Lecturer
Overview
Dr Wheeler is a proud Ngarabal person and Accredited Exercise Scientist (ESSA). Dr Wheeler specilises in implementation science in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Dr Wheeler was the first Aboriginal person to graduate with a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Dr Wheeler’s research examines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can co-design programs that build community capacity and engage children and young peoples in a broad range of development areas. Dr Wheeler’s research strengths consist co-designing physical movement-based programs, ensuring a trauma informed and culturally-responsive approach towards community engagement and empowerment.
Dr Wheeler has led high performing teams working on education programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through a strength-based and holistic framework. Extending this work, Dr Wheeler's research focuses on developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better address the complex health needs of community. Dr Wheeler has provided FIrst Nations leadership to a range of projects that have catered for the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and through this experience has partnered to deliver diverse governance solutions and educational engagement frameworks.
Dr Wheeler also specialises in biomechanics, sport analytics and performance analysis as well as strength and conditioning research. Dr Wheeler works currently with a range of sporting organisations to implement best-practice sport servicing, testing and athlete management to achieve excellence. Dr Wheeler is the lead researcher in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia. Dr Wheeler has worked with a variety of professional sporting organisations and teams such as the Wallabies, Brumbies Rugby and World Rugby as well as the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Raiders, Canberra Comets, Canberra Meteors and GWS Giants. Dr Wheeler co-design training programs to promote optimal performance in a range of sports. Dr Wheeler is a passionate about how sport and exercise can be used to enrich community as well as health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler is the Chair of the ESSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Working Group for Exercise and Sport Science Australia.
Dr Wheeler is the Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.
Dr Wheeler is the Program Convenor for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences, the University of Queensland.
Dr Wheeler was named in the top 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people changing the world from COSMOS.
Awards
2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award from the Australian Academy of Science
2022 LSQ Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award from Life Sciences Queensland
2020 Accredited Exercise Scientist of the Year Award from Exercise and Sport Science Australia
2021 Science Peoples Choice Award from National Science Week
2021 Outreach Award from National Science Week
2020 Science Leadership Excellence Award from National Science Week
2017 NAIDOC Award from Fraser Coast NAIDOC Committee
Research Interests
- Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing
- Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander health and wellbeing
- Child development and inclusive sport and exercise systems
- Engaging diverse peoples in education
- Fundamental movement skills in children
- Trauma-informed movement and physical activity
- Sport analytics and performance analysis
- Biomechanics and movement analysis
- Strength and conditioning
- Sport coaching and education
- Wearable technology in the assessment of human movement
- Strategic leadership
Research Impacts
Dr Wheeler has authored/co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals as well as one book that examined the practical use of wearable technology in sport, which was published by Springer.
Dr Wheeler has over 680 citations attributed to his work, with an H-index of 13 according to Google Scholar.
Dr Wheeler is also a peer reviewer of several high ranked Sport and Exercise Science journals.
Dr Wheeler has presented extensively at a range of national and international conferences. Dr Wheeler has demonstrated strong capacity in the development, implementation, management and completion of funded research projects in human movement disciplines. Dr Wheeler is leading collaborations for improved health outcomes, in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler has applied his research widely in human movement science, including innovative studies investigating the biomechanics of human gait specific to sport.
Dr Wheeler has worked extensively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage in meaningful learning experiences and activities. Dr Wheeler is skilled at translating his work into training programs and seminars aimed at improving theory and practice of human movement, including culturally responsive physical activity. His work challenges traditional views of child development and has been adopted by sport and exercise scientists working in a range of settings. Dr Wheeler’s innovative work in the Fraser Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait community included implementing gender specific engagement programs for secondary school students, various homework clubs, and traditional Indigenous games in primary schools led to him being awarded the 2017 NAIDOC Business award from the Fraser Coast community.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, University of Canberra
- Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Canberra
Publications
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Conference Publication: Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.
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Other Outputs: Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success . Brisbane, QLD Australia:
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May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z
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Journal Article: Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study
Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14
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Conference Publication: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .
Grants
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Closing the final gaps in maternal and infant health: the Deadly Fit Mums program
(2023–2026) NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles
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(2023–2024) Monash University
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Yarrabah Community, Identity and Pride: A History of Yarrabah Sport
(2023) UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
Supervision
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Co-designing trauma informed practices for Exercise Physiologists working with children
Doctor Philosophy
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Health literacy of rheumatic heart disease within non-family based care
Doctor Philosophy
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Innovating physical literacy in childhood through the co-design of the MobMoves program
Doctor Philosophy
Publications
Featured Publications
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Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.
-
Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success . Brisbane, QLD Australia:
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May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z
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Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .
