People

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Chair of Steering Committee, Member of Scientific Committee.

This role involves; assisting the project director (research/administration/strategic direction);  leading research; managing and mentoring staff; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project; assisting staff with the digital aspects of the project; liaising with the Project Director, Clinical Education Leader, Executive Dean (School of Health and Biomedical Sciences) and STEM College staff (RMIT).

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Kerryn has been a leading academic in digital health in Australia for more than the last decade, making a significant contribution to the national health information management and health informatics educational direction Her research interests include health information education and workforce; health data: planning, management, and analysis; and the application of eHealth improve efficiencies in health. Prior to 2015, Kerryn was the coordinator and lecturer in Health Information Management at Curtin University, Western Australia. Throughout her academic career Kerryn has also worked as a consultant, providing health information advice to hospitals and private healthcare providers throughout Australia and globally. Kerryn has held a number of positions on state and national committees and boards, including the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA), Australasian College of Health Informatics (ACHI), Australian Health Informatics Education Council (AHIEC) and the Certified Health Informatician Australasia (CHIA).

Director of Digital Health, RMIT University, Associate Professor of Digital Innovation in Health and Health pedagogy, University of Tasmania, Director of the Board, Australian Institute of Digital Health.

Education or Training

PhD (Epidemiology and Biostatistics); Masters of Business Administration; Masters of Public Health; Bachelor of Science, Health Information Management.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Action Research Leader, Member of Ethics team

This role involves; leading the Action Research framework used to setup and evaluate the project; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Sandra is a Professor Emerita from the RMIT School of Management. She has previously spent 30 years as an academic and leader in learning and teaching and was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Business Education Research. Sandra has an international research profile, across and eclectic field of employment relations, knowledge management, leadership and scholarship in learning and teaching. She has been recognised as a Principal Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. Sandra brings to this project her recognition as the lead scholar and practitioner on distributed leadership in Australia. She has developed her research on distributed leadership into an ecosystem view to effectively underpin collaboration and partnerships. Sandra is recognised also as a distinguished academic and scholar in learning and teaching, especially in the use of virtual simulations for on-line learning. In both these areas of research and practice Sandra has used an action research approach.

Education or Training

PhD (Employment Relations); Master of Education (Leadership and Management); Master of Arts; Graduate Certificate of Tertiary Teaching and Learning.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Chair of Scientific Committee.

Christian Doerig obtained a degree in science education and a PhD in molecular virology at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. He then pioneered the study of cell signalling in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and is a recognised leader in this field.  He coordinated several EU-funded international consortia in malaria research involving partners in Europe, India and Africa.  He was Head of the Department of Microbiology at Monash University (2011-2015) then Associate Dean for Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University (2019-2020).

His current research interests include the host cell signaling response to intracellular pathogens such as malaria parasites and the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus, with the purpose of developing Host-Directed Therapy against infectious diseases based on kinase inhibition. He is "Directeur de Recherches" (on secondment) at the French government biomedical research agency INSERM, Honorary Professor of the University of Glasgow and Adjunct Professor at Monash University.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Consultant, Member of Biomechanical Therapy Team.

This role involves; the development, delivery and evaluation of Biomechanical Therapy module; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Jennifer has extensive experience in her ongoing teaching role as an Associate Lecturer at RMIT. Key areas of involvement include the development and delivery of teaching materials for soft tissue therapy modules in the Chiropractic program. This includes online student engagement, delivery of materials and online assessment methods. She also has extensive experience working as a clinical educator, including more recent online engagement and interactive clinical simulation with students. Research engagement has been in teaching and learning projects, mostly involving the use of video as a teaching resource. Jennifer also works part-time in clinical practice a registered Chiropractor. 

Education or Training

Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic); Bachelor of Arts.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Digital Innovator assistant, Member of “Train the Trainers” Team.

This role involves; assisting the Digital Innovation Leader with the Digital aspects of the project; helping develop the “Train the Trainers” module.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Mary has a background in Psychology, Bioinformatics, Health Informatics, and Health Information Management. She is a keen researcher and educator in the use of digital technology in education and training.  

