Sharna Motlap

Sharna Motlap, a proud Indigenous woman of the Mbabaram tribe of Queensland and Hammond Island of the Torres Strait, serves as a Research Fellow in Indigenous Engagement at the Northern Institute within Charles Darwin University's Faculty of Arts and Society. As a nutritionist, her work centers on public health and Indigenous health, specifically targeting non-communicable disease prevention and socio-economic determinants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through the Healthy Environments And Lives (HEAL) National Research Network.

Her academic background includes:

• Bachelor of Nutrition from Torrens University Australia
• Current dual Master of Public Health and Master of Health Research at Menzies School of Health Research

Research interests emphasize culturally grounded approaches to nutrition and health equity, integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary public health frameworks to address systemic health disparities. Her work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

Recent research demonstrates a strong focus on Indigenous epistemologies, exemplified by her 2024 conference paper exploring Mak Mak Marranunggu philosophy and on-country learning methodologies as foundations for health interventions.

Key recognitions include:

• New Colombo Plan scholarship during undergraduate studies
• Menzies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship (2023)

She actively contributes to three major research initiatives as Co-Investigator on cultural support for Indigenous students overseas and Chief Investigator on biomechanics research for Indigenous osteoarthritis patients and an art-based healing project, demonstrating cross-disciplinary collaboration across health, engineering, and cultural sectors.

Her research ecosystem spans the Northern Institute, Menzies School of Health Research, and national networks, prioritizing community-led approaches that bridge traditional knowledge with evidence-based health practices across rural and remote Northern Territory contexts.