Please tell me a bit about your role?
I am a Research Fellow in Biostatistics and a lecturer at the School of Medicine and Public Health. Currently, I am working with the Health Economics Team at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). I’ve always had a passion for health equity and ensuring quality of healthcare for everyone, so I feel that I’m in the right place now.
As a biostatistician, my role is heavily quantitative, so a lot of my time is spent working with numbers, formulas and mathematical theories. I think that I am really lucky having a dual role where I can link my research with my teaching, allowing me to nurture my students’ passion to drive positive change in healthcare.
Can you describe an exciting project that you are currently working on or have recently completed?
One of the most exciting projects that I’ve been involved with was evaluating the burden of healthcare costs for women who experience an osteoporosis fracture later in life. I was the principal biostatistician on this project, which involved working with a multinational team from Spain, France, USA, UK and Australia.
This was a great experience working with researchers from around the world and on a topic which is very prevalent in older women around the world.
What inspired you to pursue a career in research?
I started my career working as a biostatistician with the Health Services Research Group (years ago) using routinely collected administrative health datasets to answer questions relating the health outcomes and health services delivery. This role led to me working with the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health where I completed my PhD. My research focussed on evaluating a new mental health initiative and its impact on women’s health and access to health services. This further developed my passion for health equity.
What are your next goals or projects that you’re excited about?
Rates of mental health issues are on the rise, which I find really alarming. Since I have a focus in this area, I would like to expand my work evaluating access to mental health services and try to understand the risk factors and predictors that are impacting the community.
What do you do in your free time when you’re not immersed in research responsibilities?
My spare time is taken up by my favourite sport, swimming, so you can find me anywhere from the Newcastle Ocean baths to Charlestown swimming centre. I always carry a pair of swimmers, googles and cap with me in the car, just in case there is an opportunity to get a few laps in.