Education or Training

PhD in Genetics/Bioinformatics; Master in Health Information Management; Certified Health Informatician Australasia (CHIA)

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Digital Health Innovator, “Train the Trainers” Team Leader.

This role involves; overseeing the learning management system (LMS); assisting  with the structure of each module (Artificial Leg, Biomechanical Therapy, Counselling, Train the Trainer); assisting staff with specialized LMS communication aspects; assisting staff with the development and design of Lt lessons; promoting the Digital aspects of project with RMIT Media and Promotions; assisting in the launch of project, especially the Digital aspects; assisting in-country trainers with digital learning (Train the Trainers Module); leading the development of the “Train the Trainers” module; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Ash has extensive experience in the design, development and delivery of educational materials using innovative pedagogical approaches and technologies across a range of disciplines, including health, exercise science, rehabilitation and research methodology. Ash has received multiple awards for learning and teaching excellence, and has been a valuable mentor for staff within the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences to support them in adopting new strategies and learning technologies. This expertise will support collaborators in the development of learning materials, as well as enhance the experience of end-users.  

Education or Training

PhD (Exercise Science, Motor Control, Neuroplasticity, Ageing); Bachelor of Exercise Science/Commerce (Sport Management); Bachelor of Exercise Science (Honours).

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Counselling Team Leader

This role involves; leading the Counselling Team; evaluating and assessing project outcomes; communicating with in-country manager(s) liaison officer(s), Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; directly overseeing the content development (on-line and face-to-face) for the Counselling module; working with the Digital Innovation Leader and Clinical Educator/Research Assistant to build and deliver on-line content; assessing the competency of the in-country Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; liaising with the Project Director; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Prasad is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at RMIT University; a registered clinical psychologist in Australia and New Zealand. Prasad has extensive experience in mental health and psychological interventions. He has involved in developing psychological intervention modules. Prasad has been teaching a wide range of therapies in clinical psychology and other allied health training programs. Prasad has also involved in developing training programs in the management of dementias. Prasad has extensive experience in a wide range of clinical and multicultural settings which can be used to the benefit of developing psychological intervention/counselling programs for disability in multicultural settings. He has vast clinical and research experience with mental health including coping with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. He also has an interest in older adults and dementias and the role of culture in health and illness.

Education or Training

PhD (Clinical Psychology), Masters of Philosoph, Master of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Science. (Life Sciences), MNZCCP, FIACP.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Ethics Consultant, Member of Biomechanical Therapy Team

This role involves; co-leading the ethical aspects of the project; the development, delivery and evaluation of the Biomechanical Therapy module.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Barbara was the CEO of the not-for-profit organization “Hands on Health Australia” from 2012-2017. Prior to that she was a director and volunteer of the organization initiating the first RMIT University chiropractic student clinic at the Sacred Heart Mission, Hands on Health Clinic. She has worked with the project funding body in past projects. Barbara also has experience in collaboratively developing, implementing and evaluating train-the-trainer programs in managing musculoskeletal conditions in developing countries including Timor-Leste, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Education or Training

PhD (Physiology); Masters of Science (Physiology); Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic).

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Senior Research Fellow - Clinical Education Training Leader, Biomechanical Therapy Team Leader, Member of Steering Committee

This role involves; leading the Biomechanical Therapy Team; evaluating and assessing  project outcomes; communicating with in-country manager(s), liaison officer(s), Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; directly overseeing content development (on-line and face-to-face) for the Biomechanical Therapy module; working with the Digital Innovation Leader and Clinical Educator/Research Assistant to build and deliver on-line training and content; assess the competency of the in-country Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; liaising with the Project Director; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Dein is the immediate former Head of the Chiropractic Program at RMIT University and founder of the not-for-profit organization “Hands on Health Australia”. He has worked with the project funding body and is familiar with the expectations of the Trustees. Dein has considerable experience in collaboratively developing, implementing and evaluating train-the-trainer programs in managing musculoskeletal conditions in developing countries.

Education or Training

PhD (Indigenous Health); Masters of Medical Science; Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic​); Bachelor of Arts (Social Science).

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Clinical Educator, Member of Biomechanical Therapy, “Train the Trainers” and Counselling Teams.

