Ecological-epidemiological models of feral swamp buffalo control in northern Australia. This research is locally, nationally and internationally significant because it 1) improves the capacity of the Northern Territory and its traditional aboriginal owners to manage together this prevalent species in an effort to minimise disturbance to native flora and fauna and to understand the long-term implications of continued proliferation, 2) provides a nationally relevant system to monitor and project t ....Ecological-epidemiological models of feral swamp buffalo control in northern Australia. This research is locally, nationally and internationally significant because it 1) improves the capacity of the Northern Territory and its traditional aboriginal owners to manage together this prevalent species in an effort to minimise disturbance to native flora and fauna and to understand the long-term implications of continued proliferation, 2) provides a nationally relevant system to monitor and project the spread of disease through feral animal populations in Australia, and 3) combines quantitative data and robust analytical tools that can be used as a template for solving many broad-scale feral animal problems around the world.Read moreRead less
Ambulance Demand: Random Events Or Predictable Patterns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$59,191.00
Summary
Over the past 20 years there has been an increase in demand for emergency ambulance services across the developed world, placing significant strain on ambulance resources. However, it is not known if demand is constant across different times of day, days of the week or months of the year. This PhD will examine temporal patterns in ambulance demand using four years of data derived from paramedic assessment. Understanding these patterns will provide evidence to inform ambulance practice.
Implications Of The Increasing Duration Of Life Spent With Obesity For Population Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,830.00
Summary
As the prevalence of obesity at younger ages increases, people are living longer with obesity. We have recently shown that this has an increased risk of mortality and diabetes. In this project we will look at the extent to which an increasing length of time lived with obesity is also associated with increased risks of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, arthritis and disability. We will also look at the effect of this increasing duration on the overall health of Australian adults.
Preventing Mortality In Adults After Release From Prison: Advancing Global Knowledge Through An International, Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,687.00
Summary
Ex-prisoners are at increased risk of death, but not enough is known about the incidence, timing, causes, context or risk factors for preventable death in this population. In this project we have compiled 18 cohorts of ex-prisoners (total number=1,159,290) and will analyse the data to determine exactly which ex-prisoners are at the greatest risk from what, and when. This new knowledge will inform policy changes to reduce the unnecessary loss of life in this vulnerable population.
Epidemiology of pathogens in wildlife populations: significance for conservation, human health and livestock. Recent research shows that pathogens may play a central role in wildlife population dynamics. Emergent disease problems in humans and livestock may result from reservoir infections in wildlife. However, methods to determine the impact of pathogens on populations, as distinct from individuals within populations, are poorly developed, as are models necessary to evaluate alternative control ....Epidemiology of pathogens in wildlife populations: significance for conservation, human health and livestock. Recent research shows that pathogens may play a central role in wildlife population dynamics. Emergent disease problems in humans and livestock may result from reservoir infections in wildlife. However, methods to determine the impact of pathogens on populations, as distinct from individuals within populations, are poorly developed, as are models necessary to evaluate alternative control strategies for pathogens, particularly where reservoir hosts are involved. This project will develop these methods using four case studies: chyridiomycosis in frogs, Hendra virus in bats, Newcastle disease in wild birds and arboviruses in kangaroos and other macropods.Read moreRead less
‘The Hearts And Minds Study’: A Population Study Of Mental Health Trajectories, Cardiovascular Outcomes And Shared Biological Markers In Childhood And Mid-adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and mental illness are leading causes of mortality and morbidity. They frequently co-occur in adulthood, but it is poorly understand how and when this relationship develops. The Hearts and Minds Study will examine how mental health (positive and negative) over a 10-year period impacts cardiovascular health at two important life course stages: early childhood and mid-adulthood. Findings will enhance understanding of cardiovascular and mental health in our community.
I am an epidemiologist, primarily interested in environment and health (including the risk factors for autoimmune diseases, and the strongly-emerging issue of climate change and health). My other two continuing research interests are in diet, nutrition an