| SoPH in The News: "Curtin Uni Program Lifts Skills" (Koori Mail 13/08/08) |
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While we are all dedicated to our teaching and research there are many staff in
the School who take on additional duties and activities that benefit both the
School and impact upon Public Health. The atytached article is highlighting one recent
activity.
For several years now the Health Promotion department in the School of Public Health has been
dedicated to providing training opportunities of Aboriginal Health workers, this
has usually involved going out to the region to deliver the health promotion
short course. Recently one of our staff members, Jude Comfort, took on the task of coordinating a Curtin based
short course that was attended by 20 Aboriginal Health work
Attached is an extract from one of the news articles this course generated: "Twenty Aboriginal health workers from throughout Western Australia converged at Curtin University of Technology recently to increase their skills in health promotion...Course Co-ordinator and Lecturer in the Department of Health Promotion at Curtin, Jude Comfort said the hands-on nature of the four-day course allowed students to gain valuable skills they could then immediately apply to their everyday work."
See attached file for full article...
[  Download file... ]
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| Semester 1 2008 Assignment Collection |
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Assignment completed for semester 1 can be picked up from the School of Public Health front office. Marked assignments will only be held for a short period of time.
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| The Mastering Research Resources Seminars |
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The seminar series is run throughout the year and intended for staff and postgraduate students. Due to popular demand, the next series will commence on Thursday 28th August.
These seminars are an excellent opportunity for new staff and research students to learn more about how to become more effective researchers. They are part of the Research Information Literacy Program coordinated by the Office of Research and Development (information on the program is available here: http://research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/infoliteracy.cfm). It is also an opportunity for continuing staff and research students to learn about the new resources and services provided in the Library.
You can reserve your place in a seminar at http://workshops.lis.curtin.edu.au/
All seminars will be conducted in
the level 3 training room in the Library.
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| SoPH Staff win Research Performance Index Awards |
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On Monday 21st July several staff and doctoral students attended a University wide
research forum. This all day forum involved updates from the Pro-Vice
Chancellors and short workshops to discuss research problems being faced across
the University.
The final part of the day
involved RPI awards to new and experienced researchers. Two staff members from the School of Public Health received awards (an outstanding effort). Dr Hannah Williams won the Health Sciences Faculty
new researcher award and Professor Colin Binns won the Faculty Research Performance Index publication award.
It was great to see so many
Public Health staff and students engaging with the wider Curtin research
community and to have two of the four faculty awards coming to our School.
Congratulations Hannah and Colin!
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| Semester 2 2008 Timetables |
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Visit the timetable site below to view your current timetable.
[  More... ]
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| Sally Birch Fellowship in Cancer Control |
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Cancer Council Australia’s Sally Birch Fellowship in Cancer Control is a three-year fellowship commencing 1 January 2009.
Aimed at addressing current gaps in cancer control activity, the fellowship is open to applicants across the broad spectrum of cancer control, including research, policy and program development. It encompasses any intervention that will reduce the impact of cancer on the community, from primary cancer prevention to screening, diagnosis, treatment, support and palliative care.
[ Download file... ]
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| Boozing Your Way Through Uni Seminar Report |
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On 14th May 2008, Curtin staff and students, as well as members of the wider community, attended a Boozing Your Way Through Uni seminar which covered issues of alcohol harm minimisation amongst tertiary students.
Click on the link below to read more.
[ More... ]
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| Information session for Funding Opportunities for Postgraduate Students - Fulbright Scholarships for study or research in the United States in 2009 |
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The opening date for applications is 1 June 2008. The closing date 31 August 2008.
The above award is advertised on the Curtin Scholarships website, at: http://scholarships.curtin.edu.au/scholarship.cfm?id=622
Information session
What - Information session on Fulbright Scholarships for study or research in the United States in 2009
Who - Mark Darby, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission
When - Friday May 30 @ 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Where - Fox Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, Arts Building, UWA
This session is open to any students and academic staff who may have missed the session held at Curtin on 11 March.
[ More... ]
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| Research Opportunities with WA Centre for Health Promotion Research |
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Numerous research opportunities available with the WA Centre for Health Promotion Research (WACHPR). See attached file for project details.
