Luke Del Vecchio is a Lecturer in Human Sciences at the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. He holds qualifications including a PhD (CQU), MExSc (ECU), and multiple graduate diplomas in exercise science and diabetes education. With 17+ years of experience, his expertise spans health, exercise science, and evidenced-based practice in diverse educational settings. His research focuses on combat sports physiology, strength and conditioning, and aging populations' participation in martial arts. Key areas include functional fitness in older adults, musculoskeletal profiling of combat athletes, and optimizing resistance training for masters athletes. Del Vecchio has received the prestigious Jalarde Award (2025) from Circolo Culturale Giulio Ricci. His work bridges practical training methodologies with academic rigor, addressing injury prevention and performance optimization in sports like Taekwondo, cycling, and boxing. He is affiliated with the Human Sciences department and actively contributes to Southern Cross University's research initiatives in health sciences. His publications emphasize evidence-based approaches to strength training, concurrent training modalities, and physiological adaptations in aging athletes.
Dr Emily Hills is an Assistant Professor in Teacher Education and Director of the Affiliated Schools and Professional Experience portfolios at the University of Canberra's Faculty of Education. She leads initiatives bridging academia and school practice, including the sector-leading Affiliated Schools Partnership. Her roles include Program Director for Secondary Education and interim leadership in UC STEP and the Associate Dean's office. Education: Emily holds a Master of Teaching (Secondary) from the University of Western Sydney and an undergraduate degree in English and History. She is concurrently completing an Education Doctorate (EdD) focused on Pedagogical Content Knowledge. She maintains an active teaching registration in the ACT. Research interests include teacher professionalism, school-university collaborations, personalized learning, literacy innovation, and secondary English pedagogy. Her work emphasizes equity, evidence-based practice, and systemic reform in teacher education. Professional Engagement: Emily chairs the Assessment for Graduate Teachers (AfGT) Executive Committee and contributes to national education policy through the NADPE Steering Group and Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) committees. She collaborates internationally with universities and education systems to advance teacher development. Labs/Teams: Central to her work is the Affiliated Schools Partnership, a flagship program integrating university and school contexts to enhance teacher training and school improvement through clinical education and systemic partnerships.
Jason Kariwiga is a Teaching Fellow in Anthropology, Sociology & Archaeology at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea (since 2015). He is concurrently pursuing a PhD at the University of Queensland (UQ) under the UQ Research Training Program Scholarship, focusing on prehistoric human mobility along Papua New Guinea's coast through isotope mapping. His supervisors include Michael C. Westaway, Andrew Fairbairn, and Matthew G. Leavesley. Education includes a First Class Honours in Archaeology (University of Papua New Guinea, 2014), a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology & Sociology (UPNG, 2012), and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (James Cook University, 2018). Research interests span population mobility, cultural heritage, and Lapita archaeology in the Bismarck Archipelago. He has published extensively on topics like prehistoric trade networks, Denisovan genetics' role in adaptation, and museum repatriation. Notable awards include the UQ RTP Scholarship. His work bridges archaeology, genetics, and environmental science, with contributions to understanding Papua New Guinea's prehistory. He collaborates internationally and actively engages in ethical debates around cultural heritage and human remains repatriation.
Monica Peddle is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University, Australia. She holds concurrent roles as Director of Simulation Education and Course Director for Master of Nursing programs. Her primary affiliations include the Institute for Health Transformation and the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research. Dr. Peddle’s career spans over 20 years in nursing education and research, with a PhD focused on virtual simulation’s role in developing non-technical skills among nursing students. Education: Completed a PhD at Monash University, alongside advanced qualifications in nursing education (Graduate Certificate) and higher education (Master of Education). Holds dual roles across teaching, research, and administrative leadership in nursing education systems. Research focuses on simulation-based education, patient safety, healthcare workforce development, and digital health integration. Key areas include: 1) Second victim recovery programs for healthcare workers post-patient incidents, 2) Design of virtual simulation tools for skill acquisition, 3) Informatics competency in pre-registration nursing curricula, and 4) Non-technical skill development in acute care settings. Prominent grants include funding for simulation-based second victim recovery initiatives and nurse education innovation. Recognized with national teaching excellence awards (Australian Award for University Teaching, La Trobe University awards) and research grants totaling over AUD $100k. Supervises doctoral candidates in paramedicine education, diabetes adherence therapy, and nurse well-being studies. Led major curriculum reforms including the implementation of clinical skills bootcamps and e-clinical assessment tools. Serves as Nursing Discipline Lead at La Trobe University and Chair of the Victorian Simulation Alliance Research Committee. Active in global nursing education through collaborative online international learning programs. Publications emphasize simulation pedagogy, patient safety culture, and digital health preparedness. Current projects explore the impact of sleep deprivation on medication errors and the role of virtual reality in non-technical skill training for healthcare professionals.
