Welcome to my home page. I am the Dean of Research in Allied Health and Human Performance at the University of South Australia.
My research is multidisciplinary, and I am a member of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre and a member of Behaviour-Brain-Body (BBB) Research Centre at the University of South Australia. Since 2007, I have worked with the Exercise and Sports Science Program and have taught Nutrition and Physiology to students in the second year of their degrees.
My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Science with Honours followed by PhD in Nutritional Physiology at the University of Adelaide. I then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at... Read more
About me
Welcome to my home page. I am the Dean of Research in Allied Health and Human Performance at the University of South Australia.
My research is multidisciplinary, and I am a member of the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre and a member of Behaviour-Brain-Body (BBB) Research Centre at the University of South Australia. Since 2007, I have worked with the Exercise and Sports Science Program and have taught Nutrition and Physiology to students in the second year of their degrees.
My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Science with Honours followed by PhD in Nutritional Physiology at the University of Adelaide. I then undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado before returning to Adelaide to the University of South Australia in 2004. I am a Registered Nutritionist with the Nutrition Society of Australia.
Broadly, my research focuses on dietary strategies to improve cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive function. I have been involved in numerous clinical trials using nutritional supplements and whole foods over the past 20 years sponsored by industry partnerships and through competitive government grants including ARC-Linkage, NHMRC and CRC schemes. My team is currently working on studies with nuts in adults focused on a wide range of health outcomes in conjunction with the Almond Board of California.
In conjunction with colleagues in the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, we are investigating the impact of changing meal and sleep timing on a range of physiological and psychological measures with a goal of improving shift worker health. This work has been funded by two NHMRC project grants, including a large multisite weight loss intervention being conducted in partnership with researchers at Monash University.
I served on the Nutrition Society of Australia executive from 2018-2023 as President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President. My contributions to nutrition research have been recognised through an Australian Nutrition Trust Travelling Fellowship (2018), The Nutrition Society of Australia Mid-Career Researcher Award (2016) and a South Australian Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2008).
I am proud to be an author of over 140 journal articles and book chapters and have been cited over 4600 times with a current h index of 40 (Scopus). Over my career, I have had the privilege of supervising and mentoring 2 postdoctoral scientists, 19 postgraduate students and 28 honours students.
If you are interested in research opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in contact via email. I have opportunities for Masters and PhD students and encourage prospective students to email me to discuss how they could be part of this team.
About me
Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA)-https://nsa.asn.au/
American Society for Nutrition (ASN)- https://nutrition.org/
Oceanic Nutrition Leadership Platform (ONLP)- https://www.onlp.org/
About me
Doctor of Philosophy The University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Science (Honours) The University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Science The University of Adelaide
My research investigates the role of nutrients and activity on health.
I have current projects investigating 1) relationships between nut consumption and weight management 2) dietary patterns and sleep in shiftworkers 3) diet and cognitive decline.
Research
Excludes commercial-in-confidence projects.
Small Steps towards dementia prevention, Medical Research Future Fund, 01/03/2023 - 28/02/2026
Shifting Weight using Intermittent Fasting (the SWIFt study): A novel weight loss intervention in shift workers with obesity, NHMRC - Project Grant, 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2024
An almond, dried grape and dried cranberry (AGC) mix for improving endurance exercise performance in athletes, International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation, 01/08/2017 - 31/10/2021
Altering meal times to reverse the metabolic consequences of shift work, NHMRC - Project Grant, 01/01/2016 - 31/12/2020
Comparison of a low carb/high pork protein diet and high carb/low prok protein diet, Pork CRC Ltd, 01/03/2013 - 30/06/2018
Research
Research outputs for the last seven years are shown below. Some long-standing staff members may have older outputs included. To see earlier years visit ORCID, ResearcherID or Scopus
Open access indicates that an output is open access.
