Faculty of Health 8

Honorary Doctorate

Mr Laurie Lawrence AO

Laurie Lawrence AO is a celebrated Australian swim coach, educator, and public health advocate whose legacy spans elite sport and community health and safety. Having started his sporting career as a national rugby union representative, he went on to become one of Australia’s most respected elite swim coaches. He has coached swimmers to multiple Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, achieving 10 Olympic gold medals and 23 world records.

Mr Lawrence’s connection to QUT began at Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College, where he earned a Diploma of Teaching. Since then, he has remained a lifelong champion of education and community wellbeing.

He is renowned for his motivational and passionate leadership. Beyond elite sport, Mr Lawrence has made a profound contribution to public health through his “Kids Alive – Do the Five” drowning prevention campaign. Launched in 1988, the program became a national initiative, credited with significantly reducing childhood drowning rates across Australia.

Mr Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Arts from James Cook University, a Diploma in Physical Education from The University of Queensland, and a Diploma in Teaching from Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College.

In 2025, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to water safety education and to swimming as a high-performance coach.

In recognition of his distinguished service to QUT and the community, QUT Council has awarded Laurie Lawrence AO Doctor of the University.

Doctor of Philosophy

Abernethy, David

Thesis Title

Epidemiological Insights into the Combined Associations of Physical Activity and BMI on the Prevalence of Chronic Disease: Analysis of 2.3 Million U.S. Adults from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Toby Pavey (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Donald Wharton (Associate Supervisor)
• Jason Bennie (External Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis examined how physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) are jointly associated with chronic disease, using data from over 2.3 million U.S. adults in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). PA was more strongly associated with mental and cognitive health outcomes, while BMI was a stronger determinant of physical health conditions. The research also identified persistently low population adherence to aerobic PA guidelines, with notable declines among young adults. These findings highlight the importance of promoting PA and healthy BMI as complementary public health strategies to reduce the burden of chronic disease.

Askew, Georgia

Thesis Title

Translating Theory to Practice: The Role and Impact of a Skill Acquisition Specialist in Supporting Coaches' Learning Environment Design

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Adam Gorman (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Brendan Moy (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Ross Pinder (External Supervisor)
• Dr Scotty Russell (External Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Ian Renshaw (External Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis investigates the role and impact of a skill acquisition specialist supporting coaches to enhance the design and delivery of effective learning environments in high-performance Paralympic sport in Australia. Implemented over ten months with three Paralympic sport coaches, the approach drew on ecological dynamics theory and problem-solving frameworks. The findings highlight the critical role of adaptable expertise of the skill acquisition specialist and emphasize the importance of individualised support to enhance coaches’ learning environment design. Overall, this work provides valuable insights for skill acquisition specialists, coaches, coach developers, and stakeholders responsible for coach learning and development.

Cruickshank, Mark

Thesis Title

An Evaluation of Physiotherapist Autonomous Prescribing in Queensland

Supervisors

• Adjunct Professor Lisa Nissen (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Gregory Kyle (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Andrew Hale (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis examined whether physiotherapists can safely prescribe medicines in Queensland Health emergency departments to meet the needs of consumers and improve access to care. Trained physiotherapists were authorised to prescribe autonomously from a list of medicines, with their performance evaluated for safety, technical efficiency, and patient experience and satisfaction. Over 1,600 patients were included and no adverse events resulting from physiotherapist prescribing errors were found. Patient surveys showed high satisfaction, trust, and confidence in physiotherapist prescribing. The results demonstrate that physiotherapist prescribing is safe, efficient, and responsive, supporting its inclusion in the future practice of physiotherapists in Australia.

Glen, Kate Denise

Thesis Title

Confirming Ongoing Nasogastric Tube Position - An Analysis of Practice and Outcomes Between the UK and Australia

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Mary Hannan-Jones (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Merrilyn Banks (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Christine Weekes (External Supervisor)

Citation

Nasogastric tubes are used to provide food, fluid and/or medications in patients unable to consume enough orally in hospitals and the community. Practice varies widely across the world and is currently based upon expert opinion. This international research found that despite nothing holding the tube tip in the patient’s stomach, tube displacement into the lungs, causing serious harm, is rare. The study measured the effectiveness of different methods of tube position testing in real-world hospital settings, demonstrating that widely used tests can unnecessarily delay nutrition. Research outcomes will inform guidance to improve the safety of nasogastric tube position testing globally.

