Melissa Carlson

Dr. Melissa Carlson is a Research Associate at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Public Health in the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. She also serves as a Casual Academic in the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences within the College of Human and Social Futures. Her work focuses on improving psycho-oncology outcomes and healthcare equity for cancer patients and their caregivers through rigorous research and teaching.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Social Science, University of Newcastle

Dr. Carlson's research interests center on psycho-oncology, implementation science, and supportive care for cancer patients. Her PhD explored the acceptability and feasibility of implementing routine cognitive assessment for people with brain cancer. She applies both quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine healthcare equity, distress management, and unmet support needs across various cancer types. Her work particularly focuses on cognitive changes in brain cancer patients, financial toxicity related to cancer treatment, and quality-of-life issues for cancer survivors.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on qualitative research approaches to understand patient and caregiver experiences. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to investigate distress screening implementation, cognitive assessment in brain cancer, financial impacts of cancer treatment, and support needs across different cancer populations. Her research consistently aims to translate findings into practical improvements in cancer care delivery and patient outcomes.

Dr. Carlson currently serves as a Co-Supervisor for a PhD student researching the implementation of preventative care practices in oncology. She has secured research funding including a $29,792 grant from the Cancer Institute NSW for translational cancer research capacity building as Lead Investigator, and a $5,000 grant from the White Coats Foundation as Investigator for research on cognitive screening for Aboriginal peoples with brain cancer in New South Wales.

She teaches across multiple disciplines, serving as Course Coordinator for Qualitative Methods in Health Research, Lecturer for Social Policy and Planning in Regional Contexts, and previously teaching courses in Organizational Management, Society and Culture, and Foundations of Professional Practice for nursing students.