Current Students 2019
PhD Students
Mary Burns
Year 1, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney/Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: "Keeping them connected: Developing and evaluating an online education support framework for adolescent cancer survivors, their parents and educators."
As survival rates increase, child and adolescent cancer survivors are returning to the classroom after periods of school absence, grappling with physical and psychological late-effects affecting their ability to learn, and interrupting socio-emotional development. Recent psychosocial standards of care have highlighted the priority of facilitating young cancer survivors’ academic continuity and school re-entry. Yet, Australia does not meet these standards, with multifaceted barriers to educational support, including non-adherence to legislation and un-standardised support services. My PhD project will address this gap by developing an online framework and resources to support the education of adolescent cancer patients and survivors, their parents and educators, by 1) determining the needs of framework users; 2) Developing an online resource and 3) validating the online resource. This research will bring Australia up to international psychosocial standards of care, by creating a clinically relevant online resource that is ecologically valid and acceptable to users.
Year 1, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney/Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: "Keeping them connected: Developing and evaluating an online education support framework for adolescent cancer survivors, their parents and educators."
As survival rates increase, child and adolescent cancer survivors are returning to the classroom after periods of school absence, grappling with physical and psychological late-effects affecting their ability to learn, and interrupting socio-emotional development. Recent psychosocial standards of care have highlighted the priority of facilitating young cancer survivors’ academic continuity and school re-entry. Yet, Australia does not meet these standards, with multifaceted barriers to educational support, including non-adherence to legislation and un-standardised support services. My PhD project will address this gap by developing an online framework and resources to support the education of adolescent cancer patients and survivors, their parents and educators, by 1) determining the needs of framework users; 2) Developing an online resource and 3) validating the online resource. This research will bring Australia up to international psychosocial standards of care, by creating a clinically relevant online resource that is ecologically valid and acceptable to users.
Clarissa Schilstra
Year 1, Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, NSW
PhD: “Investigating the role of social anxiety in the social outcomes of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors"
My PhD aims to (1) determine the prevalence and primary characteristics of social anxiety in AYA cancer patients and survivors, (2) examine the relationship between social anxiety and social wellbeing in AYA cancer patients and survivors, and (3) develop and implement evidence-based guidelines for oncology and mental health clinicians working with AYA cancer patients, to inform them of the role of social anxiety in AYA cancer patients’ and survivors’ social wellbeing and instruct them on screening methods for social anxiety in this population. As an AYA cancer survivor myself, having gone through cancer treatment between the ages of 13 and 16, I am incredibly passionate about this project and I am very grateful for the guidance that my supervisors, Dr Joanna Fardell, Dr Toby Trahair and Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly have provided to help me make this project a reality.
Year 1, Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, NSW
PhD: “Investigating the role of social anxiety in the social outcomes of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors"
My PhD aims to (1) determine the prevalence and primary characteristics of social anxiety in AYA cancer patients and survivors, (2) examine the relationship between social anxiety and social wellbeing in AYA cancer patients and survivors, and (3) develop and implement evidence-based guidelines for oncology and mental health clinicians working with AYA cancer patients, to inform them of the role of social anxiety in AYA cancer patients’ and survivors’ social wellbeing and instruct them on screening methods for social anxiety in this population. As an AYA cancer survivor myself, having gone through cancer treatment between the ages of 13 and 16, I am incredibly passionate about this project and I am very grateful for the guidance that my supervisors, Dr Joanna Fardell, Dr Toby Trahair and Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly have provided to help me make this project a reality.
Sarah Ellis
Year 3, School of Psychology, USYD
PhD: “CAT NAP” Carers at night in paediatrics: Adapting evidence based interventions to improve sleep in parents of seriously ill children
"My PhD aims to assess the prevalence, predictors and consequences of poor sleep in parents of children with cancer. In response to a clear need for support in this area, we have also developed CAT-NAP (Carers at night in pediatrics), a multi-component, evidence-based intervention, which has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of parents sleeping overnight on the hospital ward. I am incredibly grateful to all of the families, nursing staff, medical professionals and researchers who have helped us to develop this valuable resource, which we are currently in the process of evaluating. I have been very fortunate to have the support from my Primary Supervisors Prof Phyllis Butow and A/Prof Ilona Juraskova from The University of Sydney and my Associate Supervisor Prof Claire Wakefield from the Behavioural Sciences Unit throughout this journey. Despite the challenges of completing a PhD, the combination of wonderful supervision and a fun and encouraging team environment has made this experience both personally and professionally rewarding."
