Mikaela Wheeler

Dr Mikaela Wheeler is a Lecturer at the School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, with clinical and research expertise in dietetics and nutrition for residential aged care and community settings. Her work employs mixed methods and co-design methodologies to address systemic challenges faced by older adults, including poor nutrition, social isolation, loneliness, and dementia care.

Research Focus

Her research emphasizes improving quality of life for the elderly through innovative system design. Key areas include:

• Meal choice autonomy in aged care facilities
• Costing methodologies for foodservices
• Combating social isolation via nutritional interventions
• Dementia-specific dietary care

Recent publications highlight her contributions to aged care policy, menu assessment tools, and longitudinal dietary studies in disabled populations.

Teaching

Mikaela teaches undergraduate courses on chronic disease and lifespan nutrition, while also contributing to the Advocacy and Public Health curriculum in the Medical Program.