Year | Output |
---|---|
2023 |
Open access
4
5
1433
|
2022 |
37
39
4
|
2020 |
Open access
34
30
57
|
2019 |
Open access
84
86
20
|
2018 |
Open access
43
41
323
|
Year | Output |
---|---|
2018 |
Open access
|
2009 |
|
Year | Output |
---|---|
2015 |
Open access
26
|
2015 |
4
|
2009 |
4
|
2009 |
|
Year | Output |
---|---|
2024 |
Open access
3
|
2024 |
Open access
|
2024 |
Open access
1
9
|
2024 |
Open access
1
1
214
|
2024 |
Open access
1
1
7
|
2024 |
1
|
2024 |
Open access
3
|
2024 |
Open access
|
2024 |
Open access
15
|
2024 |
Open access
|
2024 |
Open access
|
2023 |
Open access
8
8
20
|
2023 |
Open access
4
5
1433
|
2023 |
Open access
2
4
675
|
2023 |
Open access
15
11
179
|
2023 |
Open access
1
1
3
|
2022 |
Open access
6
|
2022 |
Open access
5
5
5
|
2022 |
Open access
28
27
30
|
2022 |
Open access
20
20
16
|
2022 |
37
39
4
|
2022 |
Open access
3
3
5
|
2022 |
Open access
3
4
4
|
2021 |
Open access
4
4
12
|
2021 |
Open access
16
16
24
|
2021 |
Open access
8
8
8
|
2021 |
4
30
|
2021 |
Open access
26
22
88
|
2020 |
Open access
7
9
4
|
2020 |
Open access
34
30
57
|
2020 |
Open access
6
6
5
|
2020 |
Open access
5
4
9
|
2020 |
Open access
|
2020 |
Open access
3
3
12
|
2019 |
Open access
13
12
7
|
2019 |
Open access
4
5
8
|
2019 |
Open access
6
5
|
2019 |
Open access
3
3
|
2019 |
Open access
23
21
22
|
2019 |
Open access
29
24
36
|
2019 |
Open access
84
86
20
|
2019 |
Open access
49
45
17
|
2019 |
17
19
|
2019 |
Open access
25
21
42
|
2019 |
Open access
7
5
8
|
2019 |
Open access
12
12
17
|
2019 |
Open access
52
43
31
|
2019 |
Open access
30
28
110
|
2019 |
Open access
5
6
3
|
2018 |
Open access
61
58
7
|
2018 |
Open access
32
21
|
2018 |
Open access
43
41
323
|
2018 |
Open access
6
6
26
|
2018 |
Open access
4
4
3
|
2018 |
Open access
15
15
82
|
2018 |
6
4
234
|
2018 |
12
12
4
|
2018 |
Open access
16
12
2
|
2017 |
Open access
50
46
294
|
2017 |
Open access
8
8
17
|
2017 |
Open access
5
3
3
|
2017 |
Open access
1
|
2017 |
36
33
3
|
2017 |
Open access
6
2
|
2017 |
Open access
73
68
142
|
2017 |
Open access
32
29
42
|
2017 |
Open access
36
31
58
|
2017 |
Open access
24
21
15
|
2017 |
12
11
5
|
2017 |
Open access
35
32
268
|
2016 |
32
28
3
|
2016 |
Open access
62
59
13
|
2016 |
Open access
145
138
16
|
2016 |
Open access
52
52
17
|
2016 |
Open access
34
33
7
|
2016 |
19
19
4
|
2016 |
Open access
20
19
|
2016 |
Open access
68
62
414
|
2016 |
Open access
36
33
8
|
2015 |
Open access
15
49
20
|
2015 |
Open access
5
|
2015 |
Open access
7
35
|
2015 |
23
22
|
2015 |
Open access
37
35
31
|
2015 |
Open access
13
12
1
|
2014 |
Open access
49
48
9
|
2014 |
Open access
19
19
36
|
2014 |
Open access
13
29
6
|
2014 |
Open access
6
30
28
|
2014 |
Open access
6
6
18
|
2013 |
Open access
7
9
|
2013 |
Open access
30
32
|
2013 |
Open access
17
29
|
2013 |
7
15
|
2013 |
65
128
|
2013 |
16
30
|
2012 |
Open access
43
59
|
2012 |
Open access
15
69
|
2012 |
Open access
24
23
|
2012 |
Open access
66
98
|
2012 |
Open access
16
45
|
2012 |
Open access
251
232
|
2012 |
18
28
|
2012 |
Open access
16
29
|
2012 |
Open access
9
7
|
2012 |
Open access
9
16
|
2011 |
35
34
|
2011 |
29
42
|
2011 |
Open access
165
223
|
2010 |
Open access
20
25
|
2010 |
Open access
44
53
|
2010 |
140
132
|
2010 |
Open access
27
37
|
2010 |
53
89
|
2009 |
Open access
48
54
|
2009 |
100
97
|
2009 |
Open access
40
31
|
2009 |
14
13
|
2009 |
4
6
|
2009 |
7
27
|
2009 |
Open access
37
48
|
2009 |
Open access
211
318
|
2009 |
Open access
86
|
2008 |
Open access
122
164
|
2008 |
Open access
47
45
|
2008 |
4
8
|
2008 |
Open access
21
34
|
2008 |
49
41
|
2008 |
39
68
|
2008 |
55
61
|
Research
My research investigates the role of nutrients and activity on health.
