al., 'Postprandial microvascular blood flow in skeletal muscle: Similarities and disparities to the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp', Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology pp. 1-13. ISSN 0305-1870 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13237 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Premilovac D; Rattigan S; Richards SM; Keske MA | |
2018 | Hu D, Russell RD, Remash D, Greenaway T, Rattigan S, et al., 'Are the metabolic benefits of resistance training in type 2 diabetes linked to improvements in adipose tissue microvascular blood flow?', American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology and Metabolism, 315, (6) pp. E1242-E1250. ISSN 0193-1849 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00234.2018 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Russell RD; Remash D; Greenaway T; Rattigan S; Squibb KA; Jones G; Premilovac D; Richards SM; Keske MA | |
2017 | Blackwood SJ, Dwyer RM, Bradley EA, Keske MA, Richards SM, et al., 'Determination of skeletal muscle microvascular flowmotion with contrast-enhanced ultrasound', Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 43, (9) pp. 2013-2023. ISSN 0301-5629 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.05.012 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Blackwood SJ; Bradley EA; Keske MA; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2017 | Giblin R, Bennet E, Zosky GR, Dwyer RM, 'The Impact of Sex and 25(OH)D Deficiency on Metabolic Function in Mice', Nutrients, 9, (9) pp. 1-14. ISSN 2072-6643 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/nu9090985 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Bennet E; Zosky GR | |
2017 | Keske MA, Dwyer RM, Russell RD, Blackwood SJ, Brown AA, et al., 'Regulation of microvascular flow and metabolism: An overview', Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology, 44, (1) pp. 143-149. ISSN 0305-1870 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12688 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 19 Co-authors: Keske MA; Russell RD; Blackwood SJ; Brown AA; Premilovac D; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2017 | Russell RD, Hu D, Greenaway T, Blackwood SJ, Dwyer RM, et al., 'Skeletal muscle microvascular-linked improvements in glycemic control from resistance training in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes', Diabetes Care, 40, (9) pp. 1256-1263. ISSN 0149-5992 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2337/dc16-2750 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 45Web of Science - 41 Co-authors: Russell RD; Greenaway T; Blackwood SJ; Sharman JE; Jones G; Squibb KA; Brown AA; Otahal P; Al-Aubaidy H; Premilovac D; Hitchins S; Richards SM; Rattigan S; Keske MA | |
2016 | Keske MA, Premilovac D, Bradley EA, Dwyer RM, Richards SM, et al., 'Muscle microvascular blood flow responses in insulin resistance and ageing', The Journal of Physiology, 594, (8) pp. 2223-2231. ISSN 1469-7793 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.283549 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 45Web of Science - 47 Co-authors: Keske MA; Premilovac D; Bradley EA; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2015 | Hong YH, Betik AC, Premilovac D, Dwyer RM, Keske MA, et al., 'No effect of NOS inhibition on skeletal muscle glucose uptake during in situ hindlimb contraction in healthy and diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats', American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 308, (10) pp. R862-R871. ISSN 0363-6119 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00412.2014 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 10 Co-authors: Premilovac D; Keske MA; Rattigan S | |
2013 | Edwards LM, Kemp GJ, Dwyer RM, Walls JT, Fuller HJ, et al., 'Integrating muscle cell biochemistry and whole-body physiology in humans: 31P-MRS data from the InSight trial', Scientific Reports, 3 Article 1182. ISSN 2045-2322 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1038/srep01182 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 12Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Edwards LM; Walls JT; Fuller HJ | |
2012 | Edwards LM, Tyler DJ, Kemp GJ, Dwyer RM, Johnson A, et al., 'The reproducibility of 31-phosphorous MRS measures of muscle energetics at 3 tesla in trained men', PLoS One, 7, (6) Article e37237. ISSN 1932-6203 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037237 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22Web of Science - 22 | |
