Dr Clark’s research topic is ‘Theca progenitors: 'gatekeepers' of ovulation potential of ovarian follicles?’ and looks at ovulation failure, which is a major cause of infertility, often associated with maternal aging and obesity, and diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Dr Clark works at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington as a lecturer in reproductive biology.
“There is international data that indicates that PCOS rates in Pacific women are high, suggesting that ovulation failure contributes to the higher rates of infertility experienced by Pacific women in Aotearoa,” says Dr Clark.
Dr Clark became interested in infertility research at the end of her undergraduate degree, when she became interested in finding out more about families struggling with infertility and the limitations of current treatment. She trained as a biomedical scientist, focusing on reproductive biology and assisted reproductive technologies, but in recent years has used her training to start understanding infertility and the clinical needs of New Zealand’s Pacific communities.
“Although this is just the beginning of my work in this area, it’s becoming clear that there is an unmet need for fertility services for Pacific peoples and finding ways to address these really drives the work that my team is doing.”
The 2024 Māori and Pacific Health Research Emerging Leader Fellowships support talented Māori and Pacific health researchers to become leaders in their field. HRC Chief Executive Professor Sunny Collings says the HRC’s investment in New Zealand’s most promising researchers helps build the skills and capacity to address current and future health needs, and contributes to a world-class science, innovation, and technology system.
“The emerging leader fellowships announced today have enormous potential to advance Māori and Pacific health through innovative and impactful research. People-focused funding opportunities, like these, help build and shape a highly skilled, diverse, and responsive research workforce,” Collings says.
Dr Clark and her team are currently recruiting participants for research into Pacific peoples’ experiences of infertility and assisted reproduction. Please contact Zaramasina Clark if you are willing to participate in an in-person or online talanoa and are:
- a Pacific person living in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a lived experience of infertility, or has considered accessing assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
- OR a Pacific clinician or health professional working with Pacific people dealing with infertility.