Nerkez Opacin is a Research Fellow at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies (GUSS) in Melbourne, Australia. He holds concurrent roles as a Teaching Associate at RMIT and the University of Melbourne. Previously, he served as a Lecturer at the International University of Sarajevo and a Study Course Coordinator at Long Island University. His academic journey includes roles as a Research Assistant at the University of Melbourne and a non-academic stint as a program evaluator and consultant at Westport Consulting in Sarajevo. Opacin's research focuses on community-engaged methodologies addressing post-conflict societies, nature-based solutions for well-being, and peacebuilding. He employs mixed-methods approaches including participatory action research, photo-elicitation, and multi-sited ethnography. His work emphasizes actionable insights for policy and program design, particularly in areas like reconciliation processes, historical legacy management, and civic transformation. Key interests include nature-based social prescribing, post-disaster recovery, and interventions for at-risk communities. Teaching spans three continents across disciplines such as Community-Based Research, Peacebuilding, Global Environmental Politics, and Conflict Analysis. He supervises research projects including studies on Roma refugees in Poland and nature-dose impacts. His work aligns with UN SDGs 3 (Health), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 15 (Life on Land), and 16 (Peace and Justice). Recent publications explore peacebuilding education, nature-based loneliness interventions, and intergroup reconciliation. He collaborates globally on initiatives like the EU-funded RECETAS project. Opacin is open to supervising Master's and PhD students, collaborative projects, and advisory roles.
Dr Zhomart Orman is a Research Fellow at the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre (ANZIC-RC), Monash University. He concurrently serves as a Research Officer at Alfred Health (2023–2024). His expertise lies in health economics, particularly cost-effectiveness analyses in intensive care and chronic disease management. Dr Orman holds a Doctor of Medicine from Kazakh National Medical University, a Master of Science in Public Health from Heidelberg University, and a PhD from Monash University, focusing on stroke-related economic policies. His research emphasizes model-based and trial-based evaluations of healthcare interventions, such as cryopreserved platelet therapies and chronic disease management programs post-stroke. Collaborations include global health initiatives with the World Bank and WHO, advancing universal health coverage. Recent work includes cost-effectiveness studies on lipid-lowering therapy adherence, stroke rehabilitation, and cardiovascular polypharmacy. Education: Doctor of Medicine, Kazakh National Medical University Master of Science in Public Health, Heidelberg University PhD in Health Economics, Monash University Research Interests: Dr Orman’s work bridges clinical practice and policy, addressing cost-effectiveness of interventions in acute care and chronic disease. Key areas include: Economic evaluation of healthcare policies Medication adherence and polypharmacy Stroke rehabilitation and post-stroke management Global health equity and universal health coverage Advising & Grants: Accepting PhD students since 2021. Research supported by ANZIC-RC and external collaborations with institutions like Monash Health and Alfred Health. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Stroke and Ageing Research Group (Monash Health) and the ANZIC-RC.
