College of Healthcare Sciences
Lisa Shaw
- Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
- lisa.shaw@jcu.edu.au
Stephen Yu
- Senior Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery
- stephen.yu@jcu.edu.au
Karen Smith
- Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery
- karen.smith6@jcu.edu.au
Chae Rose
- Lecturer, Psychology
- chae.rose@jcu.edu.au
Helen Petsky
- Head, Nursing and Midwifery
- helen.petsky@jcu.edu.au
Lucy Bird
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- lucy.bird@jcu.edu.au
Matthew Yau
- Adjunct Professor
- matthew.yau@jcu.edu.au
Alyssia Merrick
- Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
- alyssia.merrick@jcu.edu.au
Louise Myles
- Adjunct Lecturer
- louise.myles@jcu.edu.au
Sandra Dash
- Lecturer
- sandra.dash@jcu.edu.au
Culturally safe fetal diagnosis
CoPI with Skye Stewart. This multidisciplinary seed project explores First Nations perspectives on fetal anomalies to address a paucity in knowledge. Using Indigenous methodologies, particularly Yarning, led by Aboriginal midwife and researcher Stewart, participants will share insights through culturally meaningful conversations. The project strengthens allyship among non-Indigenous researchers while generating foundational knowledge to support future large-scale studies. This project will facilitate the development of a competitive research grant, advancing efforts to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families receive respectful, informed support during prenatal diagnosis. The project provides an experiential opportunity for CHS researchers to undertake ethical research with Indigenous peoples (1).
STEP-CMV: Serological Testing and Education to Prevent CMV Infection in Early Pregnancy, Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation
Led by Professor Lisa Hui - University of Melbourne. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of disability in Australian newborns, yet it remains under-recognised by both clinicians and the public. CMV is a common virus that is passed from person-to-person, usually causing no illness in healthy individuals. However, if a woman acquires CMV during pregnancy, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to severe complications such as brain injury, stillbirth, or neonatal death.1 Children born with cCMV may experience lifelong disability, including hearing loss, developmental delay, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.2 This study seeks to address to issues: Lack of Australian data on maternal CMV infection rates in early pregnancy. No
robust Australian data exist on CMV infection rates during the first trimester—the most
critical period for fetal harm. These data are essential for health economics modelling
and policy recommendations.
• System barriers to CMV counselling, testing and referral in primary care. Despite excellent GP engagement with CMV eLearning modules, our research revealed structural barriers to GPs implementing CMV education in antenatal care.
Improving Parental Mental Health and Engagement in Neonatal MRI: A Co-Designed Study, 2026 MRCMHR Seed Grant
Led by Dr Liza van Eijk. Families of infants requiring neonatal MRI often experience significant stress, anxiety, and uncertainty during a highly vulnerable postnatal period. This project will examine the psychological impacts and decision-making experiences of parents in North Queensland, where some families decline imaging despite potential clinical benefits. Through reimbursed parent participation and co-designed roundtable discussions with healthcare staff, we will identify how current MRI practices and timing influence parental distress, including both increased burden and potential reassurance through earlier detection and support. Findings will inform family-centred improvements to care, supporting better mental health outcomes for families and their infants.
Perinatal palliative care: understanding a model of practice
Led by Dr Bronwyn Sacks - Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program. This mixed-methods study will examine the current model of care for pregnancies affected by a suspected or confirmed life-limiting or life-threatening fetal condition within a specialist maternity and paediatric centre. Funded through philanthropic funding received from Very Special Kids.
Mindful Ageing: A Control-Enhancement Mindfulness Pilot Intervention for Regional Australian Older Adults
This pilot study adapts an 8-week mindfulness program to support mental health and enhance a sense of control among regional Australian older adults experiencing psychological distress. Older adults frequently report a diminished sense of control, which exacerbates anxiety and depression. Participants will engage in guided mindfulness and structured inquiries to better recognise controllable versus uncontrollable life domains. This project evaluates if the intervention successfully reduces distress and strengthens personal agency, providing critical pilot data to leverage significant future funding applications for regional mental health care.
