HDR Graduates & Testimonials

Rebekah Rankin

Topic: 'Client and Carer Perception/satisfaction of Care and Lived Experience and Other Heath Care Provider’s Perception/ satisfaction with the First Residential Facility for the Treatment of Eating Disorders in Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Janet Conti

Co-supervisors – Associate Professor Lucie Ramjan; Professor Phillipa Hay

Position Post PhD: I have commenced a postdoctoral research position on the Co-Designing Anorexia Support and Treatment (CoAST) Project, a collaboration between Western Sydney University, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, alongside my continuing work as a clinical psychologist in Sydney.

Catherine Sinclair

Topic: 'A phenomenological study of adult's regressions to prenatal and perinatal states in meditation based somatic psychotherapy'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-Supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Dr Sheridan Linnell

Phillip Good

Topic: 'Children as Health Ambassadors: An Approach to Improving Health, Wellbeing, and Learning Outcomes for Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous Children and Communities'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Rebekah Lorraine Grace

Co-Supervisors – Dr Cathy Kaplun, Dr Janet Conti

Susan Manners

Topic: 'Construction and experiences of hormonal and non-hormonal contraception'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Alex Hawkey

Co-supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher, Professor Janette Perz

Position post PhD: Research Officer, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Alongside passionate and committed colleagues in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, I'm helping to develop national sexual and reproductive health data, analysis and reporting. Read about our work (opens in a new window)

Jennifer McDonald

Topic: 'Portfolios in medical education: how do they support self-assessment?'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Wendy Hu

Co-supervisor – Dr Sylvia Heeneman

Lucy Dahill

Topic: 'Words matter. A mixed methods investigation of perceived parental comments on adolescents’ weight, shape, and eating'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Phillipa Hay

Co-supervisors – Dr Natalie Morrison, Professor Stephen Touyz, Dr Haider Mannan

Once you get started in the research world, it is hard not to see so many opportunities to keep investigating! Thank you to my amazing supervisors. The PhD has opened many doors and I continue to stay part of the Western Sydney University family as an adjunct fellow.

Julianne Abood

Topic: 'Settlement Service Literacy among Migrants in Two States: Victoria and NSW'

Primary Supervisor – Distinguished Professor Andre Renzaho

Co-supervisors – Associate Professor Zulfan Tadjoeddin

Position post PhD: Research Officer, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

Feleke Hailemichael Astawesegn

Topic: 'Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in East Africa: investigating determinants, inequalities, and effects for scaling up policy interventions'

Primary Supervisor – Dr. Elizabeth Conroy

Co-supervisor – Dr. Haider Mannan, Associate Professor Virginia Stulz

Position post PhD: Research Fellow (Public Health), Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University

Andrea Haas

Topic: 'The meaning of low sexual desire. An exploration of perceptions and experiences of low sexual desire in the context of sex therapy'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Dr Margaret Redelman

The most rewarding aspect of writing my thesis was its direct applicability to my psychology practice. This unique opportunity allowed for a powerful juxtaposition between the real-world experiences with my clients and the academic theories I was exploring. This ongoing reflection, bridging the gap between praxis and theory, significantly deepened my clinical knowledge. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the exceptional support from my supervisors and the dedicated staff at THRI.

Anton du Toit

Topic: 'A longitudinal cohort study of psychological wellbeing in university students using ecological momentary assessment and sensor data from smartphones'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Co-supervisors – Dr Ante Prodan, Dr Geoff McDonnell (UNSW), Prof. Nathaniel Osgood (University of Saskatchewan)

Position post PhD: Post doctoral fellow, Black Dog Institute

My time studying at THRI was life-changing. I learned so much and just as importantly became part of the THRI community. My thanks to my supervisors, THRI staff, and fellow students, who helped and inspired me the whole way though.