Year 3, School of Psychology, USYD
PhD: “CAT NAP” Carers at night in paediatrics: Adapting evidence based interventions to improve sleep in parents of seriously ill children
"My PhD aims to assess the prevalence, predictors and consequences of poor sleep in parents of children with cancer. In response to a clear need for support in this area, we have also developed CAT-NAP (Carers at night in pediatrics), a multi-component, evidence-based intervention, which has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of parents sleeping overnight on the hospital ward. I am incredibly grateful to all of the families, nursing staff, medical professionals and researchers who have helped us to develop this valuable resource, which we are currently in the process of evaluating. I have been very fortunate to have the support from my Primary Supervisors Prof Phyllis Butow and A/Prof Ilona Juraskova from The University of Sydney and my Associate Supervisor Prof Claire Wakefield from the Behavioural Sciences Unit throughout this journey. Despite the challenges of completing a PhD, the combination of wonderful supervision and a fun and encouraging team environment has made this experience both personally and professionally rewarding."
Rebecca Hill
Year 2, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: "Survivorship care plans in cancer: An evaluation of the impact and preferences of adult and childhood cancer survivors"
"My PhD project is investigating the impact of survivorship care plans on adult and childhood cancer survivors, and their health professionals. It will also examine survivors' preferences around the format and delivery of survivorship care plans. This project is necessary to determine whether the ongoing use of survivorship plans is appropriate, especially in their current format and for childhood cancer survivors."
Year 2, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: "Survivorship care plans in cancer: An evaluation of the impact and preferences of adult and childhood cancer survivors"
"My PhD project is investigating the impact of survivorship care plans on adult and childhood cancer survivors, and their health professionals. It will also examine survivors' preferences around the format and delivery of survivorship care plans. This project is necessary to determine whether the ongoing use of survivorship plans is appropriate, especially in their current format and for childhood cancer survivors."
David Mizrahi
Year 3, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW
PhD: Investigating the role of physical activity on functional, cardiovascular & psychological outcomes in childhood cancer survivors
“My PhD project investigates the physical activity patterns and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of survivors of childhood cancer. The information identifies what proportion survivors achieve recommended guidelines, as well as using statistical models to predict those who are at-risk of not meeting them. This allows clinicians to follow at-risk survivors earlier to support their needs. I investigate cardiorespiratory fitness after their treatment (PICASSO) to identify low fitness, which can equate to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, I provide individualised exercise programs to assist in mitigating this risk. The aim of my PhD is to increase awareness to survivors, families and medical staff on the importance of engaging in positive health behaviours than can reduce the risk of future co-morbidities.”
Year 3, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW
PhD: Investigating the role of physical activity on functional, cardiovascular & psychological outcomes in childhood cancer survivors
“My PhD project investigates the physical activity patterns and cardiorespiratory fitness levels of survivors of childhood cancer. The information identifies what proportion survivors achieve recommended guidelines, as well as using statistical models to predict those who are at-risk of not meeting them. This allows clinicians to follow at-risk survivors earlier to support their needs. I investigate cardiorespiratory fitness after their treatment (PICASSO) to identify low fitness, which can equate to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, I provide individualised exercise programs to assist in mitigating this risk. The aim of my PhD is to increase awareness to survivors, families and medical staff on the importance of engaging in positive health behaviours than can reduce the risk of future co-morbidities.”
Eden Robertson
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Development and evaluation of a decision aid for parents and adolescents considering enrolling in a paediatric oncology clinical trial.
"My PhD project aims to develop a tool, an online decision aid, to support parents and young people deciding whether to enrol in a clinical trial. Research has highlighted the complexities of clinical trial enrolment, and the potential distress both in the short-term and long-term that poor quality decision making can result in. I have conducted interviews with families to better understand treatment decision-making, especially the facilitators and barriers to shared decision-making between parents, young people and healthcare professionals. I have also completed a systematic review examining strategies to facilitate shared decision-making in paediatric oncology. Findings from these interviews and my review have informed the development of my online decision aid. I will soon pre-test and then pilot the decision aid to evaluate for acceptability, feasibility and potential usefulness. I am very thankful towards the Delta study team of investigators and consumers who have helped shape the direction of the project. I am especially thankful for my supervisors Dr Joanna Fardell, A/Prof Claire Wakefield and Prof Richard Cohn. Their ongoing support, guidance and expertise in the field has enabled me to achieve the goals I have set. They have allowed me to not only complete my PhD to a high-standard, but also further develop my career.”
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Development and evaluation of a decision aid for parents and adolescents considering enrolling in a paediatric oncology clinical trial.
