Helen Parker

Dr Helen Parker is a Research Fellow in the Discipline of Exercise & Sport Science, School of Health Sciences, at the University of Sydney. Her work bridges nutrition, exercise science, and women's health.

She holds a PhD (2015) and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (2019), and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her research explores body composition, omega-3 supplementation, gamified mobile apps for cardiac rehabilitation, and weight stigma in young women.

Research trends from her 15 most recent publications (2025–2015) span cardiometabolic health, digital health interventions, obesity management, and behavioral nutrition. Key projects include the MyHeartMate gamification app and the everyBODY study targeting weight stigma.

• Scientific awards:
  • Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant
  • Rotary Mental Health Australia Funding
  • Australia Nutrition Trust Fund Scholarship
  • Multiple Higher Education and Research Society Awards

She teaches in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise & Sport Science, Exercise Physiology) and guest lectures across Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Nutrition programs. Active in professional societies including the Nutrition Society of Australia and Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association.