This role involves; co-supervising PhD/Honours candidates; evaluating and assessing project outcomes; communicating with in-country manager(s) liaison officer(s), Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; directly overseeing content development (on-line and face-to-face) for the Biomechanical Therapy and Counselling modules; working with the Digital Innovation Leader to build and deliver on-line content;  assessing the competency of the in-country Trainers and Therapy Practitioners; liaising with the Project Director and Clinical Education Training Leader; assisting with ethical aspects of the project; publication of research outcomes; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Dawn has experience as a Lecturer and HDR supervisor in Chinese medicine at RMIT University. She is also a supervising clinician at the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic. Her PhD explored the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain through acupuncture. She has also worked as a research assistant in various clinical trials and has a passion and interest in helping people experiencing musculoskeletal pain and disability, and mental health conditions to achieve improved health outcomes. Her experience in education and research makes her ideally suited to her roles in the project.

Education or Training

PhD (Health Science); Bachelor of Medicine; Accredited Mental Health First Aider

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PhD Candidate on Project

This role involves; evaluating the development and delivery of the Biomechanical Therapy and PCAST modules using an Action Research framework; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Completion of a 1^st class Honours involving the delivery and evaluation of pedagogical approaches to maximize learning through online platforms (learning management systems and educational software). An Exercise Science background with an understanding of the principles and practice of exercise in health and clinical practice; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Education or Training

Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Science); Bachelor of Health & Biomedical Science (1^st Class Honours).

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Prosthetic Consultant, Member of PCAST Team

This role involves; leading the PCAST aspect of the project; training in-country personnel in the PCAST technique to help people with lower leg amputation; supporting and mentoring the in-country personnel; building their capacity to improve the mobility and quality of life of people with lower limb amputation through face-to-face and on-line learning; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

In this project, Chris is combining his experience as a Prosthetist/Orthotist with his current practice as a Certified Professional Ergonomist. As a Prosthetist/Orthotist, Chris has worked in a variety of settings and locations that include spinal and lower limb orthotics for children and adolescents (Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne) and the set up and operation of the Prosthetics and Orthotics unit as Caulfield Hospital where the program at that time focused on the early fitting of interim prostheses for amputees for elderly patients and younger patients who had amputations as a result of trauma.

As an Ergonomist, Chris has extensive consulting experience across a diverse range of industries within Australia and internationally. This work has included extensive work in the design of emergency services vehicles, equipment, operational systems and work methods as well as general consulting within health settings.

Within this project, Chris is combining these diverse experiences to review the design of the PCAST structure and system to create refinements and improvements to improve usability for local Prosthetists and extend the range of applications for the PCAST system across a broader range of ages and amputation types to include trans femoral.

Education or Training

Diploma of Applied Science (Prosthetics and Orthotics); Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (Ergonomics); Certified Professional Ergonomist (current), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Digital Health Hub Rehabilitation Indonesian Project Manager (Yogyakarta, Indonesia).

This role involves; leading and managing the in-country aspects of the project (research/administration/strategic direction); liaising with the project director and module Teams; assisting with research; managing in-country staff; communicating with in-country manager(s), liaison officer(s), external experts and government representatives; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Chatarina is the Director of the YAKKUM Rehabilitation Centre. She has expertise in developing, leading and managing the Centre in accordance with its vision-mission and strategic plan. She oversees the implementation of regional and national programs. This involves developing strategic partnerships with the Indonesian government, DPO/ NGO/ institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders. This includes disability advocacy efforts at local, national and global levels. The role also involves; income generation; manufacture and fitting of assistive devices (e.g. artificial legs); the maintenance and future development of production units (e.g. Prosthetics & Orthotics workshop); training centres, and other facilities. It also includes submitting institutional and program reports to various boards, donors and stakeholders.

Education or Training

Bachelor of Accounting, STIE Widya Manggala, Semarang.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Digital Health Hub Rehabilitation Indonesian Chief Trainer (Yogyakarta, Indonesia).

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Academic Director of Biomechanical Therapy & Community Health (known as Kinesio Indonesia). Development of training modules and collaboration with the Hippocrates Institute. Setting up standards for practitioners to do daily practice. Delivering on-line training for trainers and practitioners. Setting up places for practice and supervision of the clinical aspects of these practices.