"My PhD project aims to develop a tool, an online decision aid, to support parents and young people deciding whether to enrol in a clinical trial. Research has highlighted the complexities of clinical trial enrolment, and the potential distress both in the short-term and long-term that poor quality decision making can result in. I have conducted interviews with families to better understand treatment decision-making, especially the facilitators and barriers to shared decision-making between parents, young people and healthcare professionals. I have also completed a systematic review examining strategies to facilitate shared decision-making in paediatric oncology. Findings from these interviews and my review have informed the development of my online decision aid. I will soon pre-test and then pilot the decision aid to evaluate for acceptability, feasibility and potential usefulness. I am very thankful towards the Delta study team of investigators and consumers who have helped shape the direction of the project. I am especially thankful for my supervisors Dr Joanna Fardell, A/Prof Claire Wakefield and Prof Richard Cohn. Their ongoing support, guidance and expertise in the field has enabled me to achieve the goals I have set. They have allowed me to not only complete my PhD to a high-standard, but also further develop my career.”
Lauren Touyz
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Improving lifestyle behaviours to prevent complications which predispose to serious late effects of treatment, including cardiac disease and second cancers in childhood cancer survivors
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Improving lifestyle behaviours to prevent complications which predispose to serious late effects of treatment, including cardiac disease and second cancers in childhood cancer survivors
Alison Young
Year 3, School of Psychology, USYD
PhD: The GenTalk Study: Next generation communication about hereditary cancer.
Year 3, School of Psychology, USYD
PhD: The GenTalk Study: Next generation communication about hereditary cancer.
Brittany McGill
Year 2, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Families' experiences of cancer predisposition genetic testing in pediatrics
"My PhD aims to describe the experiences and information needs of childhood cancer families who undergo genetic testing for cancer risk, and develop tailored information and support resources for this group. I am particularly interested in the emotional and psychological impact of genetic risk information, and how families (including young patients) understand and communicate about cancer risk. I am also a registered clinical psychologist and work with individuals and families in private practice across a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, relational concerns, and adjustment issues."
Year 2, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Families' experiences of cancer predisposition genetic testing in pediatrics
"My PhD aims to describe the experiences and information needs of childhood cancer families who undergo genetic testing for cancer risk, and develop tailored information and support resources for this group. I am particularly interested in the emotional and psychological impact of genetic risk information, and how families (including young patients) understand and communicate about cancer risk. I am also a registered clinical psychologist and work with individuals and families in private practice across a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, relational concerns, and adjustment issues."
Holly Evans
Year 1, School of Psychology, UNSW
PhD: Australian adolescents and young adult’s preferences for end of life communication and care
"My project aims to investigate how AYAs engage with death and end of life topics and determine their preferences for care and communication in terminal illness."
Year 1, School of Psychology, UNSW
PhD: Australian adolescents and young adult’s preferences for end of life communication and care
"My project aims to investigate how AYAs engage with death and end of life topics and determine their preferences for care and communication in terminal illness."
Paayal Gohil
Year 1, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Reboot Kids: a randomised controlled trial of a behavioural medicine intervention to prevent obesity and metabolic complications in young cancer survivors recently off treatment
"My PhD project focuses largely on preventing obesity and metabolic complications in childhood cancer survivors through investigating dietary habits. The largest project will be a randomised controlled trial delivered via a website we have developed in collaboration with UNSW engineering students. This program (Reboot Kids RCT) will be delivered to parents of childhood cancer survivors aged between 2-12 years old. I will be assessing the feasibility of delivering Reboot Kids RCT, and the efficacy of the program in increasing the vegetable intake of young childhood cancer survivors. Other sub-studies I am hoping to conduct include screen time habits and taste functions of childhood cancer survivors. Although I have just begun my PhD journey, from working at the BSU as a research officer, I can say my encouraging supervisors and wonderful colleagues have allowed me to develop and learn so much as a researcher. I am very thankful to have an incredibly accomplished team of primary co-supervisors consisting of Professor Claire Wakefield and Dr Jennifer Cohen, to help guide me through this PhD journey."
Year 1, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Reboot Kids: a randomised controlled trial of a behavioural medicine intervention to prevent obesity and metabolic complications in young cancer survivors recently off treatment
"My PhD project focuses largely on preventing obesity and metabolic complications in childhood cancer survivors through investigating dietary habits. The largest project will be a randomised controlled trial delivered via a website we have developed in collaboration with UNSW engineering students. This program (Reboot Kids RCT) will be delivered to parents of childhood cancer survivors aged between 2-12 years old. I will be assessing the feasibility of delivering Reboot Kids RCT, and the efficacy of the program in increasing the vegetable intake of young childhood cancer survivors. Other sub-studies I am hoping to conduct include screen time habits and taste functions of childhood cancer survivors. Although I have just begun my PhD journey, from working at the BSU as a research officer, I can say my encouraging supervisors and wonderful colleagues have allowed me to develop and learn so much as a researcher. I am very thankful to have an incredibly accomplished team of primary co-supervisors consisting of Professor Claire Wakefield and Dr Jennifer Cohen, to help guide me through this PhD journey."