Holmberg, Patrick

Thesis Title

Investigation of Sprint Performance Outcomes Following Sprint Priming Stimuli and Their Association with Strength Qualities

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Vincent Kelly (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Gabriel Siqueira Trajano (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Lachlan James (External Supervisor)

Citation

Studies have revealed improvements in physical performance within 1–48 hours following priming exercise. However, few investigations have examined the effectiveness of sprint priming strategies. This thesis aimed to (a) examine sprint performance outcomes following sprint priming stimuli and (b) investigate the influence of strength adaptations on sprint performance following sprint priming stimuli. The findings suggest that sprint priming stimuli may improve 0–20 m sprint times when assessed 6 hours later. However, strength adaptations may not influence sprint priming outcomes. Practitioners may consider the effects of sprint priming stimuli to enhance 0 - 20 m sprint performance.

Rajapaksha Appuhamilage, Nimmi

Thesis Title

Exploration of Medicine Shortages and Demand Forecasting in Managing Medicine Shortages in State Hospitals, Sri Lanka

Supervisors

• Adjunct Associate Professor Esther Lau (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Lisa Nissen (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Marea Patounas (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Thushara Matthias (External Supervisor)

Citation

Medicine shortages are when medicine(s) needed  for managing people’s health conditions cannot be supplied. This global issue is often more common in developing countries e.g. Sri Lanka, where many patients rely on the state health system for their care. Therefore, this study examined how common medicine shortages are, how medicine needs are estimated, and what strategies could improve the management of medicines. Based on supply chain stakeholders' views (e.g., patients, healthcare professionals, and suppliers) and supply data analysis, the study highlights the need for stronger national strategies in Sri Lanka to reduce shortages and determine medicine needs more accurately.

Rogers, Ethan

Thesis Title

The Effects of Caffeine on Esports Performance

Supervisors

• Professor Neil King (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Daniel Johnson (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Michael Trotter (External Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis investigated whether caffeine can safely enhance performance in esports, where cognitive demands are high and the use of performance-enhancing substances are a growing concern. After identifying a reliable tool to assess performance in first-person shooter tasks, the findings showed that low to moderate caffeine doses improved performance outcomes to a similar effect, with comparable benefits from coffee and an energy drink. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for esports athletes, coaches, and teams to optimise performance while safeguarding health in competitive gaming.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

• BAIRD, Edward John Purwanto
• BEZZINA, Lara Maree
• BROWNSDON, Ross Philip
• BUI, Julie Trang Thu Thi
• BUKUYA, Annalise Kate
• CAFFERY, David Liam
• CHAN, Tsun Ho
• COLLINS, Jack Michael
• COX, Harrison Riley
• CRANITCH, Michael Joseph
• CROW, Charlotte Isabella
• DALTON, Alice Jane
• DANIEL, Liam Joseph
• DAZ, Nicholo Kent Esmundo
• DHILLON, Lovish
• DONOVAN, Sara Roe
• DUFF, Sophie Clare
• EGAN, Nicholas Joseph
• FOX, Lillian Tennille
• GARDNER, Oliver Michael
• GILCHRIST, Kate Olivia
• GO, Robynne Maye
• HARGREAVES, Ryan Matthew
• HE, Hanyuan
• HILL, Grace Isobel
• HOLMES, Caitlin Jane
• HOWIE, Kealey Elizabeth
• HUMPHREYS, Chloe Elizabeth
• HUTTON, Chloe
• JORDAN, Jeanne Miguel
• JOSE, Meljo
• KHANNA, Aaryan
• KIBBLE, Amy Kate
• KIRTLEY, Ky Hunter
• LEANING, Madeleine Jean
• LEUNG, Yee Wai
• LIU, Timothy Shing Tim
• LY, Andy
• MACKAY, Andrae Miles Lachlan
• MACNICOL, Lachlan Sam
• MAHONEY, William James
• MALONE, Shaymus Patrick
• MARSDEN, Zachary Alban
• MATHEW, Megha
• MATTHEWS, Nerida Ann
• MESSINA, Britney Amber
• MORNEMENT, Ella Martine
• MOULSDALE, Alex Dylan
• MULHERIN, Charli Elizabeth
• MURPHY, William Richard
• NAGLE, Ethan Sean Michael
• NEARY, Talisa Ann
• NELSON, Hamish Stewart
• NICHOLLS, Corey
• NUMSRI, Nina
• O'REGAN, Ashlee Rose
• O'ROURKE, Majella
• PEACOCK, Brodie Janine
• PERKINS, Denzil Lewis
• PETERS, Daniel Harrison
• PULINI, Isikeli Feleatoua
• PURCELL, Nathaniel James
• QUARRELL, Jakob Andrew
• READ, Lachlan Ross
• READY, William John
• RONO, Abraham Kiprotich
• RYNNE, Thomas Norman
• SPINK, Alex Jane
• STATHIS, Nathaniel
• STEWART, Caitlin Grace
• STEWART, Simon Noel
• STRONKS, Samuel Benet
• STURDY, Nicholas Patrick
• SULLIVAN, Mia Louise
• SUNG, Wooyong
• TREASURE, Yolanda Brooke
• UNDERHILL, Jenna Grace
• WADAS, Isabella Kathleen
• WALTON, Eden Macy
• WATSON, Meg Elizabeth
• WATT, Ryley Jaine
• WEBSTER, Reid Mitchell

