Personal profile
Research interests
My research takes a broad view of health, exploring the complex interactions between lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, physical activity, and healthy ageing. I have a particular interest in vascular ageing, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). More recently, my work has focused on the midlife menopausal transition, examining how hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, and vascular factors intersect to shape cardiometabolic risk. This period presents both challenges and opportunities for improving risk prediction and developing targeted lifestyle and therapeutic strategies. With a background in exercise physiology, I am especially interested in understanding how women adopt and maintain physical activity and other positive lifestyle habits to support metabolic health across the lifespan.
In Medical Education, I am always looking to create innovative learning experiences, contribute to curriculum initiatives, and support student wellbeing. I am committed to building interdisciplinary collaborations that advance educational practice and improve health outcomes in step with the changing needs of learners.
Research interests
I welcome inquiries from prospective HDR students interested in exploring the links between cardiovascular physiology, inflammation, women’s health, and physical activity.
I am also open to supervising projects in Medical Education, particularly those focused on innovative learning design, student wellbeing, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, 2018, Medical Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 1 Active
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The effectiveness of a breathwork exercise program delivered via app versus written materials to improve breath hold capacity for breast cancer radiation therapy.
Mueller, K. (Partner Investigator), Dower, K. (Chief Investigator), Gunter, S. (Partner Investigator), Nogueira, R. (Partner Investigator), Marks, A. (Partner Investigator), Collyer, K. (Partner Investigator), Cavendish, P. (Partner Investigator), Ly, L. (Partner Investigator) & Amalaseelan, J. (Partner Investigator)
1/01/26 → 31/12/27
Project: Research
Research output
- 20 Article
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Metabolic implications of COVID-19 with a focus on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers
Mohamed, F., Gunter, S., Currin, S., Raal, F. J., Kalla, I. S. & Millen, A. M. E., 25 Jan 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Scientific Reports. 16, p. 1-13 13 p., 6217.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Involvement of microRNA-146a-5p, but not -155-5p and -29b-5p, in left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Mkhize, S. A., Gunter, S., Manilall, A., Mokotedi, L., Mosoma, K. L., Nthlane, R., Millen, A. M. E. & Michel, F. S., 1 Apr 2025, In: American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 328, 4, p. H885-H899 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile15 Downloads (Pure) -
Perceptions of Sustainable Leadership in Australian Healthcare
Gunter, S., Nogueira, R., Hudson, C., Morton, R. & Jones, C., Sept 2025, In: Journal of Healthcare Leadership. 17, p. 445-458 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access -
Predictive diagnostic models for newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in moderate to severe COVID-19: the role of TyG Index, BMI, and inflammatory markers
Mohamed, F., Gunter, S., Yirdaw, B. E., Raal, F. J., Millen, A. M. E. & Kalla, I. S., 30 Oct 2025, In: BMC Endocrine Disorders. 25, 1, p. 1-16 16 p., 245.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile8 Downloads (Pure) -
Tocilizumab does not ameliorate inflammation-induced left ventricular dysfunction in a collagen-induced arthritis rat model
Manilall, A., Mokotedi, L., Gunter, S., Roux, R. L., Fourie, S. & Millen, A., 1 Mar 2025, In: Cardiovascular Pathology. 75, p. 107711 107711.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access1 Link opens in a new tab Citation (Scopus)
Activities
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INTRODUCING ANZAHPE'S NEWEST SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
Bishop, J. (Participant), Gunter, S. (Participant) & Jowsey, T. (Participant)
7 May 2026Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › External Professional Development
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Honours student - Longitudinal Body Composition and Metabolic Outcomes following an Intensive Dietary Weight Loss Intervention: A Ten-Year Follow-Up with Consideration of Menopause Status
Dariush-Far, X. (Student ), O'Neill, H. (Supervisor), Gunter, S. (Supervisor) & Nogueira, R. (Supervisor)
Jun 2025 → Apr 2026Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Non-HDR Student Supervision
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Using AI to Support Everyday Teaching Tasks
Gunter, S. (Attendee)
20 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development
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Understanding Neurodiversity: Perspectives and Practical Support in Academic Settings
Gunter, S. (Attendee)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development
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AI in Practice: Co-Designing a Transparent Framework for the Classroom
Gunter, S. (Attendee)
19 Jun 2025Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › Internal Professional Development