Sam Hogan

Research area: 'Prevalence and determinants of Hepatitis B infection among selected populations in Nepal'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Kate McBride

Co-supervisors – Professor Andrew Page, Dr Sameer Dixit

Colin Ellis

Topic: 'What is the impact of prostate cancer for gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersex individuals when balancing the need to work during and/or post treatment?'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Dr Alex Hawkey & Professor Janette Perz

Benedict Asibey

Topic: 'Examining the access and use of health services by homeless people in urban areas in Ghana'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Elizabeth Conroy

Co-supervisor – Dr Brahm Marjadi

About my research: My research examined homelessness as a public health problem in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, and explored the intersecting issues of urban/socioeconomic migration, homelessness, health, and health care utilisation. As one of the few across the world, the research has lessons for inter-sectoral approaches to address homelessness in Ghana’s urban centres as a complex public health problem, including the design of a health care system that can address the complex health care burden of homeless people.

PhD Experience: My PhD research experience was challenging, inspiring, and fulfilling. The excellent mentoring from my supervisors, Dr Elizabeth Conroy and A/Prof Brahm Marjadi, support from the academic and administrative staff, and the supportive peer network were essential in completing the research project. Pursuing PhD at THRI enabled me to greatly improve my research skills as well as interpersonal relationships.

Position post PhD: I am currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI), Charles Sturt University, where I coordinate an action research project in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to develop and test several practice interventions to improve healthcare delivery in rural and remote areas.

Andrew Kellett

Topic: 'The Construction and Experience of Unemployment in Australian Unemployed Youth.'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Janette Perz

Co-supervisors – Dr Elizabeth Conroy, Dr Vanessa Karen Rose

Doing my PhD research required sustained effort in applying academic rigour to a complex project amidst life's challenges, and I was fortunate to have my family encouraging me and great colleagues and support in THRI.

Position post PhD: Associate Lecturer, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University

Sam Sperring

Research area: 'LGBTI experiences of cancer survivorship and care'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Dr Alex Hawkey

Sithum Munasinghe

Topic: 'Optimal care pathways to improve the effectiveness of primary mental health care services and reduce subsequent self-harm incidence in Western Sydney, Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Haider Mannan

Co-supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Position post PhD: Associate research fellow- health data analytics, THRI

I have really very good memories during my time as a student at THRI. From the first day I joined THRI as a student, I felt that I was not far from my home and family. During my tenure, I greatly improved my research skills, interpersonal and leadership skills, and the support, in all forms, I had from all THRI staff members and students was incredible. Those fond memories will stay with me forever.

Piumee Bandara

Topic: 'Domestic violence and suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Co-supervisors – Dr Duleeka Knipe (University of Bristol), Dr Lalith Senarathna (Rajarata University), Professor Thilini Rajapakse (University of Peradeniya)

Position post PhD: Consultant in suicide prevention, World Health Organization

Fulfilling, challenging, and inspiring. The peer network built at THRI, together with the admin support and teaching staff were crucial in getting me through some challenging obstacles. Thank you so much!

Moin Uddin Ahmed

Topic: 'Epidemiological and Economic Burden of Diabetes-related Foot Disease among Older Adults in New South Wales, Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Kathy Tannous

Co-Supervisors – Associate Professor Kingsley Agho, Professor David Simmons, Professor Deborah Turner, Dr Frances Henshaw

Position post PhD: Health Economist, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney

The support I received from the THRI has been instrumental in ensuring the success of my PhD study. THRI’s generous support has enabled me to access important resources and opportunities that have enriched my research experience and helped me to achieve my research goals. I am deeply grateful to THRI for its holistic approach to supporting research and researchers and its dedication to fostering a healthy and supportive research environment.

Paul Fahey

Topic: 'An Algorithm for Augmenting Cancer Registry Data for Epidemiological Research Applied to Oesophageal Cancers'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Co-Supervisors – Professor Glenn Stone (External), Associate Professor Thomas Astell-Burt (University of Wollongong)

Kedir Yimam Ahmed

Topic: 'Modelling trends, determinants and health effects of infant and young child feeding practices in Ethiopia from 2000 to 2016'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Kingsley Agho

Co-supervisors – Dr Felix Ogbo, Professor Andrew Page, Associate Professor Amit Arora

Position post PhD: Research Fellow of Epidemiology, Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University

My experience at THRI was absolutely incredible. The collaborative and supportive culture at THRI made me to learn an immense amount during my PhD study there. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish.

