Sports, Health and Exercise Science

Our diverse team of researchers spans the exercise science spectrum: from sports science and performance to ‘exercise is medicine’ and the application of research to clinical problems. With experts in areas such as cardiorespiratory physiology and resistance training, we tackle challenges associated with neuromuscular fatigue, ageing and chronic disease. Our sports science research program is built upon our strengths in injury risk mitigation, nutrition, movement analysis, and athlete monitoring and development. We have extensive collaborations with researchers in Australia and overseas, and we work closely with local organisations such as the GWS Giants, NSW Institute of Sport, and Bankstown City Aged Care

The research strengths and main focus areas for health and physical education research at Western Sydney University cover:

• Physical education
• Physical activity
• Health promotion
• Sport coaching
• Sport science
• Sociocultural perspectives on Health and Physical Education teaching

Our staff have expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods and a strong record of publication upon completion of research projects. Researchers have access to international standard facilities on campus including a state of the art gymnasium and renovated dance and gym studio. These facilities are complemented by a wealth of sports venues including multi-purpose courts, football fields, and synthetic hockey pitches.

Industry research partners include: NSW Police, Institute of Sport, Football NSW, AFL NSW/ACT, Netball NSW, NRL, ARU, Ice Hockey NSW and various Indigenous sport organisations.

Dr Amitabh Gupta, Lecturer (Physiotherapy)
Research Expertise and Interests: Motor control, Biomechanics, Human Movement Science; Falls, Balance and Gait; Musculoskeletal Science; Physiotherapy
Email:a.gupta@westernsydney.edu.au

Prof Gregory Kolt, Dean (School of Science and Health)
Research Expertise and Interests: Health promotion; lifestyle behaviour change; physical activity; public health; Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD);
Email:g.kolt@westernsydney.edu.au

Assoc Prof Ric Lovell, Associate Professor (Sport & Exercise Science)
Research Expertise and Interests: Football Science, Injury Risk Mitigation; Athletic Development; Fatigue Management; Talent Identification; Load Monitoring
Email:r.lovell@westernsydney.edu.au

Robin Pap, Lecturer (Paramedicine)
Research Expertise and Interests: Paramedicine; Prehospital Care; Quality Improvement; Quality Indicators; Evidence Synthesis
Email:r.pap@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Shona Papalia, Snr Lecturer (Sport and Exercise Science)
Research Expertise and Interests: Dance; sport; physical demands; injury
Email:s.papalia@westernsydney.edu.au

Associate Professor Paul Marshall, Associate Professor (Sport & Exercise Science)
Research Expertise and Interests: Back pain; fear-avoidance; exercise; neuromuscular; fatigue; weightlifting; injury prevention
Email:p.marshall@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Nicole Peel, Lecturer (Health Sciences)
Research Expertise and Interests: Leisure and vulnerable groups " leisure and health " health education" systems change" recreation therapy" leisure and sport for outcomes"
Email:n.peel@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Katherine Raw, Lecturer (Sport Development)
Research Expertise and Interests: Sport development; sport for development and peace; social impact; diversity; inclusion
Email:k.raw@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Arianne Reis, Snr Lecturer (Lesisure and Recreation Studies)
Research Expertise and Interests: Therapeutic Recreation; Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity for Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups (e.g. refugees, migrants, low income communities, people in prison, etc.); Mental Health and Wellbeing; Public Spaces and Leisure; University Students' Learning
Email:a.reis@westernsydney.edu.au

Prof Jason Siegler, Professor (Sport & Exercise Science)
Research Expertise and Interests: Sport nutrition; human performance; physiology of fatigue
Email:j.seigler@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Chloe Taylor, Snr Lecturer (Sport and Exercise Science)
Research Expertise and Interests: Cardiovascular control; autonomic nervous system; baroreflex function; microneurography; exercise physiology
Email:c.taylor@westernsydney.edu.au

Dr Rhiannon White, Lecturer (Health & Physical Education)
Research Expertise and Interests: Physical activity; mental health; motivation; self-determination theory; physical education
Email:r.white@westernsydney.edu.au