Book
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Wearable sensors in sport : a practical guide to usage and implementation
Lee, James, Wheeler, Keane and James, Daniel A. (2019). Wearable sensors in sport : a practical guide to usage and implementation. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-13-3777-2
Journal Article
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Dick, Sarah, Wheeler, Kai and Keating, Shelley E. (2024). Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 48 (2) 100138, 100138. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100138
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Martin, Karen, Dobson, Madeleine, Fitzgerald, Kate, Ford, Madeleine, Lund, Stephan, Egeberg, Helen, Walker, Rebecca, Milroy, Helen, Wheeler, Keane, Kasten-Lee, Amanda, Bayly, Lisa, Gazey, Angela, Falconer, Sarah, Platell, Monique and Berger, Emily (2023). International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles. The Australian Educational Researcher. doi: 10.1007/s13384-023-00648-2
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport: sporting literacy, attenuated agency, and survivance
Phillips, Murray G., Osmond, Gary and Wheeler, Keane (2023). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport: sporting literacy, attenuated agency, and survivance. The International Journal of the History of Sport, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/09523367.2023.2245765
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Experiences of Aboriginal parents in the context of junior rugby league
Rynne, Steven B., Dittman, Cassandra K., Wheeler, Keane W., Mallett, Cliff J. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2023). Experiences of Aboriginal parents in the context of junior rugby league. Leisure Studies, 42 (5), 751-768. doi: 10.1080/02614367.2022.2143875
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May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z
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Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14
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Zanetti, Sara, Pumpa, Kate L., Wheeler, Keane W. and Pyne, David B. (2014). Validity of the SenseWear armband to assess energy expenditure during intermittent exercise and recovery in rugby union players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28 (4), 1090-1095. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000243
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Effective defensive strategies at the ruck contest in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane, Mills, David, Lyons, Keith and Harrinton, Warrick (2013). Effective defensive strategies at the ruck contest in rugby union. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 8 (3), 481-491. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.8.3.481
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Wheeler, Keane, Kefford, Tamara, Mosler, Andrea, Lebedew, Alexis and Lyons, Keith (2013). The volume of goal shooting during training can predict shoulder soreness in elite female water polo players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16 (3), 255-258. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.06.006
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Attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in high level women's football
Mara, Jocelyn K., Wheeler, Keane W. and Lyons, Keith (2012). Attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in high level women's football. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 7 (3), 565-577. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.565
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Ball, Nick, Nolan, Emily and Wheeler, Keane (2011). Anthropometrical, physiological, and tracked power profiles of elite taekwondo athletes 9 weeks before the olympic competition phase. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25 (10), 2752-2763. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31820d9f3f
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Rugby union contact skills alter evasive agility performance during attacking ball carries
Wheeler, Keane and Sayers, Mark (2011). Rugby union contact skills alter evasive agility performance during attacking ball carries. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 6 (3), 419-432. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.6.3.419
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Wheeler, Keane W., Wiseman, Rachael and Lyons, Keith (2011). Tactical and technical factors associated with effective ball offloading strategies during the tackle in rugby league. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 11 (2), 392-409. doi: 10.1080/24748668.2011.11868558
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Modification of agility running technique in reaction to a defender in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane W. and Sayers, Mark G.L. (2010). Modification of agility running technique in reaction to a defender in rugby union. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 9 (3), 445-451.
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Effective attacking strategies in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane W., Askew, Christopher D. and Sayers, Mark G. (2010). Effective attacking strategies in rugby union. European Journal of Sport Science, 10 (4), 237-242. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2010.482595
Conference Publication
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Phillips, Murray G., Wheeler, Keane and Osmond, Gary (2023). The double folds of racism and history: silences, concussion and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sportspeople. Remembering the Injured Brain in Sport History’ (North American Society for Sport History (NASSH) pre-conference workshop, Washington, DC, United States, 25 May 2023.
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Multistakeholder analysis of a novel STEM intervention using physical activity and play
Lee, Jim, Willis, Charlene, Wheeler, Keanne, Parker, Jeff, White, Peter and James, Daniel A. (2021). Multistakeholder analysis of a novel STEM intervention using physical activity and play. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference (REES AAEE 2021), Perth, WA, Australia, 5-8 December 2021. Red Hook, NY, United States: Research in Engineering Education Network. doi: 10.52202/066488-0113
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Lee, J., Willis, C., Parker, J., Wheeler, K. and James, D. (2020). Engaging the disengaged: A literature driven, retrospective reflection, of a successful student centric STEM intervention. Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2020, Online, December 2020 .
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Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.
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Betts, S., Wheeler, K. and Lee, J. (2020). The use of wearable technology in the evaluation of gait patterns of soldiers during weighted locomotion. Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2020, Online, 7-9 December 2020 .