Mansi Dhami

Topic: 'The Epidemiology of Infants and Young Child Feeding Practices in India'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Kingsley Agho

Co-supervisor – Dr Felix Ogbo, Dr Thierno Diallo

Position post PhD: Paediatric Senior Resident Medical Officer, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network: The Children's Hospital at Westmead

I have been very supported throughout my journey at THRI. I have had great mentors to guide me throughout my journey. I also had some amazing support from all other staff members and it was beautiful journey overall.

Lalitha Rajagopal

Topic: 'Living with Breast Cancer: The Lived Experience and the Role of Social Support Among Women of South Asian Origin in Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Kate McBride

Co-supervisors – Professor Pranee Liamputtong, Associate Professor Freya Macmillan

Position post PhD: Teaching

When I migrated to Sydney from Singapore, my supervisors were my first point of contact. I received a lot of support as a PhD student from my supervisors. I am thankful to them for making my dreams come true. My supervisors were patient with me and slowly moulded me into a fine researcher. I learnt a lot from my supervisors and I still do. In particular, my primary supervisor, A/P Kate McBride, ensured that I was well supported emotionally throughout my studies. She would check on me via emails, phone calls or even simple SMS to make sure I was managing my challenging PhD journey well. She continue to support my dreams post PhD. THRI provided me a number of resources to ensure I was well supported as a PhD student. This included regular meetings and providing opportunities to participate in conferences locally and interstate. I made a lot of friends in THRI. As friends, we were able to support each other and assist one another if need arises. Overall, my experience as a THRI student was an enriching experience and I thank THRI for the support rendered to me to help me realise my dream.

Tensae Mekonnen

Topic: 'Maternal health service utilization in Ethiopia: A secondary analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health survey'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Tinashe Dune

Co-supervisor – Professor Janette Perz, Dr Felix Ogbo

Position post PhD: Research Technical Officer, Western Sydney Local health district Blacktown Hospital Metabolic and Weight Loss Program

I had a positive student experience at THRI. I learned systematic review and quantitative data analysis skills. I also received good quality supervision and support, which helped me to publish four journal articles from my PhD research project.

Rosie Charter

Topic: 'The Experiences of Parenthood Amongst Transgender Parents in Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisor – Professor Janette Perz, Professor Kerry Robinson

Samantha Ryan

Topic: 'Investigating women’s subjective experiences of embodiment in the premenstrual phase of the cycle in the context of body dissatisfaction'

Primary Supervisor - Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors - Professor Janette Perz, Dr Chloe Parton

Position post PhD: Associate Research Fellow, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University

Carlos El-Haddad

Topic: 'Empowering patients in the development of entrustable professional activities'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Wendy Hu

Co-supervisor – Dr Iman Hegazi, Professor Kevin Pile

Vikas Arya

Topic: 'The Epidemiology of Suicide in India: Exploring National and Regional Determinants of Suicide to Inform Appropriate Suicide Prevention Strategies'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Co-supervisors – Dr Gregory Armstrong, Associate Professor Peter Mayer, Dr Haider Mannan

Position post PhD: Research Fellow in Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, University of Melbourne

If a PhD genie asked me for 3 wishes back in 2017 when I was applying for a PhD, they would have been; great supervisor, amazing peers and a supportive environment. I got them all at THRI!

Dorothy Ndwiga

Topic: 'Tackling Diabetes and its Complications in the South Western Sydney Samoan Community: A Mixed Methods Approach'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Freya MacMillan

Co-supervisors – Distinguished Professor David Simmons, Dr Kate Mcbride

Completing my PhD has been one of the most challenging and yet the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I have enjoyed my PhD journey and I am incredibly proud of my achievement. I would not have completed my thesis without the expertise and enthusiastic support of my amazing supervisors (Dr Freya MacMillan, Dr Kate McBride and Distinguished Professor David Simmons), who have been so thoughtful, kind and patient all the way. I am also indebted to all staff members at THRI for their support during my candidature and for treating me as one of their own. Their support has been incredible and I appreciate them for creating a friendly environment where we (PhD students) could conduct our research and learn from each other.

