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

Alyssia Merrick

Doctor of Philosophy (Health)
alyssia.merrick@jcu.edu.au

Sandra Dash

Lecturer
sandra.dash@jcu.edu.au

Trial Ready Stroke Centre

Moira Smith

01 Sep 2024 - 31 Dec 2027

Development of a Trial Ready Stroke Centre for north Queensland. A collaboration between JCU, THHS, NWHHS, CHHHS, MHHS. Funded by NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) to Accelerate Stroke Trial Innovation and Translation and the Tropical Australia Academic Health Centre (TAAHC). The aim of this initiative is to increase opportunities for regional people to access and participate in clinical trials that are testing interventions to improve outcomes following a stroke.

Modifiable lifestyle factors for multiple sclerosis

Moira Smith

01 Mar 2024 - 30 May 2025

Development of a guide for clinicians to distil the latest evidence on modifiable lifestyle factors for people with multiple sclerosis.

A Phase IIa multicentre umbrella trial of integrated UPper limb and Language Impairment and Functional Training (UPLIFT) after stroke

Moira Smith

03 Jan 2022 - 31 Aug 2026

Multicentre umbrella trial design with simultaneous Bayesian Optimal Phase IIa studies to evaluate four integrated and targeted UPLIFT models of rehabilitation for arm and language functional recovery after stroke.

Finding your stride - Navigating running with multiple sclerosis

Moira Smith

10 May 2023 - 31 Dec 2025

The aim of this study is to explore the running/jogging habits of individuals with multiple sclerosis over a 4-week period, examine the enabling factors for running and identify any potential relationship between physical activity and signs and symptoms of MS.

GenAI in the classroom: Transforming Assessment Practice

Brian Law

01 Jan 2025

Social support for perinatal mental health in Northern Queensland: A pilot randomised controlled trial

Brian Law

01 Sep 2025

The Bamboo Parenting Program is an online social support program for first-time mothers in the perinatal period. The program has been designed to prevent and reduce mental illness during this vulnerable period, and by leveraging social support, Bamboo targets one of the most significant predictors of mental health for perinatal women. The program pairs first-time mothers with volunteer mothers or with mother-nominated individuals, with support training provided in program. Pairs work together to navigate the critical and difficult perinatal period. Funding from this seed fund contributes to the evaluation of a pilot randomised trial in Northern Queensland.

The Bamboo Parenting Program: Mental Health Support for Mothers in Northern Queensland

Sam Teague

09 Sep 2025 - 09 Mar 2027

Bamboo is a social support WebApp program for mothers aimed at alleviating psychological distress during the perinatal period. The project involves a randomised pilot trial of Bamboo in a sample of mothers from Northern Queensland. The project will be undertaken across the 2025 calendar year.

The acute effect of occlusion exercise on muscle performance in patients with severe osteoarthritis

Kenji Doma

01 Nov 2024 - 02 Nov 2026

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis worldwide, causing pain, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life. Strengthening exercises are commonly used to manage osteoarthritis, but their inappropriate application may exacerbate symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises offer optimal training benefits with minimal symptom aggravation. However, research on acute BFR exercise responses in patients living with osteoarthritis is limited. Understanding acute BFR responses can guide exercise selection for osteoarthritis management and research direction. This study aims to investigate the impact of BFR exercises on muscle function and blood metabolites in knee osteoarthritis, contributing to better management approaches.

HeARTS: pHysical Activity factoRs among people living with mulTiple sclerosiS. A global study

Moira Smith

10 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2026

This survey coordinated by the European Network for Research and Best Practice in MS Rehabilitation (RIMS), aims to understand what is the self-reported physical activity level in persons with MS across all disability levels and across Countries within and beyond Europe. We would like to learn more about whether people with MS are physically active or not, and topics related to this such as living context, work activity, and individual motivation. These aspects will help health professionals to better understand factors associated with physical activity in MS in order to promote and facilitate it among people with MS by creating more realistic and more useful programs.

Preparing 'Healthcare Scientists' for placement: Developing a -pre-placement training workshop to enhance graduate readiness in science-based allied health disciplines

Kenji Doma

01 Jul 2025 - 01 Jul 2026

This project aims to improve the readiness of healthcare science degree students, specifically in psychology and sport & exercise science, for placement and post-degree careers through a pre-placement training workshop. Based on interviews with students and placement supervisors, the workshop will address identified skill gaps (e.g., career awareness, communication, cultural responsiveness) currently missing in our academic curriculum. Information from these focus groups with students and placement supervisors will be incorporated into the pre-placement training workshop, and evaluated for its efficacy preparing students for placement. If successful, we will look to adapt the workshop for other healthcare or science-based disciplines.