Speaking at World Endometriosis Congress

An Otago PhD candidate has made it through a ‘highly competitive selection process’ to present at an international congress in Sydney in May.

Ashlee Berryman, of the Department of Psychology, is researching the cognitive functioning and neural activity in wāhine with endometriosis, and will speak on her research at the World Congress on Endometriosis.

“Being accepted to present is a huge achievement, given the highly competitive selection process,” she says.

“Attending will not only position my lab and me at the forefront of cutting-edge endometriosis research but also open doors for potential collaborations and grant opportunities.”

Endometriosis is a condition that officially affects about 120,000 New Zealand wāhine. However, the true number is thought to be a lot higher because that number comes from only surgically confirmed diagnoses, and does not include those wahine who have had non-surgical diagnoses from their GP, Ashlee says.

So far, the majority of those she has surveyed for her research experience cognitive issues such as brain fog and have difficulties concentrating at work or on their studies.

Ashlee’s study is believed to be one of the first to focus on this symptom of endometriosis.

“I hope that this serves as a resource for clinicians and other practitioners to understand that actually, there’s a cognitive component to this.”

Ashlee is excited her name is now listed in the World Congress on Endometriosis programme. She will deliver an oral presentation during the Pain and a Multidisciplinary Approach to its Management session.

She is especially looking forward to engaging with other presenters in her category and hopes it will spark valuable discussions on methodological considerations – particularly around the inclusion of underrepresented populations in endometriosis research such as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic minorities and diverse socioeconomic and geographical groups.

Ashlee also hopes to network with people and potentially find a postdoctoral position, while also sharing her research and encourage more women to take part in her studies to help her better understand the condition.

She is fundraising to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation during the event.