Education or Training

Bachelor of Medicine Science, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Chiropractic Science, SpineCor Consultant, Diploma of Counselling.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST Trainee

This role involves being trained in the PCAST technique; using the PCAST technique to fit artificial legs to people with lower leg amputation; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Yoga is a Orthotics & Prosthetics technician since 2015, he was received a scholarship from the National Institute Social Affairs, Cambodia in 2018 – 2019. His expertise in manufacture of metal components as supporting production of Orthotics and Prosthetics such as log brace, ankle brace, bar, customized walker, mobility devices modification since 2016, and also making BRACE & KAFO since 2018.

Education or Training

ISPO Category III, Prosthetics Orthotists National Institute of Social Affairs, Cambodia

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST Trainee

This role involves: being trained in the PCAST technique; using the PCAST technique to fit artificial legs to people with lower leg amputation; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Starting his career with the YAKKUM Rehabilitation Center since 2015, his expertise lies in managing the Prosthetics/Orthotics workshops such as monitoring production flow, quality control, networking with strategic partners and monitoring technician capacity. He has expertise in making Prosthetics such as Transtibial Prosthesis. He also has experience in understanding PCAST technicalities in a seminar entitled "Introducing Sand Casting Technique for Transtibial Prosthesis).

Education or Training

Diploma III in Prosthetics Orthotists Health, Surakarta Health Polytechnic of Ministry of Health, Surakarta, Indonesia.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST Trainee  

This role involves: being trained in the PCAST technique; using the PCAST technique to fit artificial legs to people with lower leg amputation; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Dito is a Orthotics & Prosthetics technician since 2019, he once took an internship program at the YAKKUM Rehabilitation Centre, after graduated he had experience in making Prosthetics such as Transtibial, Transfemoral and Transradial Prosthetics, Hernia Belt and also HDP (Hip Disarticulation Prosthetics).

Education or Training

Diploma III Prosthetics Orthotists, Polytechnic Ministry of Health, Surakarta

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST Trainee

This role involves: being trained in the PCAST technique; using the PCAST technique to fit artificial legs to people with lower leg amputation; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Yosafat is a Orthotics & Prosthetics technician since 2015. He received a scholarship from the National Institute Social Affairs, Cambodia in 2018 – 2019. He has expertise with Transtibial and Transfemoral Prosthesis, AFO & KAFO Orthotics. After completing ISPO Category III, his competence increased to reviewing standard operational procedures in the Orthotics & Prosthetics workshops, delivering knowledge about the ICRC artificial legs, and improving the workshop layout to match the ICRC standards.

Education or Training

ISPO Category III, Prosthetics Orthotists National Institute of Social Affairs, Cambodia.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST and Biomechanical Therapy Trainee 

This role involves: being trained in the PCAST technique and Biomechanical Therapy; after training to use the PCAST technique to fit artificial legs to people with lower leg amputation; after training to assist people with Biomechanical Therapy; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Novena is an Orthotics & Prosthetics technician since 2016, she is the first female OP technician at YAKKUM Rehabilitation Center, her expertise in MSO & AFO Orthotics Specialist for adults and children, she has special expertise in making MSO for female with scoliosis. Novena has caring in patient education and counselling process so that the patients feel more comfortable and confident when using MSO.

Education or Training

Diploma IV Prosthetics Orthotists Health, Polytechnic Ministry of Health, Surakarta.

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Digital Health Hub Rehabilitation Indonesian Project Coordinator (Yogyakarta, Indonesia).

