ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ

Tell us a bit about yourself!  

I am close to submission of my PhD in September in Health Sciences! I am also an Associate Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, an Accredited Practising Dietitian working in chronic disease and lifestyle management, and a Research Assistant dabbling in various interdisciplinary projects.

What’s your research all about, and what’s the most exciting part for you?

My research explores primary food sources of whole grains globally, and whether their positive associations with cardiometabolic risk measures depend on their level of processing using large national dietary datasets in Australia and the US (hint - they do not, eat your whole grains!). I have also conducted qualitative research to understand the perceptions of food industry personnel (as producers of whole grains) and consumers (as purchasers of whole grains) on whole grains and their processing. The most exciting part of my research is collaborating with academics globally and translating statistical outputs into meaningful actions for consumers in making healthy dietary choices.

Is there a recent achievement that you’d like to share?

I recently completed the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç STEM(M)edicine Champions Program. I was inspired to undertake this program to mentor high school students across Sydney in pursuing STEMM pathways – in my wildest high school dreams would I complete a PhD and in health sciences!    

As an ECR, what’s been one of your biggest challenges, and how did you tackle it?  

As a PhD candidate, one of the biggest challenges is developing your professional identity as a researcher and your early-career plan. I like to say yes to any new opportunities to gauge my interests (that is, who am I and what do I enjoy) but I am still learning that saying yes is good when I am able to balance it all, but saying no is okay when I am not able to.   

What activities keep you inspired and energised?  

Anything outdoors as I am fortunate to live in Wollongong with the mountains on one side and the ocean the other. There isn't anything better to put work and life into perspective. I love to get coffee with friends, play netball, paint, and read any genre that is slightly less intense than reading research articles!