[ Download file... ]
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| Development of Lupin based healthy junk foods |
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This project has been chosen by Scitech to be showcased and developed as a Scitech Roadshow presentation. Great to see this innovative work being picked up like this. Congratulations to Vijay Jayasena and the team, Lupin, which is mostly produced in Western Australia (around 75 percent of the world production), is high in protein and dietary fibre contents and low in fat and sugar contents. This valuable legume is traditionally used as animal feed whereas it has a high potential of using as human food.
The Food Science and Technology research group, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Vijay Jayasena, have developed a range of lupin-based novel healthy foods including pasta, tofu, tempe, chapatti, muffins, biscuits, cookies, crackers, and crisps. Some food items have similar attractiveness of junk foods but have higher nutritional value. The food products have received good ratings for consumer acceptability. Hence, junk foods which are mostly high in fat and sugar and low in fibre and protein contents can be replaced with healthy lupin-based
alternatives that are high in protein and fibre but low in carbohydrates. The product may help reduce diabetes and obesity.
Lupin based healthy foods including junk food analogues developed by Curtin Food Science and Technology group, has attracted the food industry and media attention.
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| “Are your hands really clean? Let me prove it…” |
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Chris Richardson (Health Safety & Environment) hosted a group of 30 students from Merredin Senior High School recently in a hands-on, interactive activity called “Are your hands really clean? Let me prove it…” The activity involves engaging the students in testing for bacteria and is designed to introduce students to the areas of Environmental Health and Food Science.
Feedback from previous activity sessions has been overwhelmingly positive with students reporting they enjoyed the activity and many claiming they would consider these courses as future career options.
These group activity sessions provide the School with an opportunity to connect with secondary students in a fun and friendly environment and to promote areas of study here at the SoPH. The SoPH looks forward to hosting more sessions such as these in future.
Please contact Chris Richardson if you would like more information on these activities.
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| SoPH Staff member recognised for Professional Leadership in Nutrition and Dietetics |
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CONGRATULATIONS to Robynne Snell who was among four recipients recently awarded the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) credential in recognition of professional leadership in nutrition and dietetics.
The credential recognises competency across: Leadership and Influence; Professional Competence; Research and Evaluation; Education, Supervision and
Mentoring; and Strategic and Reflective Approach to Practice.
Robynne joins 25 colleagues (or less than one percent of DAA members) already awarded the credential.
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| Jim Torlach Scholarship Winner for 2008: Janaya Patterson |
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The 2008 winner of the Jim Torlach Scholarship was announced this week is Janaya Patterson. The scholarship provides
payment of all HECS fees for 3 years of study in the Bachelor of Science (health
and Safety) and practical experience working in occupational safety and health
in the mining industry.
This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding OHS student each year through the School of Public Health. Congratulations Janaya!
James
Milne Torlach (1938-2006) made an outstanding contribution to the improvement
of safety and health in the mining industry in Western Australia, being responsible for the
complete overhaul and modernisation of mine safety legislation culminating in
the assage of the minessafety and
inspection act 1984.
The International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (Australia) awarded a Scholarship, commencing in 2007, to a first year undergraduate in the Bachelor of Science (Health and Safety) - The inaugural 2007 winner was Cassandra Prideaux.
Click on the link below for a photo of Jim Torlach
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| Professor James Semmens - awarded the RACS Medal for services to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons |
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Congratulations to James Semmens who has been awarded the RACS Medal for services to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He says it is a nice feeling that all the work of his team in developing the Safety and Quality of Surgical Care Project (SQSCP), the Western Australian Audit of Surgical Mortality - and the NSW version called the Collaborating Hospitals Audit of Surgical Mortality - has been recognised at State and National levels. The medal will be presented at the College Annual Scientific Congress in
Brisbane during May 2009.
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| School of Public Health student takes out international business prize |
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A fresh business idea from Curtin University of
Technology student Ben Cole has won him first prize of €20,000 (approximately
AU$32,000) in an international business development competition.
The Public Health student and environmental
health entrepreneur competed against 2,275 participants from 144 countries in
the Business in Development (BiD) Challenge 2007, and was awarded first prize
in the ‘Start-up’ category.