2010 | Merry TL, Dwyer RM, Bradley EA, Rattigan S, McConell GK, 'Local hindlimb antioxidant infusion does not affect muscle glucose uptake during in situ contractions in rat', Journal of Applied Physiology, 108, (5) pp. 1275-1283. ISSN 8750-7587 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01335.2009 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 18Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Bradley EA; Rattigan S | |
2009 | Newman JMB, Dwyer RM, St Pierre P, Richards SM, Clark MG, et al., 'Decreased microvascular vasomotion and myogenic response in rat skeletal muscle in association with acute insulin resistance', Journal of Physiology, 587, (11) pp. 2579-2588. ISSN 0022-3751 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.169011 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 65Web of Science - 56 Co-authors: Newman JMB; Richards SM; Clark MG; Rattigan S | |
2009 | Yuen DYC, Dwyer RM, Matthews VB, Zhang L, Drew BG, et al., 'Interleukin-6 attenuates insulin-mediated increases in endothelial cell signaling but augments skeletal muscle insulin action via differential effects on tumor necrosis factor-a expression', Diabetes, 58, (May) pp. 1086-1095. ISSN 0012-1797 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2337/db08-0775 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 42Web of Science - 39 Co-authors: Zhang L; Clark MG; Rattigan S | |
2008 | Ross RM, Downey KA, Newman JMB, Richards SM, Clark MG, et al., 'Contrast-enhanced ultrasound measurement of microvascular perfusion relevant to nutrient and hormone delivery in skeletal muscle: A model study in vitro', Microvascular Research, 75, (3) pp. 323-329. ISSN 0026-2862 (2008) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2007.11.002 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 12Web of Science - 11 Co-authors: Downey KA; Newman JMB; Richards SM; Clark MG; Rattigan S | |
2007 | Newman JMB, Ross RM, Richards SM, Clark MG, Rattigan S, 'Insulin and contraction increase nutritive blood flow in rat muscle in vivo: determined by microdialysis of L-[14C]glucose', Journal of Physiology, 585, (1) pp. 217-229. ISSN 0022-3751 (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.138818 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 15Web of Science - 14 Co-authors: Newman JMB; Richards SM; Clark MG; Rattigan S | |
2007 | Rattigan S, Bussey CT, Ross RM, Richards SM, 'Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Capillary Recruitment', Microcirculation, 14, (4-5) pp. 299-309. ISSN 1073-9688 (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/10739680701282796 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 26Web of Science - 24 Co-authors: Rattigan S; Bussey CT; Richards SM | |
2007 | Ross RM, Kolka CM, Rattigan S, Clark MG, 'Acute blockade by endothelin-1 of haemodynamic insulin action in rats', Diabetologia, 50, (2) pp. 443-451. ISSN 0012-186X (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00125-006-0525-8 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 30Web of Science - 27 Co-authors: Kolka CM; Rattigan S; Clark MG | |
2007 | Ross RM, Wadley GD, Clark MG, Rattigan S, McConell GK, 'Local nitric oxide synthase inhibition reduces skeletal muscle glucose uptake but not capillary blood flow during in situ muscle contraction in rats', Diabetes, 56, (12) pp. 2885-2892. ISSN 0012-1797 (2007) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2337/db07-0745 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 59Web of Science - 60 Co-authors: Clark MG; Rattigan S |
Chapter in Book
(1 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2013 | Premilovac D, Ng HLH, Richards SM, Bradley EA, Dwyer RM, et al., 'Role for the Microvasculature in Glucose Uptake in Skeletal Muscle', Glucose Uptake: Regulation, Signaling Pathways and Health Implications (Endocrinology Research and Clinical Developments), Nova Science Publishers, Johnson CC and Williams DB (ed), New York, pp. 109-139. ISBN 978-1-62618-670-5 (2013) [Research Book Chapter] Co-authors: Premilovac D; Ng HLH; Richards SM; Bradley EA; Rattigan S; Keske MA |
Conference Publication
(9 outputs)Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
---|---|---|
2018 | Hays RB, Al-Aubaidy HAM, Cuellar WA, Dwyer RM, Williams A-MM, et al., 'Effects on student results and course evaluations of reduction in teaching hours in an undergraduate medical course', 15th Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference (AP, 10-14 January 2018, Singapore (2018) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Hays RB; Al-Aubaidy HAM; Cuellar WA; Williams A-MM; Choi-Lundberg DL | |
2017 | Williams LJ, Latham R, Dwyer RM, O'Toole RF, Tristram SG, et al., 'The Impacts of Iron Laden Particulate Matter on NTHi Growth', Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting 2017, 2-5 July 2017, Hobart, Tasmania (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Latham R; O'Toole RF; Tristram SG; Zosky GR | |