I have current projects investigating 1) relationships between nut consumption and weight management 2) dietary patterns and sleep in shiftworkers 3) diet and cognitive decline.
I served on the Nutrition Society of Australia executive for 6 years as President Elect (2018-2019), President (2020-2021) and Immediate Past President (2022-2023), https://nsa.asn.au/
I attended the Inaugrual Oceanic Nutrition Leadership Platform (2016) and was Chair of the Selection Working Group (2018-2019) https://www.onlp.org/
External engagement & recognition
Organisation | Country |
---|---|
Australian Pork Limited | AUSTRALIA |
Bond University | AUSTRALIA |
Central Queensland University | AUSTRALIA |
CSIRO Australia (Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research organisation) | AUSTRALIA |
Curtin University | AUSTRALIA |
Deakin University | AUSTRALIA |
Defence Science and Technology Group | AUSTRALIA |
DNP-DSM Nutritional Products | NETHERLANDS |
DSM Nutritional Products | UNITED STATES |
Edith Cowan University | AUSTRALIA |
Flinders University | AUSTRALIA |
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health | AUSTRALIA |
Florey Neuroscience Institute | AUSTRALIA |
Griffith University | AUSTRALIA |
Hokkaido University | JAPAN |
Institutes for Behavior Resources, Inc | UNITED STATES |
Kagawa Nutrition University | JAPAN |
Massey University | NEW ZEALAND |
MG Nutritionals | AUSTRALIA |
Monash University | AUSTRALIA |
Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Ltd | AUSTRALIA |
National Stroke Research Institute | AUSTRALIA |
National Stroke Research Institute (Florey Neuroscience Institute) | AUSTRALIA |
Nihon University | JAPAN |
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation | UNITED STATES |
Peanut Company of Australia | AUSTRALIA |
Pennsylvania State University | UNITED STATES |
Queensland University of Technology | AUSTRALIA |
Repatriation General Hospital Inc | AUSTRALIA |
RMIT University | AUSTRALIA |
South Australian Health and Medical and Research Institute (SAHMRI) | AUSTRALIA |
South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) | AUSTRALIA |
Swinburne University of Technology | AUSTRALIA |
TGR Biosciences | AUSTRALIA |
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital | AUSTRALIA |
University of Adelaide | AUSTRALIA |
University of Auckland | NEW ZEALAND |
University of Canberra | AUSTRALIA |
University of Colorado Denver | UNITED STATES |
University of Denver | UNITED STATES |
University of Leeds | UNITED KINGDOM |
University of Manitoba | CANADA |
University of Maryland | UNITED STATES |
University of Melbourne | AUSTRALIA |
University of Newcastle | AUSTRALIA |
University of Queensland | AUSTRALIA |
University of South Australia | AUSTRALIA |
University of Tasmania | AUSTRALIA |
University of Western Australia | AUSTRALIA |
University of Wollongong | AUSTRALIA |
Victoria University | AUSTRALIA |
Walter Reed Army Institute for Research | UNITED STATES |
Yale University | UNITED STATES |
External engagement & recognition
Engagement/recognition | Year |
---|---|
Board memberMaggie Beer Foundation |
2025 |
Board memberMaggie Beer Foundation |
2024 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2019 |
ChairAustralian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) |
2019 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrition Journal |
2019 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2019 |
Management Committee Chair, Selection Working GroupOceanic Nutrition Leadership Platform |
2019 |
President-ElectNutrition Society of Australia |
2019 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2018 |
Board MemberAustralian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) |
2018 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrition Journal |
2018 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2018 |
Invited SpeakerAlmond Board of California Conference, Sacramento, USA |
2018 |
Invited SpeakerNuts for Life Industry Seminar, Adelaide |
2018 |
Management Committee Chair, Selection Working GroupOceanic Nutrition Leadership Platform |
2018 |
Plenary SpeakerAustralasian Sleep Association Conference |
2018 |
President-ElectNutrition Society of Australia |
2018 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2017 |
Board MemberAustralian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) |
2017 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2017 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrition Journal |