This role involves; coordinating the in-country aspects of the project (research, administration and strategic direction); working with the in-country Project Director, RMIT Project Director and module Teams; assisting with research; managing in-country staff; communicating with in-country manager(s), liaison officer(s), external experts and government representatives; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Rita is a woman with disabilities and an Inclusion Specialist, she has assisted multisector organizations to be inclusive, the health sector with inclusive hospitals, the employment sector in preparing people with disabilities to enter employment and companies to be ready to employ people with disabilities. In 2019-2020, she was Agrilab Project Manager. This project collaboration between YAKKUM Rehabilitation Centre and CDMD Cambodia increased the capacity of persons with disabilities by focusing on the use of creative capacity building methodology and the development of innovative agriculture equipment which can be used as agriculture solution for famers with disabilities. In 2021, she was appointed by UNFPA to become a National Consultant specialized in people with disabilities for Voluntary National Review and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

Education or Training

Bachelor of Psychology, Airlangga University, Surabaya

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Biomechanical Therapy Trainee

This role involves: being trained in Biomechanical Therapy; after training to assist people with Biomechanical Therapy; assist in the research and ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Warjiyo is an Orthotics & Prosthetics technician since 2014, previously he was an expert in 3-wheels motor modification at Metal Unit, he is eager to learn and motivate himself in looking for innovations when producing assistive devices for patients who have different needs. His Orthotics & Prosthetics expertise in Transfemoral Prosthesis and HDP (Hip Disarticulation Prosthetics).

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: PCAST Consultant, Member of PCAST Team

This role involves; being an expert consultant for the PCAST technique; supporting and mentoring the prosthetist; training and supporting in-country personnel; building their capacity to improve the mobility and quality of life of people with lower limb amputation through face-to-face and on-line learning; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Peter is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. He is also the Deputy Head of Department for Research. Prof. Lee’s research interests lie in rehabilitation engineering and biomechanics of the human body. His research contributes to a wide range of interdisciplinary fields in biomedical engineering, including biomaterials, medical devices and rehabilitation engineering. He specialises in musculoskeletal biomechanics and he been actively working in the area of low–cost artificial limbs using a portable and easy-to-use prosthetic socket fitting system.

Prof. Lee obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Strathclyde, UK, where he continued his postdoctoral studies. Prior to joining the University of Melbourne, Professor Lee held several senior positions in Singapore including the: Singapore Institute of Materials Research and Engineering;  Singapore Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute; and National University of Singapore, Division of Bioengineering. 

Prof. Lee is the Director of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies and the Chief Investigator in the ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutic Technologies. He is currently the Associate Editor for Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices (Elsevier), Frontiers in Pharmacology, Translational Pharmacology (Frontiers), and Deputy Editor for Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (Springer Nature). His laboratory has made significant impact in applying interdisciplinary and multi-scaled solutions for complex biomedical problem, taking research through the full value chain from design, clinical trials to commercialization. His team developed the titanium 3D-printed Melbourne Temporal Mandibular Joint prosthesis, using comprehensive biomechanical measurements to build computational models to represent the underlying physiology of the human jaw when actual measurements could not be obtained directly from patients. The titanium prosthesis was commercialised by the start-up company, OMX Solutions Pty Ltd in 2015 and has been fitted into more than 100 patients since. As Director of the ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies he leads the largest industry-university-hospital partnership in Australia focusing on orthopaedic and maxillofacial implants to train a new generation of interdisciplinary engineers in biomechanics, materials and manufacturing for the orthopaedic and maxillofacial implant industry

Education or Training

PhD (Bioengineering), Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)

Research Activities (roles in project)

Role: Counselling Team Member and Consultant

This role involves; advising the Counselling Team; helping evaluate and assess project outcomes; overseeing and advising the content development (on-line and face-to-face) for the Counselling module; liaising with the Project Director Counselling Team Leader; assisting with the ethical aspects of the project; sitting on the Scientific Committee.

Expertise and Experience (relevant to the project)

Paul has recently retired as an Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at Massey University. He has had over 45 years of academic, research, and clinical experience at 2 New Zealand Medical schools and associated hospitals and at the Albany campus of Massey University. He has extensive academic and hospital based clinical expertise in psychogeriatrics as a clinical psychologist and was a founding member of the Memory Clinic at North Shore Hospital. With extensive experience in evidenced based psychotherapy and particularly Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), he founded and directed the Waitemata Health Cognitive Therapy Centre and the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT at Massey University. He has been Director of Clinical Psychology training at Massey University and taught in this programme for 23 years. Paul has maintained a clinical practice over the course of his career both within and outside of hospital settings and has experience in assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders and circumstances.

Education or Training

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology); Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Psychology); Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology; NZ Registered Clinical Psychologist