Emily Burch

Emily Burch is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University, specializing in clinical nutrition and diabetes management. As an Accredited Practising Dietitian and early career researcher, she leverages her clinical background in Aboriginal community healthcare to address health disparities for diabetes patients from Indigenous and non-English speaking backgrounds.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University (Gold Coast)
• Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons), Griffith University (Gold Coast)
• Bachelor of Mass Communication, Queensland University of Technology (Australia, Brisbane) - QUT

Research Focus: Emily employs mixed-methods approaches to investigate barriers in diabetes healthcare through projects like the 3D Study (How does Diet change with a Diagnosis with Diabetes). Her work emphasizes knowledge translation, merging rigorous research with practical strategies to improve health outcomes in public and private sectors while prioritizing inclusivity for marginalized communities.

Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a dual focus on debunking nutrition myths amplified by social media (e.g., TikTok trends like "Ricezempic") and analyzing real-world impacts of diabetes medications (Ozempic/Wegovy). This body of work consistently bridges academic research and public health communication, targeting evidence-based guidance for diverse populations including Defence members and culturally diverse communities.

Awards and Professional Engagement:

• Active contributor to The Conversation
• Regular ABC radio commentator on nutrition topics
• Member of Dietitians Association of Australia (DA), Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA), and Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA)

Teaching and Supervision: Emily serves as Course Coordinator for SCU's Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management while co-supervising honours students. Her teaching philosophy integrates clinical expertise with science communication to prepare future healthcare professionals for complex real-world challenges.