Distinguished Professor honour for Crotty
Leading rehabilitation researcher Professor Maria Crotty of the College of Medicine and Public Health has been honoured with another prestigious title, reflecting her academic leadership. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Robert Saint says Professor Crotty has been named a Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor, in recognition of her immense contribution to aged care research and scholarship.
This is the latest in a number of accolades, including an Australia Day Honour in 2018 when she received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for her outstanding public service in the rehabilitation sector in South Australia. A Flinders alumna, she attained her PhD in Medicine in 1995 and her Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education in 2000. Professor Crotty has been the clinical Lead for the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre since 2021, and heads a multidisciplinary research group focused on advancing care models and practices within health and aged care settings.
Amongst her achievements has been transformative insights into the benefits of home-like models of care in promoting better quality of life and reducing hospitalisation and emergency department presentation rates.
High-tech hip surgery enhancement
Flinders University Strategic Professor Mark Taylor, from the Medical Device Research Institute at Tonsley, was successful in the first 2023 round of the Australian Government Department of Education National Industry PhD Program.
Working with industry research partner 360 Med Care, Professor Taylor will use the $165,600 grant to develop advanced 2D to 3D image reconstruction techniques and artificial intelligence, to improve the planning of total hip replacement surgery. The project, entitled “A deep learning method for radiological analysis of spinopelvic mobility”, will enhance collaboration between the company and Flinders University and help to train the next generation of biomedical engineers. Professor Taylor expects the project to provide valuable additional information to a surgeon to enhance their surgical decision-making process.
Indigenous culture part of International introductory program
Fourteen students from eight countries recently completed the Flinders University Introductory Academic Program (IAP), ahead of Semester 2 – with an introduction to Australian Indigenous culture featured along with learning about Flinders systems and key academic skills.
The IAP is a collaboration between the Student Learning Support Service and International Student Services that helps commencing Australia Award scholarship holders transition to life and study in Australia. During the IAP program, students visited the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre in Warriparinga, near the Bedford Park campus, and took part in the Warriparinga Cultural & Historical Tour.
During their tour they learned about the Tjilbruke Dreaming story and the significance of Warriparinga as the beginning of the Tjilbruke Trail. They explored the Warriparinga grounds and wetlands and their historical aspects, both natural and manmade. The students learned about significant points in Kaurna history and in the colonisation of South Australia. Exploring the land, students were able to learn about and taste various native plants, as well as, in a very special moment, hug the 600+ year old scar tree located on the land. Following the tour, the group ate a lunch prepared with native ingredients.
Students also joined with staff and former IAP students to share their local cuisines at the IAP multicultural dinner – with all food generously prepared by the students. Staff also learned the local dances of each country and introduced students to Australia’s unofficial national dance – the Nutbush! IAP students, who are all emerging leaders in their own countries, take these learnings and experiences home following completion of their study and are excellent ambassadors for Flinders and the Australian education system. For more information about the IAP, please email slss@flinders.edu.au
Researcher earns international recognition
The Society of Research Administrators International has named Flinders College of Nursing and Health Sciences Masters by Science candidate Mr Olumide Odeyemi in its Future of the Field recognition program. He was selected by a committee of Research Administrator peers from more than 100 international nominations, with evaluations based on candidates’ career history, demonstration of exceptional professional growth and significant contributions made to the advancement of Research Administration.
“Individuals recognised through Future of the Field are some of the best and brightest in our profession,” says SRAI President Gloria Greene, who will formally recognise Future of the Field honorees at SRAI’s Annual Meeting in Seattle during October.
Mr Odeyemi’s research at Flinders encompasses Australian researchers’ experiences of unsuccessful research funding applications: A mixed-methods study. If you are interested in taking part in his research, please contact odey0002@flinders.edu.au.