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Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations.
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis, C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations.. Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Conference, Online , 1-3 December 2020.
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Louth, S., Wheeler, K., Bonner, J. and Vea Vea, H. (2016). Where are the Ghundus? A retrospective exploration of the long-term impact of and Indigenous educational aspirations program on participants. Australia Association for Research in Education Conference 2016, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 27 November - 1 December 2016.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .
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Attacking effectiveness of Japanese fast paced rugby in 2011
Ipponsugi, H. and Wheeler, K. (2012). Attacking effectiveness of Japanese fast paced rugby in 2011. International Conference on Sports and Exercise Science, Bangkok, Thailand, September 2012 .
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Changes to agility running technique during reactive performance conditions
Wheeler, K. (2012). Changes to agility running technique during reactive performance conditions. 30th Annual Conference of Biomechanics in Sports, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 2012.
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Breaking the tackle in rugby union
Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). Breaking the tackle in rugby union. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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Attacking phases in rugby league
Wiseman, R. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Attacking phases in rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane. , Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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Elite serve in tennis: right vs left hand players
Hynes, A. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Elite serve in tennis: right vs left hand players. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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Factors influencing scoring efficiency in the Australian Football League
Francis, J. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Factors influencing scoring efficiency in the Australian Football League. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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Donaldson, S. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Fending in elite rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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Wheeler, K. (2009). Ruck play in rugby union. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009.
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Tackle height and the influence on tackle outcome in rugby league
Ibbott, P. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Tackle height and the influence on tackle outcome in rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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The importance of expertise when analysing sport
Wheeler, K. (2009). The importance of expertise when analysing sport. International Symposium on Computer Science in Sport, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT, Australia, September 2009 .
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Agility Skill Execution in Rugby Union
Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). Agility Skill Execution in Rugby Union. Asian Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, Christchurch, New Zealand , 14-17 April 2009.
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The use of notational analysis to examine agility skill execution in Rugby Union
Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). The use of notational analysis to examine agility skill execution in Rugby Union. 13th International Association of Sport Information World Congress, Canberra, ACT Australia, 11-13 March 2009.
Other Outputs
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Kai Wheeler and Emily Hall (2023). Stakeholder feedback of Indigenous Basketball Australia Pathways and Community Impact through Phase 1 Yarning. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
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Preliminary draft national respectful relationships education framework
Pfitzner, N., Berger, E., McCook, S., Stonehouse, C., Allen, K., Ollis, D., Harris, B., Lambert, K., McGowan, J., Sanjakdar, F., Wheeler, K., Stewart, R. and Fitz-Gibbon, K. (2023). Preliminary draft national respectful relationships education framework. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Monash University.
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Boyle, F. M., Boyd, R. N., Burgess, A., Cairney, J., Carle, M., Dean, J., Lohan, A., Luke, C., Vlack, S. and Wheeler, K. (2023). Scoping and gap analysis of tools, resources and training for primary health care professionals, and tools and resources for parents and carers, on early detection of disability or developmental concerns in young children - Final Report. Brisbane: The University of Queensland.
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Evaluating the Curious Communities Early Learning Program implemented in the Logan region
Shlager, Emma J., Cairney, John and Wheeler, Keane (2022). Evaluating the Curious Communities Early Learning Program implemented in the Logan region. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland.
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Mann, N., Wheeler, K. and Cairney, J. (2022). Exploring the Success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan Region: Evaluation Report. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland.
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Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success . Brisbane, QLD Australia:
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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Closing the final gaps in maternal and infant health: the Deadly Fit Mums program
(2023–2026) NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles
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(2023–2024) Monash University
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Yarrabah Community, Identity and Pride: A History of Yarrabah Sport
(2023) UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
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Design of a First Nations Community Impact Framework for Athletics Australia
(2022–2023) Athletics Australia
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Mob Moves: Co-designing a program to empower socioemotional learning through physical activity
(2022) UQ Indigenous Research Engagement and Partnerships Fund
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(2021) Energex
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Getting active and feeling good through the Move2Smile with Culture program
(2021) Australian Academy of Science
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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Co-designing trauma informed practices for Exercise Physiologists working with children
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Health literacy of rheumatic heart disease within non-family based care
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
-
Innovating physical literacy in childhood through the co-design of the MobMoves program
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Co-design of the Move2Smile program with diverse Queensland communities to benefit childhood health and wellbeing
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Tackling the Nutrition Burden with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Led and Co- Designed Healthy Living Program
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Opportunities for the management of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
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Movement Interventions to improve mental well-being in individuals who have experiences trauma
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