Ben’s winning idea was based on a high quality
protective facemask that contains a layer of activated carbon cloth and dust
filter to capture chemical pollutants.
According to Ben, he designed the mask to
protect commuters in Vietnam
from the air pollutants they come into contact with every day.
“Our aim is to offer Vietnamese consumers a
comfortable and stylish facemask that is capable of providing protection from
pollutants and dust particles. When the judges announced I had won the first
prize, they commented that my business plan held true to the saying ‘There is
beauty in simplicity.’ Winning first prize has meant I can commence
work on establishing my company, Blue Sphere Co. Ltd. which allows me to
combine my interests in environmental health and social entrepreneurship,” Ben
explained.
Ben is currently completing a Masters in
Environmental Health at Curtin. He intends to combine his studies with his
business and hopes to develop a research thesis that assesses the impact of
airborne pollutants on respiratory health in Vietnam.
The BiD Challenge is designed to encourage
entrepreneurs from all over the world to develop and implement innovative
business plans with growth potential. The competition aims to contribute to
economic growth and employment in developing countries.
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| Change in funding arrangement for Master of Environmental Health |
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It is with great pleasure
that the School
of Public Health is able
to announce a new funding arrangement for the Master of Environmental Health.
As of Semester 1 2008
Curtin and the School
of Public Health have
been able to procure Commonwealth Supported places for all students in the
Master of Environmental Health, including those currently enrolled.
In
effect, fees for this course will now be similar to undergraduate students,
with the Commonwealth Government paying the balance of the unit costs in the
course.
This is of enormous benefit for students as it gives
students the opportunity to study at a lower personal cost immediately. Environmental
Health is an increasingly popular area of study, reflected by the Commonwealth
Government’s support of this course which is a great assistance to those
pursuing study in this area.
Please click on the link below
to read more about this dynamic accredited programme that qualifies you to be
employed as an Environmental Health Officer any where in
Australia.
[ More... ]
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| Successful Postgraduate Information Evening |
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The School hosted a very successful Postgraduate Information Evening on Tuesday 5 February from 5.30-7.30pm in the foyer of the Administration area on Level 3 and was co ordinated by Denise Griffiths and Elise Saunders.
We had a great turn out with 17 prospective postgraduate students attending the evening. Head of School Sue Fyfe began the night by welcoming everyone and giving an overview of the School of Public Health and postgraduate study
options. Following this a staff member from each program area gave a short presentation on current research happening within their area, many highlighting the fantastic research projects of current and recent postgraduate students. These presentations were well received by the audience and gave great insight into the diverse and interesting research happening both within the School, the wider community and overseas. For the remainder of the evening attendees were able to mingle and to chat one-on-one with staff,
helping themselves to light refreshments and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere created for the evening.
Feedback from attendees has been positive with all responding they had their questions were answered and were satisfied with the evening; many highlighting they found staff approachable, friendly and helpful – the night was a great success and we look forward to running more of these in the future.
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| 2007 South East Asian Study Tour |
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Three staff members from the School of Public Health were involved as group leaders on the recent Faculty overseas study tour. A large group of 32 left Perth airport on 24 November. There were 26 students 4 of whom were health promotion students, 13 from CIH and the remainder were American exchange students from a number of disciplines.
See link below for full report and pics.
[ More... ]
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| What you have told us: Results of our Undergraduate Student Survey |
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The School recently conducted a survey to gain feedback from current students on their perceptions of the SoPH and why they chose to study a course within the SoPH at Curtin. The aim of the survey was to assist the School to improve the way it communicates to both current and prospective students and to improve the experience of students within the SoPH at Curtin. We would like to congratulate students Li-Shan Chang (BSc Food Science and Technology) and Laura McGregor (BSc Health Science) who are the two lucky prize winners for responding to the survey. Li-Shan and Laura both receive a $20 Coles-Myer gift voucher for participating.
See link below for more detailed information.
