Dr Emily Cox

Biography

Dr Emily Cox is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology. She is an emerging research leader in the field of exercise for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Practitioner experience that influences research direction

I have a decade of practitioner experience as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sport Science Australia, which has stimulated my passion for conducting real world-applicable trials and bridging the gap between research and practice. As such, my program of research focusses not only on what types and amounts of exercise are most effective for people with type 2 diabetes, but also identifying strategies to help people start, and then stick with, optimal levels of exercise in the long-term. For example, I am currently undertaking a world-first randomised trial investigating approaches to exercise prescription for adults with type 2 diabetes in the face of unrelenting long COVID symptoms; this has been funded by Diabetes Australia.

I also aim to enhance the prescription and delivery of programs by exercise professionals to further improve the outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes. I led a study investigating the delivery of a group exercise program via telehealth for people with type 2 diabetes; this project mirrored the structure of the current Medicare-subsidised in-person group exercise physiology services to ensure direct transferability to practice.

I have collaborated with a broad array of clinicians and researchers, including Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Psychologists, Physiotherapists, medical Doctors, and Dieticians. These working relationships have enabled the successful implementation of research projects and development of funding applications.

Science communication

I am dedicated to disseminating research to the scientific community, healthcare professionals and the public. My work in the media:

• Continuing education webinars for exercise and movement professionals
• Radio interviews
• Factsheets
• Blog posts
• Expert comment for magazine articles
• Exercise resources for outpatient clinics
• Physical activity advice continuum to guide health professionals to promote physical activity within healthcare settings

Consumer involvement

I work closely with multiple consumers with type 2 diabetes to ensure the relevance and impact of my work, empower consumers to guide research priorities and the developed programs, and advocate for the interests of the community. These consumers are invaluable in identifying research needs, optimising the design of my research studies, and developing effective research dissemination plans.

Research and practitioner experiences comes full circle in the classroom

My research and clinical experience heavily inform my teaching practices. I enrich student learning by incorporating real-life practical examples and personal experiences into my teaching to inspire students and enhance their understanding of the applicability of the knowledge and skills being taught. I also deliver research-guided course material with a focus on its real-world application to properly set students up for professional success beyond university.