Mei-Li Roberts

Mei-Li Roberts is a Lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Perth, specializing in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of health, sociology, and cultural anthropology. Her work focuses on youth health behaviors, family dynamics around food/eating practices, and the socio-cultural impacts of missionary activities in Melanesia.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of St Andrews (2006) and a Master of Arts in English Language/Literature and Social Anthropology (1999). Her research has contributed to UN SDGs related to Education and Good Health.

Key research areas include:

• Child/teenager health perceptions and practices
• Socioeconomic influences on dietary behavior
• Missionary translation practices and cultural identity

Her publications (2006-2012) explore topics like fast food consumption among youth, school-based health research challenges, and Highland Melanesian ethnography. Notable works include analyses of food as a class distinction marker and the complex ethics of obesity research in educational settings.

Media engagement includes contributions to UHI's Child and Youth Studies program development and staff recognition initiatives.