2017 |
Invited SpeakerAnnual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDACON), Kolkota, India |
2017 |
Management Committee Chair, Selection Working GroupOceanic Nutrition Leadership Platform |
2017 |
MemberThe Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS) |
2017 |
MemberNHMRC Grant Review Panel |
2017 |
MemberInternational Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) |
2017 |
Mid-Career AwardNutrition Society of Australia |
2017 |
National Registration Committee MemberNutrition Society of Australia |
2017 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2016 |
Board MemberAustralian & New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) |
2016 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2016 |
Invited speakerSixth International Congress of Science and Food Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology of Cordoba, Argentina |
2016 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2015 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2015 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2014 |
Editorial Board MemberNutrients |
2014 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2013 |
Advisory Board MemberFood and Nutrition Advisory Board, Deakin University |
2012 |
Program Director, Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours (2010-2013)
I have contributed to the Development of nutrition science competencies for undergraduate dgrees in Australia. Please see publication details in research outputs (Lawlis et al 2019)
Teaching & student supervision
Teaching & student supervision
Supervisions from 2010 shown
Thesis title | Student status |
---|---|
111114 - Improving the access to and delivery of palliative care for rural populations | Current |
Assessing the impact of nut consumption and medication use on blood pressure, lipids, and lipoproteins | Current |
Assessment of almond -specific antibody levels in participants from the Almond Weight Loss Study | Current |
How do dietary patterns and adiposity influence chronic musculoskeletal pain? | Current |
Investigating the Feasibility and Impacts of Pre-Operative Exercise in Bariatric Surgery Candidates | Current |
Not just `what¿ but `when¿: exploring the associations of temporal patterns of eating and sleeping with cognition in older Australian adults. | Current |
The temporal patterns of eating and relationships with diet quality in general and shift work populations in Australia: Development and utilisation of a chrononutrition questionnaire | Current |
Cognitive and behavioural benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids across the lifespan | Completed |
Cognitive performance, subjective sleepiness, and ratings of hunger and gastric upset in shiftworkers and simulated shiftwork | Completed |
Dietary caffeine and sugar and their relationship with sleep and behaviour in children and adults | Completed |
Dietary countermeasures to reduce the impact of alternate shift schedules on glucose metabolism, mood state, sleepiness and performance | Completed |
Effects of bioactive nutrient supplementation on cardiovascular biomarkers and cognitive function | Completed |
Health benefits of peanuts: effects of peanut consumption on cognition, vascular and cardio-metabolic risk factors and satiety | Completed |
Impact of shiftwork on central and peripheral circadian clocks | Completed |
Long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Completed |
Obesity - the new childhood disability? Exploring physical functioning and disability in children with obesity | Completed |
Shiftwork and eating behaviour | Completed |
The effect of high amylose starch solutions on hydration and performance in trained cyclists during exercise in the heat | Completed |
The effect of nut-enriched energy restricted diets on measures of anthropometry and glucose regulation | Completed |
The effect of whey growth factor extract on muscle strength and size in recreational resistance trained males | Completed |
The effects of almond, dried grape and dried cranberry consumption on endurance exercise performance, recovery and psychomotor speed | Completed |
The impact of diet quality on telomere length as a marker of cellular ageing in mid-age to older Australian adults | Completed |
The relationship between diet and cognitive function in adult survivors of cancer | Completed |