I have enjoyed my time at THRI greatly, from the research meetings and workshops organised by Dr Elizabeth Conroy to the friendships I have made with my fellow PhD comrades, who have been so supportive and made this journey so much more interesting. Thank you all for making my candidature memorable.

My PhD focused on tackling the burden of diabetes in the Australian Samoan community through promoting healthy lifestyle choices. I have learnt, grown and developed new insights into the Australia health care services and diabetes over the past three years. I am now looking forward to building my expertise and collaborations and continue my research around diabetes. I will continue to work at Western as a Tutor/Lecturer in School of Health Sciences and School of Medicine.

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Michael Hart

Topic: 'A better method of classifying patients in hospitals'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Federico Girosi

Co-Supervisors – Dr Shima Ghassem Pour, Dr David Dean

James John

Topic: 'Effectiveness of a patient-centred medical home model of primary care for improving patient and hospital outcomes in Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Kathy Tannous

Co-supervisors – Professor Virginia Schmied

Ludovico Pinzari

Topic: 'Development of Tools for the Design of Customizable Catchment Area and the Analysis of Geographic Variation in Health Care'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Federico Girosi

Co-supervisor – Dr Shima Ghassem Pour

Marilyn Wise

Topic: 'Identifying reasons for the persistence of inequities in health and implications for action by policy actors'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisor – Professor Lyn Carson

Farshid Hajati

Topic: 'Detecting clusters and anomalies in medicare MBS claim trajectories'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Federico Girosi

Co-supervisor – Dr Evan Atlantis

Seyedamir Marashi

Topic: 'Machine learning methods for the definition of more efficient Australian refined diagnosis-related groups (AR-DRGs)'

Primary Supervisor – Associate Professor Federico Girosi

Co-supervisor – Dr Shima Ghassem Pour

Marlee Bower

Topic: 'The experience of loneliness in the homeless population: An Australian study.'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Elizabeth Conroy

Co-supervisor – Professor Janette Perz

Beatriz Martín Monzón

Topic: 'White matter integrity and clinical correlates in people with Anorexia Nervosa. A prospective study.'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Phillipa Hay

Co-supervisors – Professor Vaughan Macefield, Professor Stephen Touyz, Dr Nasim Foroughi, Associate Professor Luke Henderson

Rachel Westcott

Topic: 'Investigating the application of protection motivation theory to the behaviour of animal owners and emergency responders in bushfire natural hazards.'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Mel Taylor

Co-supervisors – Professor Hilary Bambrick, Professor Kevin Rona

Priyanka Thapliyal

Topic: 'A Qualitative exploration of pathways through an eating disorder in men.'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Phillipa Hay

Co- Supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Associate Professor Paul Rhodes

Sabrina Naz

Topic: 'The impact of indoor air pollution on child mortality in South Asia.'

Primary Supervisor - Professor Andrew Page

Co-supervisor - Dr Kingsley Agho

Alexandra Hawkey

Topic: 'Experiences and constructions of sexual and reproductive health of culturally and linguistically diverse women'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Professor Janette Perz

Position post PhD: Associate Research Fellow THRI

The guidance, mentorship, and opportunities I received during my PhD training at THRI were truly world-class. THRI provided numerous avenues for peer support and learning through seminars and workshops. I was consistently given amazing opportunities, including overseas travel for data collection, attending conferences, and participating in capacity-building activities. As someone who now recruits PhD students to THRI, I cannot speak highly enough of the support and opportunities offered here. I am immeasurably grateful for my experience at THRI.