Professor Guy Barrington Marks is a Scientia Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Head of Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. He holds concurrent appointments as a Respiratory Physician at Liverpool Hospital, Director of the Australian Centre for Airways Disease Monitoring (ACAM), and Honorary Professor at the University of Sydney. As an NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow, he leads major initiatives in lung health research. His research focuses on: Epidemiology of respiratory diseases including tuberculosis, asthma, and COPD Health impacts of air pollution and environmental exposures Capacity-building for lung health research in low-resource settings Innovative diagnostic and management strategies for multidrug-resistant TB Recent publications emphasize global environmental health threats (wildfire PM2.5), TB control innovations (levofloxacin prophylaxis, active case finding), and machine learning applications in public health. His work consistently bridges clinical medicine, epidemiology, and health policy. Awards recognize his exceptional contributions: Research Medal from Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (2010) NHMRC Top Ranked Research Fellow (2013) Fellowship in Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences International recognition from Vietnam National TB Program (2017) He mentors global research consortia including the Centre for Air Pollution, Energy and Health Research and leads >$5M in NHMRC grants. Current roles include President of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease .
Sarah Thompson is an Associate Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, where she also serves as a Full Member of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute. She is concurrently a staff specialist upper gastrointestinal surgeon at Flinders Medical Centre, appointed to these roles in 2019, and serves as the Topic Coordinator for 4th year core topics in the Doctor of Medicine program. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy (Surgery), University of Adelaide (2008-2011) Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Fellowship, Royal Adelaide Hospital (2005-2007) Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, Oregon Health Sciences University (2004-2005) General Surgery Residency Program, University of Calgary (1999-2004) Doctor of Medicine, University of Calgary (1996-1999) Bachelor of Science (Honours Biology), Queen's University (1992-1996) Dr. Thompson specializes in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, oesophageal motility disorders, and upper gastrointestinal cancer. Her research focuses on improving diagnostic and staging tools for esophageal cancer and developing better surgical approaches for complex gastrointestinal conditions. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and secured more than $1.4 million in research grants as chief investigator. Her recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on surgical management of esophageal disorders, hiatus hernias, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, with particular attention to outcomes in special populations including the elderly and obese. The research often employs comparative cohort studies and systematic reviews to evaluate surgical techniques and patient outcomes. Professional recognition includes: Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Specialty Editor for Upper GI Surgery for the ANZ Journal of Surgery Editorial Board member of the World Journal of Surgery Board member of Australian and New Zealand Gastric Oesophageal Surgery Association (ANZGOSA) Active member of Society of American Gastric and Esophageal Surgeons (SAGES) Dr. Thompson has supervised multiple graduate students, including principal supervision of one Masters (Surgery) candidate and associate supervision of another Masters (Surgery) and a PhD (Medicine) candidate. Her research program has been supported by significant grant funding totaling over $1.4 million, reflecting the importance and impact of her work in gastrointestinal surgery. She maintains active clinical practice at Adelaide Gastroenterology, specializing in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, large hiatus hernias, achalasia, biliary colic, and gastric and esophageal cancers, while contributing to medical education through her teaching and editorial roles.
Dr. Rachel Franks is an Honorary Associate Lecturer at the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences , University of Newcastle, with concurrent research roles at the State Library of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. Her work bridges crime fiction, true crime, popular culture, and information science , focusing on ethical storytelling, gender dynamics, and historical crime narratives. Education : PhD in Australian Crime Fiction (University of Central Queensland), MA in Creative Writing, BA in Information Studies Rachel’s research explores interdisciplinary intersections of time, space, and corporeal representation in crime narratives, including analyses of Agatha Christie’s cold case techniques (2016) and food symbolism in Arthur Upfield’s novels (2018). Her articles emphasize genre evolution and cultural critiques of justice systems. Key contributions include co-editing Crime Uncovered: Private Investigator (2016) and authoring the biography of hangman Robert Howard ( An Uncommon Hangman , 2022). Awards: 2017 PopCAANZ Outstanding Contribution 2016 AAWP Critical/Theoretical Paper 2015 Jean Arnot Fellowship Her work also addresses digital librarianship , advocating for emotional storytelling in archives and equitable access to Indigenous collections. As Coordinator at State Library NSW, she integrates public engagement with scholarly rigor in crime studies.