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| News from our staff about the 'Public Health Nutrition in Australia' Conference |
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Andrea Begley has been involved in the scientific committee for a two day conference in Brisbane on the 29 and 30 November 2007 called Public Health Nutrition in Australia: New Directions, New Priorities. This conference is being organised by the Australian Public Health Nutrition Academic Collaboration (APHNAC) and Queensland Health, in conjunction with the Dietitians Association of Australia and the Public Health Association of Australia. The conference will be informed by the New Nutrition Science project, an international initiative that calls for a consideration of socio-economic and environmental dimensions of food and health, as well as biological aspects. Keynote speakers include Tim Lang (City University, UK), Geoff Lawrence (University of Queensland), Jane Dixon (Australian National University) and Liz de Chastel (Planning Institute of Australia). Andrea will be presenting work on health policy analysis she has been completing towards her DrPH.
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| SoPH staff win awards at PHAA State conference |
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Good news from the Public Health Association of Australia State conference held in Fremantle 9-11 Nov, 2007.
- Ray James won the Community Award
- Graham Brown won one of the Student Awards
- Carlie Jones won the Graduate Student 'best presentation'
- Kathryn Bathgate - Outstanding poster by a student
Congratulations!
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| Staff member wins Vice-Chancellor Excellence Award! |
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Denise Griffiths, Community Liaison and Project Officer has been awarded a 2007 VC Excellence Award for developing support mechanisms and resources to both staff and students within the Nutrition and Dietetic Programmes. This award was presented at a presentation ceremony on 8 November.
Denise was nominated
by Janine Wright and supported by Associate Professor Jill Sherriff, Head,
Nutrition & Dietetic Program Area and the Head of The School of Public
Health. The award was received from the Vice Chancellor in Council Chambers and
the following citation was read;
"Through her work as a Community
Liaison Officer with the School of Public Health
Denise has established a volunteer/work experience
program. She has provided both support mechanisms and obtained resources, which
ensures the sustainability of the program. The program has enabled both local
and international students to expand their interpersonal and professional skills
as well as putting them in touch with future potential employers. Denise’s
warmth and generosity of spirit have made it possible for students to develop
trust and take the risk of becoming involved.
Denise is highly regarded by other
members of the Nutrition and Dietetics profession and her integration between
these two professions provides a clear conduit for communication with Curtin
staff."
Congratulations Denise!
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| Staff win Best Poster Award at Adelaide Sports Medicine Conference, Oct 2007 |
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Jonine Jancey, Andy Lee and Peter Howat are the proud recipients of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Best Poster Award at the Adelaide Sports Medicine Conference in October 2007 for their presentation on 'The Effects of a Physical Activity Program for Older Adults'. There were many quality posters at this international conference but this dedicated research team scooped the pool.
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| Mark Liveris Seminar available as iLecture |
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See link below to view the iLecture.
[ More... ]
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| SoPH's Professor Colin Binns appointed at top university in China |
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Curtin School of Public Health's Professor Colin Binns has been recently appointed a Visiting Professor at one of China’s most prestigious universities, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
Professor Binns is a prominent academic and researcher at Curtin having founded the School of Public Health, the University Health Service and the National Centre for Research into Drug Abuse, and has provided leadership in the areas over a period of more than 20 years.
Professor Binns said he was delighted with the recent appointment which he accepted at a ceremony held in Wuhan, Central China earlier this month.
“My relationship with Huazhong University started about eight years ago when I began collaborating with Prof Liu Xiaixian, a Senior Professor of Maternal and Child Health at the University” Professor Binns said. “I am honoured to receive this appointment as it will allow me to enhance my working relationship with Prof Liu and her distinguished colleagues at Huazhong. I look forward to more fruitful and effective collaborations in the future.”
In addition to his appointment at Huazhong, Professor Binns is also currently a Visiting Professor at Kagawa Nutrition University in Tokyo, Japan, and at Inje University’s School of Public Health in Seoul, Republic of Korea. He has also been a Visiting Professor at the University of Washington and Harvard University in the United States, and at the Medical Research Council at Cambridge University in the UK.
Click on the link below to read more about Professor Colin Binns.
