Nicole M Ryan

Dr Nicole M Ryan is a part-time Senior Research Fellow at Southern Cross University's Faculty of Health, specializing in behavior change therapy and smoking cessation for Indigenous populations. She leads key projects like iSISTAQUIT, which provides culturally-specific training for health professionals supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy. Her work integrates digital health tools and community engagement through networks like the iSISTAQUIT Community of Practice.

Education: BSc (1993–1996) and AAS (1988–1991) from TAFE NSW, followed by a PhD (2004–2010) at the University of Newcastle focusing on laryngeal dysfunction in chronic cough. Awards include an NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (2014) and the University of Newcastle Research Excellence Award (2012).

Research focuses on Indigenous health equity, maternal health, and behavioral interventions. She has supervised over 20 years of academic research across respiratory medicine, toxicology, and smoking cessation. Current projects emphasize mobile health solutions and provider training to reduce health disparities among Indigenous communities.

Awards:

• NHMRC Early Career Research Fellowship (2014)
• University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Excellence Award (2012)

Grants and supervision: Extensive history of managing research grants and advising postgraduate students. Active in translational research bridging clinical practice and community needs.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the iSISTAQUIT team, collaborating with NACCHO and mainstream health services to co-design digital tools and training programs.