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology – with Distinction

• BARWICK, Emma Rosalynd
• BENNETT, Ella
• BROWN, Tayah Lili
• CARBIS, Jordan Andrew
• DE NARDI, Felix Bruno
• DE VRIES, Braden Laza
• DOW, Chantelle
• FINGLAND, Benjamin Robert
• FORSTER, Alexander James
• LENAHAN, Jacob Riley
• MADDERN, Elijah Jacob
• MARSHALL, Matthew Dean
• MCINTOSH, Grace Helen
• NEILL, Michael
• PREMERL, Jaxon Mark
• SCHOFIELD, Misha
• SPROULE, Gracen Keith
• WAGNER, Caitlin Jade
• WARD, Emily Hope

Bachelor of Nutrition Science

• COMINOS, Kathryn Helen
• DARWIN, Eve Belle Lillian
• KONG, Hei Chun
• LLOYD, Angela
• PEREGRINO SOARES XIMENES, Carsilio
• SHIMOKAWA, Sakura
• WRIGHT, Gracie Lee

Bachelor of Nutrition Science – with Distinction

• SAPARAMADU, Dominic Praveen

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science

• ARUNA, Fanta
• BARCLAY, Trista Julia
• BAUTISTA, Maria Sophia
• BOARDMAN, Rosemary Clare
• CHIPPERFIELD, Rhys Jackson
• FISHER, Alexandra Lee
• GADEK, Riley Hugo
• JACKSON, Levi Connor
• MARTINEZ, Gonzalo
• MCERLEAN, Joseph Matthew
• MCLEOD, Bradley Craig Ross
• NG, Beng Yong
• ORCHARD, Edward James
• RITTER, Savannah Kate
• RYAN, Abby Rose
• SAVAGE, Darcy William
• SMITH, Drew Aidan
• STOKES, Joshua Alexander
• THOMAS, James Ashley
• WALLIS, Toby Gordon
• WALSH, Olivia Rose

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science – with Distinction

• ATKINS, Joshua Joseph

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division B

• FIELDING, Harrison
• MCDIARMID, Robert Edward
• ULAHANNAN, Akil George

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division A

• ALBERT, Kirra Leigh
• BURROWS, Sarah Elizabeth
• DOWNS, Harrison Paul
• GEORGE, Ann Sara
• MACKIE, Alex Mae Gilbert

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) – First Class Honours

• GENN, Amber Elizabeth
• JACKSON, Ashlee Christine
• KUMARAPELI, Chamini Rose

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) – Third Class Honours

• ALLAN, Kye Anthony
• BUDHIHARTO, Kezia
• KORABOVSKA, Anastasia Duska
• LAM, Alesia Ruth
• MCLAY, Brooke Josephine
• MORGAN, Isaac
• SCOTT, Skye Amber
• SHARP, Brooke
• VERSACE, Lauren