MBCSR: Co-Designing a Mindfulness-Based Climate Stress Reduction Group Intervention to Improve Climate-Related Mental Health
This project aims to co-design a group-based mindfulness intervention to support mental health in communities affected by climate change. Using participatory co-design workshops and the Delphi method, we will collaborate with individuals with lived experience, health professionals, and community members to develop an inclusive and culturally responsive Mindfulness-Based Climate Stress Reduction (MBCSR) program. The co-design process will ensure the intervention is relevant, acceptable, and grounded in real-world needs. Findings will lay the foundation for future large-scale trials and support the development of accessible, evidence-informed strategies to reduce psychological distress in regional, rural, and remote communities impacted by climate-related stress.
Mindful Warriors Full-Day Retreat
The Mindful Warriors Retreat at JCU Central Plaza, James Cook University, Townsville,
offers a day to connect with nature, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace. Guided
by a qualified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teacher, participants practice
mindfulness meditation away from daily distractions. This practice encourages being fully
present and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. It is a powerful tool for
emotional regulation and overall well-being for veterans and community members. The
retreat includes various meditation techniques and a mindful BBQ and eating session.
Cross-Cultural Comparison on Palliative Care Knowledge in Community and University Samples in the Tropics: Towards a Public Health Approach to Palliative Care
The project aims to investigate palliative care (PC) knowledge in community and university samples
in Australia and Singapore and provide empirical evidence to palliative care education for the
tropical communities.
Strengthening Sense of Control in Later Life: A Mindfulness-Supported Control-Enhancement Pilot Study in Australia and China
Older adults experiencing psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and stress, frequently report diminished sense of control, a factor associated with poorer emotional wellbeing and reduced coping capacity.
Grounded in contemporary control theory2, this pilot project examines whether a mindfulness-supported, control-enhancement intervention can strengthen sense of control and adaptive control modes among Australian and Chinese older adults with psychological distress. The intervention integrates mindfulness practices with structured inquiry to increase awareness of controllable versus uncontrollable domains, cultivate flexible control strategies, and strengthen personal agency across sociocultural contexts.
Overall, aim the study aims to strengthen sense of control among Australian and Chinese older adults with psychological distress.
Exploring student perspectives on generative artificial intelligence integration in education
Examines student perspectives on generative artificial intelligence in education to inform inclusive, evidence-based curriculum design and responsible educational innovation.
One nurse's experience with the effects of assumptions and judgements on practice.
- 2005
- Researchers:Pauline Calleja
Inca trail porters : the health of local tourism employees as a challenge for travel medicine
- 2003
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Health advice in Australian travel brochures
- 2002
- Decker Periodicals
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Geographic information systems and travel health
- 2002
- Decker Periodicals
- Researchers:Irmgard Bauer
Influence of age and moderate-intensity exercise training on heart rate variability in young and mature adults
- 2003
- Human Kinetics
- Researchers:Anthony LeichtAndrew Hoey
Influence of intensive cycling training on heart rate variability during rest and exercise
- 2003
- NRC Reserch Press
- Researchers:Anthony LeichtAndrew Hoey
Health psychology: biopsychosocial interactions. An Australian perspective
- 2002
- John Wiley & Sons
- Researchers:Marie Caltabiano
End Date:
01 Jan 2004
End Date:
01 Jan 2005
Title:
PhD, James Cook University
End Date:
01 Jan 2011
Start Date:
01 Jan 2017
End Date:
01 Jan 2019
Start Date:
01 Jan 2015
End Date:
01 Jan 2016
Start Date:
01 Jan 2023
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Start Date:
01 Jan 2020
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Start Date:
01 Jan 2020
End Date:
01 Jan 2021
Start Date:
01 Jan 2025
Title:
Queensland Police,
Start Date:
01 Jan 2025