Susan Coulson

Dr. Susan Coulson is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Health Sciences, with expertise in neurological rehabilitation, particularly facial nerve disorders. She holds a PhD in Physiotherapy and has over 20 years of clinical and research experience in improving outcomes for patients with facial paralysis. She currently leads the Master of Physiotherapy Program and is an acting Course Director.

Education:

• PhD (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney
• MAppSc (Exercise & Sport Science)
• BAppSc (Physiotherapy)
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education)

Research Interests: Dr. Coulson focuses on facial nerve rehabilitation, neuroplasticity, and the psychosocial impact of facial disorders. Her work includes developing treatment protocols for synkinesis, oral competence, and smile rehabilitation. She co-founded the Sydney Facial Nerve Service, a multidisciplinary initiative addressing facial nerve injuries from cancer, Bell's palsy, and developmental causes.

Publications: Her research spans facial nerve assessment tools, botulinum toxin therapy, and telemedicine applications in facial paralysis care. Recent work explores oral competence measures and pelvic floor rehabilitation post-cancer surgery.

Awards:

• Early Career Research Excellence Support Award (2008)
• Tempe Mann Award (2005)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (2002)

Teaching/Grants: Dr. Coulson coordinates units in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, professional practice, and cultural competence. She has led grants on facial nerve neuroplasticity and observational learning techniques. Her team's projects include investigating cortical changes via fMRI in facial paralysis recovery.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the Sydney Facial Nerve Service and collaborates with the Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group. She also contributes to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum Group in the Faculty of Health Sciences.