Dr. Jennifer Debenham is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, with a concurrent Postdoctoral placement at Columbia University's department of developmental epidemiology. Her innovative research program harnesses neuroscience and digital technology to develop scalable interventions that reduce substance use harms and promote mental health among adolescents and young adults. She leads the development and evaluation of The Illicit Project, a neuroscience-based eHealth intervention that has demonstrated strong preventive effects among young people. Dr. Debenham holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Science from the University of Sydney and a PhD in Medicine from the same institution, which she completed in 2021. Her interdisciplinary training combines business, science, and medical expertise, providing a unique foundation for addressing complex public health challenges in adolescent substance use and mental health. Her research focuses on substance use harm reduction, mental health promotion, and prevention strategies grounded in neuroscience. She emphasizes consumer-led research and implementation science to ensure her findings translate into practical applications. A key innovation is The Illicit Project, which integrates neuroscience education with harm reduction principles to create engaging digital interventions for adolescents. Her work addresses the critical period of neurodevelopment when young people are particularly vulnerable to substance use initiation and mental health challenges. Analysis of Dr. Debenham's publications reveals a strong focus on understanding mental health and substance use trajectories across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on adolescent neurodevelopment. Her research employs diverse methodologies including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and systematic reviews to evaluate digital and school-based interventions. A distinctive feature of her work is the integration of neuroscience education with practical harm reduction strategies, creating interventions that are both scientifically rigorous and accessible to young people. Her publications span high-impact journals across public health, neuroscience, and digital health domains, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her research. Scientific Awards and Honors (2022) Best paper award, Society for Mental Health Research Best Paper Competition ($1,000) (2021) BUPA Foundation Emerging Health Researcher Award, Finalist ($1,000) (2021) Society for Prevention Research Travel Award for virtual conference ($110) (2021) Matilda Centre Postgraduate Student Research Excellence Award (2021) Matilda Centre PhD Support Scheme Recipient Award ($2,500) Multiple scholarships and research support awards totaling over $100,000 Despite being only one year post-PhD at the time of this profile, Dr. Debenham has demonstrated exceptional research productivity and leadership. She has authored over 20 manuscripts, 13 educational health resources, and 2 book chapters. She has secured 7 competitive grants, including funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care for her OurFutures Vaping program. She has assembled an interdisciplinary research team comprising neuroscientists, epidemiologists, mental health experts, creative agencies, and consumers, reflecting her commitment to collaborative and translational research. Her work has received media attention through features on ABC Radio National and ABC Radio Darwin, highlighting her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. Dr. Debenham leads The Illicit Project research team, which is actively scaling this evidence-based intervention across Australian schools and universities. She is also developing neuroscience-based harm reduction resources for the NSW Ministry of Health and investigating mental health and substance use trajectories using data from the US-based Monitoring the Futures Study. Her research program exemplifies the integration of rigorous science with practical application, with a clear focus on reducing the harms of substance use and mental disorders among adolescents and young adults.
Dr. Jennifer Girschik is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia's School of Population and Global Health. She concurrently serves as a Principal Policy Officer in the Western Australian Department of Health's Public Health Strategy and Biosecurity Unit, focusing on pandemic response and project management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, she held research roles at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the University of Western Australia, investigating sleep, occupational factors, and their links to breast, prostate, and bowel cancers. Roles: Adjunct Research Fellow, Principal Policy Officer (WA Department of Health) Affiliations: School of Population and Global Health (UWA), IARC Monographs Program Her research expertise spans epidemiology, cancer risk factors, and sleep's impact on health. Key contributions include studies on carcinogenicity of night shift work, industrial chemicals, and opium consumption. She has co-authored over 24 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to two grants addressing cancer epidemiology and chronic lymphocytic leukemia outcomes. Grants & Projects: NHMRC Equipment Grants (2009): Investigator for Actiwatch Spectrum Bank study Cancer after Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (2008): Investigator for Leukaemia Foundation-funded research Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being (SDG 3). No specific scientific awards are documented here.
