Dr Natalie Keough

Dr Natalie Keough

South Africa

University of Pretoria

Anatomy

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Work and Research

My PhD (2014) was a novel study, which brought to light important forensic taphonomic data with major implications to the study/interpretation of burnt skeletal remains. In 2008 I co-founded the Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) and as part of my PhD, I helped establish the first Forensic Body Farm. I was a first-place prizewinner at a national (ASSA) and international (IACI) conference (2013) based my PhD findings. Since completing my PhD, I have been establishing new research projects with focus on Mus-culoskeletal disorders. Thus far, 2 honours students linked to the project have graduated and I now have 1 honours, 1 Masters and a PhD student enrolled (2016).

Fields Of Expertise

Anatomy
Musculoskeletal Disorders

Research Profiles

My vision for the future of research at UP and how I will contribute to this development

My vision for future research at UP is to be able to develop these research leadership skills in postgraduate students. This requires that I need guidance and exposure from experienced researchers offered in this programme. Secondly, I am interested in exploring musculoskeletal conditions and Orthopaedic repair and believe this research is aligned with UP’s visions. I want to cultivate my research and have opportunities to present to national and international bodies building collaborations within the field of Sports Medicine. My current projects have potential to influence future surgical considerations for rotator cuff, coracoclavicular ligament and, clavicular repairs as well as ankle reconstruction. Ultimately, the results will improve how surgeons approach these repairs and create necessary awareness for best post-operative patient outcome and reduction in post-surgical complications. I am currently focusing on biomechanical aspects of Orthopaedic repair and the stability of these procedures bringing in a multidisciplinary approach encouraged by the University. I would like to make a substantial contribution to enhancing surgical techniques for musculoskeletal injuries affecting the working class individual, with the aim of limiting post-operative complications and possibly reducing prolonged absenteeism from work after surgery, which is known to have a large negative impact on the countries economy.