Associate Professor
College of Medicine and Public Health
I am an Associate Professor and Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) in the Discipline of Population Health at Flinders University. I am driven to undertake research, educate and collaborate in a way that reflects my values of integrity, high ethical standards, and for the betterment of the local, national and global community.
I have extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and food systems research. My PhD, awarded in 2012, is entitled 'Addressing Uncomfortable Issues: The role of White health professionals in Aboriginal health'. My research looks at ways in which health professionals, especially those that are non-Aboriginal, can work best with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also explores how approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health can be strengths-based, rather than focussed on deficits. My work in food systems explores how trust in the food system can be maximised, especially during a food incident. I have also undertaken research about attitudes and behaviours related to COVID-19 testing.
I recently delivered a lecture as part of the BRAVE Lecture Series at Flinders University entitled 'Courageous Questions: Transforming non-Indigenous leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health' which can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAXDhbZrLM
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) 2008
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2012
Honours and Awards
2022 InDaily 40 Under 40 Finalist
2022 Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health Vice President and Executive Dean's Service Award
2015 Flinders University Vice Chancellor's Award for Early Career Researchers
2009 Australian Postgraduate Award
2008 SA Health PhD Scholarship
2004 Chancellor's Commendation for Outstanding Academic Achievement
2003 Chancellor's Commendation for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Recent Grants
2022. Spaeth B, Shepherd M, Taylor S, Reed R, Finfer S, Omond R, Karnon J, Bonevski B, Rissel C, Ullah S, Noutsos T, Stephens J, McKivett A, Smith J and Wilson A. Equitable access to full blood evaluation testing at the point-of-care in remote primary health. MRFF Primary Health Care Research. $2,996,294.25.
2022. Ryder C, Wilson A, Worley P, Perkins S, Cameron D, Kerrigan C, Wang J, Stranks S, Ullah S, Kaambwa B & Spaeth B. Knowledge interface co-design of a diabetes and metabolic syndrome intervention with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on Ngarrindjeri country. $756,623.00. MRFF Indigenous Health Research Fund.
2021. Schuwirth L, Schultz T, Karnon J, Isaac V, Ryan V, Wilson A, Dennis C, King S, Ryder C, Aitken R & van Doorn H. The Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) Medical Academy Pathway. Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network. $399 570.
2021. Wilson A. COVID-19 testing attitudes and behaviours in South Australia. SA Health. $37 373.
2022-2023 Teaching Program Director, Public Health and Remote Health Teaching Programs
2022-2023 Co-Chair, College of Medicine and Public Health Reconciliation Action Plan Implementation Group
2023 - current Member, Dietitians Australia Award and Recognition Management Advisory Committee
2022 - current President, World Critical Dietetics Board
2022 - current Associate Editor, Health Promotion Journal of Australia
2021 - 2022 Chair, Dietitians Australia 2022 Conference Scientific and Social Program Committee
2021 - 2022 Member, World Critical Dietetics Board
2019 Chair, National Health and Medical Research Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Scholarships Panel Member
2018 - 2022 Associate Editor, BMC Public Health Journal
2014 National Health and Medical Research Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Scholarships Panel Member
2014 Chair, Professional and Community Engagement, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University
2013 Dietitians Association of Australia Indigenous Interest Group Vice-Convenor
2013 Dietitians Association of Australia Journal and Scientific Publication Management Committee
2013 Link Person, Flinders University/ Lowitja Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research
2012 - 2013 Dietitians Association of Australia SA Branch Executive
2013 Dietitians Association of Australia SA Branch Continuing Professional Development Coordinator
2013 National Health and Medical Research Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Scholarships Panel Member
2013 Mentor, Public Health Association of Australia/ Australian Health Promotion Association Mentoring Scheme
2012 Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) Aboriginal Engagement Sub-Committee
2011 - 2013 Mentor, Dietitians Association of Australia Accredited Practising Dietitian Program
2009 - 2011 Dietitians Association of Australia Scientific and Social Program Committee, 29th National Conference