Dr Tomasz Block is an Endocrinologist and PhD Candidate in the Department of Diabetes at Monash University's School of Translational Medicine, holding an Adjunct Research Associate position. He concurrently serves as an Endocrinology Registrar at Alfred Health (2024-2025), Royal Hobart Hospital (2023-2024), and Monash Health (2022-2023), following prior training at Austin Health (2021-2022). Block holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Honors in Science, MBBS, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP). His research centers on cardiometabolic disease, diabetic complications, and obesity management, with specific expertise in kidney disease, cardiovascular complications of diabetes (CKD/CVD), oxidative stress, and NOX5-related therapeutic development. His work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being. Recent publications (2023) demonstrate strong focus on genetic mechanisms in osteoporosis, clinical trial evolution for diabetic renal-vascular complications, and biochemical interventions targeting atherosclerosis. Earlier work (2016-2017) established foundational research on epigenetic programming linking early nutrition to metabolic disease across generations. Block has received four major awards: Alfred Health Senior Medical Staff Association Prize for Clinical/Public Health Research (2021) Best Clinical Presentation Award at Australasian Diabetes Congress (2022) Second Place at Heart in Diabetes Congress (2022) ESA Best Clinical Research Poster Award (2024) As Primary Chief Investigator for the 2022 NOX5 biomarker project, Block secured research funding through Monash University collaboration. His clinical registrar roles provide extensive mentorship opportunities for medical trainees despite no formal PhD students listed. Block maintains active collaboration networks across Monash University departments and major Australian hospitals.
John Dore is a Visiting Associate Professor at the Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University (ANU), specializing in Water Governance. He concurrently serves as Lead Specialist (Climate Resilience & Water Security) for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), based in Bangkok, focusing on East and South Asia. Previously, he led the IUCN Asia Water Program and the M-POWER governance network. He holds editorial roles at Water Alternatives and is affiliated with the University of Canberra's Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis. Education includes a PhD from ANU (critical political analysis/deliberative democracy), a Master of Environmental Management and Development (ANU), and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (University of Melbourne). His research focuses on transboundary governance, deliberative democracy, and water-energy-climate diplomacy, emphasizing inclusive and accountable processes. Awards: Asialink Weary Dunlop Fellow (2015) Projects: Mekong Regional Environmental Governance (1998–2003), among others. His work bridges academic research and policy practice, addressing governance challenges in Asia's water-energy-climate nexus through collaborative frameworks and resilience-building strategies.
Alan Fekete is a Professor of Enterprise Software Systems in the School of Computer Science at the University of Sydney. He holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney and a PhD from Harvard University's mathematics department. With over 30 years at the University of Sydney, he has made significant contributions to database systems, distributed computing, and computing education. His research focuses on improving software systems' state-of-practice, particularly in transaction management, replication, and cloud computing. Education background: BSc(Hons) from the University of Sydney, PhD in Mathematics from Harvard University. Research interests include database management (transaction systems, replication), cloud computing, distributed systems, software engineering, and computing education. His teaching spans enterprise software architecture, data models, and systems analysis. He has supervised 13 doctoral students and contributed to curriculum development, notably in Java programming and cloud workforce training. Recent publications explore transactional frameworks, database benchmarking, and concurrency control. He is a Distinguished Scientist of ACM and a member of IEEE and Australian Computer Society. His work on robust rolling-upgrades and cloud storage benchmarking addresses modern system challenges. Fekete's teaching innovations include data-centric curricula and frameworks for self-assessment in programming education.
Scott Sleap is a Professor of Practice - STEM at the University of Sydney, specializing in Initial Teacher Education, Research, and Outreach. He concurrently holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Newcastle's College of Engineering, Science, and Environment. As the foundational Principal of the NSW Virtual STEM Academy and STEM Enrichment Coordinator for the NSW Department of Education, he has impacted over 25,000 teachers and 200,000 students through STEM initiatives. Research Expertise His research bridges critical gaps in STEM access and innovation, with emphasis on: Equity-driven programs for rural/remote communities and women in STEM Space education collaborations with NASA and the Australian Space Agency Workforce development strategies recognized by the OECD as global best practices Awards and Leadership Decorated with national honors including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching (2018) and a Churchill Fellowship. He leads key projects like the Australian Virtual STEM Academy and advises governmental bodies including: National Space Workforce Executive Committee CSIRO Generation STEM Advisory Committee Google Education Computer Science Outreach Group Global Collaborations Partners with Arizona State University (Milo Academy), Aldrin Family Foundation, and Mangitude.io to design space-focused educational experiments for the International Space Station.
