I am currently Associate Professor in Dietetics and lead for the Victoria University Nutrition and Dietetic courses. I combine this with a Research Fellowship in the Institute for Health and Sport, my role as Deputy Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching for the College of Sport, Health and Engineering. These multiple roles allow me to build interprofessional collaborations within the learning and research space for the benefit and promotion of nutrition and dietetics within my organisation.
I was a clinical dietitian focusing on paediatrics and nutrition support for approximately 18 years prior to moving into a full-time academic position. During this time I worked in most areas of acute paediatric dietetics but had a particular interest in complex GI surgery (short bowel, bowel lengthening) critical care and burn injuries. I led the work that developed the STAMP screening tool in the UK which is now used internationally. I have actively maintained my clinical contacts internationally and seek to develop these further in Australia.
I am passionate about Dietetics and want to inspire this passion in future generations which led me to seek an academic position in the UK. Through this role I was able to develop dietetic placements and support the students to attain their career goals. I have the opportunity to live vicariously through their achievements, and seeing their passion reignites my own.
I have a strong belief that nutrition is the responsibility of everyone and to this end have been involved in training a range of groups on identifying nutritional problems and appropriate investigation and management. This includes a range of health professionals but also professionals in education, social care and sport as well as parents, carers and volunteers that work with children.
I was a member of the British Dietetic Association Education Board for over 6 years. This Board oversaw the dietetic curriculum framework, as well as continued professional development for dietitians and dietetic support workers. I served as Chair of this Board and a Non-Exec Director of the BDA for 2 years prior to moving out to Australia.
I have acted as an external examiner and adviser to a number of dietetic and nutrition courses internationally including the Masters of Paediatric Dietetics (Plymouth University and BDA, UK), the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Hertfordshire and University of Nicosia) and the Pg Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (Hong Kong University, SPACE).