[ More... ]
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| Teenage Pregnancy Pamphlet developed by SoPH Sexology Student |
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A pamphlet has been developed by one of the Sexology Project (453) students Fabia Hunter (and supervised by Elyse Frankel). This wonderful pamphlet has now been endorsed by Dr Rachel Skinner and the team of midwives at KEMH who alo make home visits to pregnant young women and will be distributing the pamphlet at the same time. Jacqui Ash, a postgraduate sexology student, who also works within this team has been supporting this process and will be assisting in the development of a Healthway Grant to cover the printing of the pamphlets in colour and in sizeable quantities. Fabia Hunter was also last year’s recipient of the Russ
Davey Student Award for outstanding efforts in sexology studies.
Congratulations to all concerned.
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| Study Tour: Visiting students from Kagawa Nutrition University |
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20 nutrition students visited from Kagawa Nutrition University on a study tour from Thursday 9th August till Friday 17th August.
[ More... ]
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| EH Lecturers Recognised in Honarary Roles |
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Telethon Institute for Child Health Research - WHO Collaborating Centre for Research on Children's Environmental Health This centre led by Professor Peter Sly has recognized Toni Hannelly as an Honorary Research Associate and Dean Bertolatti as an Honorary Research Fellow in the Centre. The WHO CEH is connected to the school through our Graduate Certificate in Children’s Environmental Health and staff of the WHO collaborating centre have adjunct status within the school.
Congratulations to Dean and Toni!
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| SoPH Director, A/Professor Jill Sherriff, recognised for Outstanding Contribution |
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Earlier this year, the Dietitians Association of Australia announced the appointment of Advanced Accreddited Practising Dietitians to recognise those who are professional leaders in their field of nutrition and dietetics. A/Professor Jill Sherriff, Director, Nutrition and Food Science (School of Public Health) has been awarded Advanced APD status in recognition of her high level skills and expertise as well as being a leading role model and mentor for the dietetic profession.
Congratulations Jill.
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| Prestigious WAS Award for Excellence & Innovation in Sexuality Education awarded to SoPH Sexology Program |
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The School of Public Health Sexology Program has been awarded the prestigious WAS Award for Excellence & Innovation in Sexuality Education for 2007. This is only awarded every two years and is highly competitive with all programs across the world eligible to apply.
The attached pdf file (below) details the award.
This is an excellent commendation of the past work that Professor Coates has done in developing and running the program, (1979 : 2004), and the work that has been done in coordination, revising the content and teaching by the Sexology team since being more appropriately placed in the School of Public Health, (Jan 2005).
This award reflects the scope of the program in educating students in general areas of sexuality education as well as tackling the more difficult areas such as forensic issues, sexual abuse prevention and management, treatment issues for sex offenders, disability and sexuality, illness and sexuality, cross-cultural aspects of sexuality education and counselling, and many others.
[ Download file... ]
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| Report of HIM Lunchtime Seminar |
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A lunch time seminar was held for HIM students on Wednesday 28 March when Tanya Beale, a 2001 graduate presented her experiences of working in the United Kingdom as a Information Management and Technology Manager in area mental health in the Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
More information on the seminar, photos and the powerpoint can be viewed from the links below.
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| Orientation Camp for students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics |
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The Nutrition and Dietetics Program Area trialled an Orientation Camp for students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics.
The students went on a two day camp at Point Walter with an emphasis on getting to know one another and team building. The Dietetics Program uses many group activities and peer coaching techniques throughout the year and it often takes the newly formed group of students some time to feel confident with each other so the camp was an opportunity to create great group dynamics early. The Program Area will evaluate the camp and review the impact on the group throughout 2007 before deciding a future camps but the initial indication is all smiles! (see attached photo).
[ Download file... ]
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| Two SoPH academic staff have received Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. |
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Katherine Bathgate: “For excellence in the coordination and teaching of a large, first year communication skills unit within the Division of Health Sciences.
Lorel Mayberry: “For innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning that motivate and inspire sexology students”
Laurel has also been selected to be put forward for a Carrick award.
This is a wonderful achievement and both are to be congratulated for their hard work and endeavour. It is great that such fantastic teaching within the School, has now been recognised at the university level.
The Division of Health Sciences as a whole did extremely well. 8 of the 11 applications that were submitted from the Division were successful and obtained 8 of the 19 awards which were offered (ie 42% of the awards across the university!!).
Congratulations Laurel and Katherine.
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