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division B

• CARIUS, Teanna Rose
• COLEMAN, Millicent May
• CURTIS, Grace Louise
• ELLIOTT, Henry James
• FEEK, Laura Amelia
• JURRY, Livia Mae
• MCPHEE, Peter Scott
• NASIR, Humza
• PRASAD, Harsha Bhavika Sharma
• SAGGERS, Abelene Elizabeth Ruth
• SMITH, Darci Louise
• WARE, Aylish Rose Watney
• YANG, Ernest

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division A

• BENN, Amy Jade
• CHENG, Tin Yan
• DE STRADIS, Thomas Paul
• HANKINS, Gracie Bettine
• HOWELL, Hannah Elizabeth
• MATHESON, Keli Jean
• REID, Rebecca Mae
• TAYLOR, Jordan
• THOMPSON, Ella Rose
• WHITE, Madeline Grace

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) – First Class Honours

• AVERY, Joanne Abigail
• BELL, Rosemary Joy
• VENZKE, Rosa Grace

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – Third Class Honours

• MOIZ, Abdul

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division B

• AFROZ, Eman
• ALI, Yaminah Akilah
• ALWAKIL, Haifaa Ayman
• AUE-DOUGLAS, Daynney Cazeyorra Muaheone
• AUNG-UDONPAKDEE, Chatakon
• BURGESS, Trent David Clifford
• DAVIS, Abbey Louise
• EL-ASHREY, Zeyad
• HERNANDEZ, Hanako Teresa
• JANG, Jiseon
• KALIA, Karanvir
• LIDDELL, Ella Viet Hoa
• LIN, Elvis
• MAGUIRE-CROWLEY, Lucia Grace Huan Ai
• MANGWAYANA, Yvonna Ruvimbo
• MOHEMMED, Chnar Mustefa
• MOORE, Hilary Emma
• NOOR, Fatema
• OFILI, Mary Chukwufunaya
• RINTALA, Emily Louise
• SIBILANT, Dante
• SOOD, Saanya
• TIDBURY, Eliza Maree
• TOWER, Jayden Owen
• TRAN, Quoc Trung
• UNG, Jason
• VO, Pham Phuong Nhi Dalina
• WINKEL, Ashton Scott

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – Second Class Honours – Division A

• AL-SABAAWI, Malak Aiman Abdul-Razzak
• ASHCROFT, Lily Emma
• BILLETT, Jasmine Airlie
• BUTCHER, Paige Renae
• CAREY-MOLLOY, Jayden Dennis
• CHALES, Morgan Lee
• CHAND, Panayiota
• DAJIE, Deepti
• ENDERAARACHCHIGE, Tharushi Sandunika
• HOFFMAN, Keeley
• KALAPAC, Lewis James
• KHAN, Maryam
• KIM, Regina Jihee
• KWAG, Alicia Ji-Yeon
• LAMBERT, Dylan Craig
• MATHIAS, Kyle
• O'HALLORAN, Shannon Wilkie Cameron
• PAVLOU, Elena
• PHI, Do Khanh Linh
• QUILLIAM, Emma Grace
• TSIAMIS, Kieran Peter Kye Ryn
• WARNER, Jaimie Sara

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – First Class Honours

• BLANCKENSEE, Jett Ava Tyler
• KNIGHT, Ryan David
• NAJAFIPOURHAGHIGHI, Shahrzad
• RICHARDS, Sophie Marie
• SCHAFFER, Gabrielle

QUT Medal recipient

The QUT Medal is an award made in recognition of academic excellence. To qualify for consideration for the award, a student must have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence throughout the entire bachelor degree program and have passed all subjects at a uniformly high standard.

In 2025, the QUT Medal is awarded to:

• Gabrielle Schaffer

Postgraduate

Master of Philosophy

• BOCCALATTE, Isabella Rose Stuart
• DEEB, Maxine Lilian
• STOKES, Rielly Anna Calvert