2011 | Newman JMB, Dwyer RM, Keske MAV, Richards SM, Rattigan S, 'Flow motion in skeletal muscle is associated with increased nutritive flow and insulin action', Proceedings of the 71st Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, 24-28 June, San Diego, California, pp. 1740-P. (2011) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Newman JMB; Keske MAV; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2011 | Rattigan S, Newman JMB, Dwyer RM, Richards S, Keske MAV, 'Flow motion in skeletal muscle microvasculature is associated with increased nutritive flow', Australia and New Zealand Microcirculation Society Conference, 30 Nov - 3 Dec, Western Australia (2011) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Rattigan S; Newman JMB; Keske MAV | |
2006 | Clark MG, Dwyer RM, Newman JMB, Richards SM, Rattigan S, 'A comparison of ultrasound and laser Doppler for Measuring Capillary Recruitment Using Models in vitro', Proceedings, 27-30 September, 2006, Indianapolis, pp. 10. (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Clark MG; Newman JMB; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2006 | Dwyer RM, Kolka CM, Rattigan S, Clark MG, 'Endothelin-1 inhibits insulin action in vivo', Diabetologia, vol 49, Supplement 1, 14-17 September, 2006, Copenhagen-Malmo, pp. 373. ISSN 0012-186X (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Rattigan S; Clark MG | |
2006 | Dwyer RM, Newman JMB, Richards SM, Rattigan S, Clark MG, 'Laser Doppler flowmetry, but not contrast enhanced ultrasound, influenced by flow when measuring changes in muscle capillary recruitment - a study in vitro', Proceedings of Meeting, 13th September, 2006, Copenhagen, pp. 16. (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Newman JMB; Richards SM; Rattigan S; Clark MG | |
2006 | Newman JMB, Clark MG, Dwyer RM, Richards SM, Rattigan S, 'Use of microdialysis to assess capillary recruitment in muscle - a study in vitro', Proceedings of Meeting, 13th September, 2006, Copenhagen, pp. 17. (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Newman JMB; Clark MG; Richards SM; Rattigan S | |
2004 | Steinberg GR, Dwyer RM, Carey AL, Rogers S, Richards SM, et al., 'Interleukin-6 increases glucose uptake but does not increase AMPK activity in L6 myotubes and perfused rat hindlimb', Proceedings of AMPK Meeting, 23-26 March, 2004, Lorne, pp. 126. (2004) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Richards SM; Rattigan S; Clark MG |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
2
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- This project will recruit an overweight type 2 diabetes cohort, medically assessed for an exercise program. It aims to recruit some with family history of type 2 diabetes and some without. The cohort with exercise test before and after 6 weeks of the exercise program, with type 2 medications discontinued before test. The aim is to show that heart health will not be as good with family history of type 2 and that exercise will improve heart health but will be of more benefit to those with a family history than those without.
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($50,735)
- Scheme
- vTAHSP Demonstration Projects
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Keske MAV; Greenaway T; Marwick TH; Ross RM; Rattigan S; Sharman JE; Premilovac D
- Year
- 2014
- Description
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes are nationally and globally reaching epidemic rates. This project investigates the regulation of blood flow within muscle and its impact on metabolism. Outcomes from the study may lead to diagnostic tools and treatments for cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
- Funding
- National Health & Medical Research Council ($576,533)
- Scheme
- Grant-Project
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Rattigan S; Keske MAV; Richards SM; Ross RM
- Period
- 2013 - 2015
- Grant Reference
- 1043474_HF
Research Supervision
Dr Ross has supervised candidates at the Masters and PhD level.
Current
2
Completed
3
Current
Degree | Title | Commenced |
---|---|---|
PhD | Responsiveness of In Vitro and In Vivo Skeletal Muscle Pericytes to Circulating and Muscle-Derived Paracrine Vasoactive Molecules | 2018 |
PhD | Improving insulin action using exercise | 2022 |
Completed
Degree | Title | Completed |
---|---|---|
PhD | Exposure to Iron-Laden Particulate Matter Impacts on Respiratory Health Candidate: Lewis Jonathon Williams | 2020 |
Masters | Sleep Pattern and Physiological Markers of Stress in Graduate Paramedics Candidate: Jason Betson | 2019 |
PhD | Characterisation of Flowmotion in Healthy Controls and Type 2 Diabetes Candidate: Sarah Joan Blackwood | 2017 |