Zoi Triandafilidis

Topic: 'Young women's experiences of cigarette smoking'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Dr Kate Huppatz

Zelalem Birhanu Mengesha

Topic: 'Providing Sexual and Reproductive Health Care to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women in Australia: - Health care Professionals' Perspectives'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Janette Perz

Co-supervisors – Professor Jane Ussher, Dr Tinashe Dune

Maria Gabriela Uribe Guajardo

Topic: 'Providing culturally appropriate Mental Health First Aid for non-health trained community-based workers assisting Iraqi refugees: development of expert consensus guidelines and initial training evaluation'

Primary Supervisor – Dr Shameran Slewa-Younan

Co-supervisor – Professor Anthony Francis Jorm (University of Melbourne)

Felix Ogbo

Topic: 'Determinants of suboptimal breastfeeding practices in Nigeria: A multilevel analysis.'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Andrew Page

Co-supervisors – Dr Kingsley Agho, John Idoko

Deborah Randall

Topic: 'Variation in outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people after ischaemic heart disease: Where can interventions have the most impact?'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Louisa Jorm

Co-Supervisor – Alastair Leyland

Anthony Burton

Topic: 'Planning for the mitigation of the effects of climate change in disadvantaged urban populations greater western Sydney: Minimising health impacts in urban Australia'

Primary Supervisor – Hilary Bambrick

Co-Supervisor – Tony Capon and Sharon Friel

Lauren Kadwell

Topic: 'Constructions of sexuality in the context of palliative cancer care: Health professional perspectives'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-Supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Adjunct Professor Liz Lobb

Kate Churruca

Topic: 'The bulimic body: Constructions of bulimia and women's embodied experiences of bulimic practices.'

Primary Supervisor – Professor Jane Ussher

Co-supervisors – Professor Janette Perz, Professor Phillipa Hay

Chloe Parton

Topic: 'Women's experiences of sexual embodiment in the context of cancer'

Primary Supervisor – Janette Perz

Co-Supervisors – Jane Ussher, Emilee Gilbert

Seyed Morteza Shamshirgaran

Topic: 'Type 2 Diabetes in Migrant Groups: Population-Based Study of Life Style Factors, Complications and Hospital Use'

Primary Supervisor – Louisa Jorm

Co-Supervisor – Hilary Bambrick, Annemarie Hennessy

Linda Burnett

Topic: 'Thinking through motherhood'

Primary Supervisor – Jane Ussher

Co-Supervisor – Valerie Walkerdine

Michael Falster

Topic: 'The impacts of primary care, health service accessibility, and personal health characteristics on potentially avoidable hospitalisations'

Primary supervisor – Louisa Jorm

Shima Ghassempour

Topic: 'Adaptive data mining approach for anomalous patterns in admissions data'

Primary Supervisor – Anthony Maeder

Co-Supervisors – Federico Girosi, Louisa Jorm

Caroline Joyce

Topic: 'The relationship between mental health conditions, psychological distress and Coronary Heart Disease'

Primary Supervisor – Kathryn Nicholson-Perry

Co-Supervisors – Ian Wilson, Alys Havard

Marlee King

Topic: 'Men's construction and experience of their partner's premenstrual change'

Primary Supervisor – Jane Ussher

Co-Supervisor – Emilee Gilbert, Janette Perz

Jan Marie

Topic: 'An evaluation of health professional's perspectives on sexual changes after the diagnosis of cancer'

Primary Supervisor – Jane Ussher

Co-Supervisor – Emilee Gilbert, Ian Wilson

Lisa McCallum

Topic: 'Perinatal risk factors for pertussis in early childhood: An investigation using routinely collected linked administrative data'

Primary Supervisor – Louisa Jorm

Co-Supervisors – Bette Liu, Peter McIntyre

Arshad Muhammad Mehar

Topic: 'Data Mining and Data Management for Large Collections of Health Data'

Primary Supervisor - Anthony Maeder

Co-Supervisor - Kenan Matawie

Zia Rahman

Topic: 'Exploring the Correlation of Demographical, Health and Lifestyle parameters of Individuals in relation to self-rated memory using the '45 and Up Study' Survey Database'

Primary Supervisor – Gerald Muench

Co-Supervisor – Louisa Jorm, Phillipa Hay

Danielle Tran

Topic: 'An epidemiological study of diabetes related health outcomes among the Vietnam-born Australians'

Primary Supervisor – Louisa Jorm

Co-Supervisor – Maree Johnson, Hilary Bambrick

Steven Trankle

Topic: 'An interview study exploring the experiences and practices of doctors regarding end of life care decisions'

Primary Supervisor – Janette Perz

Co-Supervisor – Emilee Gilbert, John Haw