Anita Stefoska-Needham

Anita Stefoska-Needham is a Senior Lecturer and Career Development Senior Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds advanced credentials as an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) and has expertise in food innovation, clinical trials, and commercialization. Her roles include Academic Program Director for the Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree and Chairperson of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Wollongong Branch since 2020.

Educational Background:

• PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics (2012–2016)
• MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (1998–1999)
• BSc in Nutrition and Biology (1993–1996)

Research Interests: Focus on novel grains (e.g., sorghum), sustainable food systems, gamification in health, and nutrition management for chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and CKD. Recent work includes exploring diet quality in athletes and dietary impacts on kidney disease outcomes.

Grants & Awards: Secured funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, University of Wollongong, and others. Recognitions include the Young Researcher Award (2015) and King and Amy O'Malley Scholarship (2014).

Teaching & Supervision: Leads courses in Allied Health Practice and Nutrition & Food Innovation. Supervises PhD research on topics like food system sustainability, MS nutritional tools, and diet-related health inequities. Nominated twice for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching and Learning (OCTAL) awards.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates on projects such as the SYMBIOTiC Study (CKD and diet) and circular economy initiatives for local agri-food systems.