Biography

Qualifications

I am an Epidemiologist with a Ph.D. in Public Health and Behavioral Sciences from the University of Newcastle, Australia. I also graduated with a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Over the past decade, I have worked in academia and the health industry in high-income countries (Australia) and low-income countries (Ethiopia), as well as internationally. My career journey reflects a commitment to understanding and addressing health challenges in diverse settings.

Publications

My academic contributions include one book chapter as a lead author, reports and over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, cited over 10,000 times. My works have also been featured in the media; for instance, Cancer Projection and Disparity at CNN, CBSNEWS, and Healthline and First Nations Cancer Prevention at Health Translational Queensland News & Events. Additionally, I have presented 18 research outputs at conferences, including 7 Australian conferences. I actively engaged in collaborative research with the Global Burden of Disease and GLOBOCAN (WHO) data, authored over seven research outputs, including as a lead author.

Research Experience

My current research focuses on cancer epidemiology, treatment patterns, disparities, and screening among Indigenous peoples. Additional areas of my research include maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes), communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS), and violence. I have been awarded more than five research project grants in both Australia and Ethiopia, valued at $265,200.
I have applied various methodologies such as prospective cohort studies, retrospective studies, case-control studies, and systematic reviews. I conducted quantitative and qualitative research as well as a systematic review and meta-analysis. I conducted qualitative research designs, encompassing the development of interview guides, conducting interviews, identifying data saturation, data transcription, coding data using thematic analysis, interpreting results, and writing reports. I applied a systematic review and meta-analysis study to assess, synthesize, and interpret evidence regarding hormonal treatment after breast cancer diagnosis among First Nations Peoples.
I have extensive experience in linked administrative and clinical data, such as the Queensland Cancer Register and Medicare Benefits Schedule, as well as primary data. I employed rigorous data cleaning methods, including identifying duplicate observations, outliers, structural problems, and managing missing data through techniques like mean imputation and multiple imputation. I applied advanced analysis models, including causal modelling, multilevel analysis, survival analysis, missing data analysis and thematic analysis (qualitative data). I have experience with various statistical software: STATA, SPSS, R and Nvivo.

Lecturer and Teaching Experience

With teaching expertise in Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, I have actively contributed to curriculum design and review. My teaching experience extends to both face-to-face and online platforms, employing diverse teaching and assessment methods to enhance student creativity and learning. I have supervised seven Higher Degree Research (HDR), expertise in research planning, continuous feedback, progress tracking, and fostering internal and external relationships.

Communication, Teamwork, and Organisational Skills

While working within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, I developed excellent communication and teamwork skills tailored to diverse audiences. I have liaised and collaborated with the Australian Cancer Atlas research team, data custodians, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Project Advisory Groups, and the IT team.
I developed good leadership and worked in collaboration during my leadership and management roles, such as First Nations Peoples Advisory Group, Head of the Public Health Department, General Secretary in the Postgraduate Student Association, committee member of the African Research Partnership, and Research Coordinator in numerous projects. I have effective leadership and organizational skills and prioritized tasks by considering importance, urgency, and consequence.