Master students
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Lauren Ha
My project aims to develop a distance-delivered intervention for child survivors of cancer to foster healthy behaviours and reduce cardiometabolic risks. It is well documented that survivors of cancer are susceptible to long-term health complications as a result of their treatment. By offering an online platform to survivors not only breaks the barrier of reaching families living remotely, it can benefit survivors with educational and motivational tools to make healthy choices such as participating in regular physical activity. With the inclusion of activity trackers as part of the intervention, it enables survivors to assess their own physical activity and behaviours in their own homes. Research-grade accelerometers will also be used in my project to obtain an objective measurement of survivors’ behaviours to further understand behavioural patterns of children who have survived cancer |
ILP students
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Mashaal Hamayun
Supervisor: Dr Richard Cohn Jemima Hikila
Supervisor: Dr Joanna Fardell Isabella Pak
Supervisor: Dr Kate Hetherington Ashley Liu
Supervisor: Dr Jennifer Cohen, Health Behaviours and Nutrition Chantelle D'Souza
Supervisor: Dr Antoinette Anazodo, Dr Richard Cohn - Future Fertility Nur Amalina Binte Anwar
Supervisor: Dr Shanna Logan - Future Fertility Nur A'tikah Binte Yahya
Supervisor: Dr Janine Vetsch, Dr Christina Signorelli Yuenn Teh
Supervisor: Dr Lauren Kelada Dinuli Kamaladasa
Supervisor: Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly, Dr Kate Hetherington |
Past students 2018
Christina Signorelli
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Improving follow-up care for long term survivors of childhood cancer: a new model of care
"My PhD project used a range of research methods to investigate the current status of childhood cancer survivorship care and stakeholder's preferences for future care, involving childhood cancer survivors, parents of survivors, and health professionals. This information informed the development of an online intervention for survivors, including nurse-led, online consultations, and e-health tools to change the way survivors manage their follow-up care and improve attendance. Early on in my candidature, I came to realise how incredibly fortunate I was to be completing my PhD at the BSU. My supervisors, Prof Claire Wakefield, Prof Richard Cohn, and Dr Joanna Fardell, were committed to providing the support, training and encouragement necessary to exceed within the program and also well into my career. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to not only expand their research skills, but forge lasting friendships and professional relationships with an incredibly dedicated and inspiring team."
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Improving follow-up care for long term survivors of childhood cancer: a new model of care
"My PhD project used a range of research methods to investigate the current status of childhood cancer survivorship care and stakeholder's preferences for future care, involving childhood cancer survivors, parents of survivors, and health professionals. This information informed the development of an online intervention for survivors, including nurse-led, online consultations, and e-health tools to change the way survivors manage their follow-up care and improve attendance. Early on in my candidature, I came to realise how incredibly fortunate I was to be completing my PhD at the BSU. My supervisors, Prof Claire Wakefield, Prof Richard Cohn, and Dr Joanna Fardell, were committed to providing the support, training and encouragement necessary to exceed within the program and also well into my career. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to not only expand their research skills, but forge lasting friendships and professional relationships with an incredibly dedicated and inspiring team."
ILP Students
Vania Raharjo
ILP: Evaluation of the By My Side resources for families bereaved by childhood cancer
ILP: Evaluation of the By My Side resources for families bereaved by childhood cancer
Clancy Read
ILP:Barriers and facilitators to school integration for children with serious illness from an Indigenous background
ILP:Barriers and facilitators to school integration for children with serious illness from an Indigenous background
Theophila Hayes
ILP: Understanding the impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults' relationships with their families, friends, and engagement in leisure activities
ILP: Understanding the impact of cancer on adolescents and young adults' relationships with their families, friends, and engagement in leisure activities
Past students 2017
PhD Students
Alistair Lum
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Are we meeting the educational needs of Australian children affected by serious illness, and that of their educators?
"My research is examining the impact of cancer, among 5 other serious illnesses, on school experiences and outcomes. Claire Wakefield is my primary supervisor, and Barb Donnan, an education psychologist, and Glenn Marshall, a paediatric oncologist, are my secondary supervisors. Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly has also provided my with invaluable mentorship. My PhD project involves a number of different projects. The largest project is examining parents’ and students’ perceptions of school support, specifically, the support provided by teachers that encourages belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in the school. I have also conducted a similar, smaller scale study in a German adolescent population. I will also be examining the impact of a teacher professional development course provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities on teachers’ knowledge and understanding of serious illness and their educational implications. I am also evaluating the legal framework that exists in state and federal health and education departments, and how policies have been developed to support the educational needs of students with cancer. My time at the BSU has been incredible. I have learnt a tremendous amount from Claire, Barb, and Glenn, as well as the rest of the team. Best of all, Claire and the BSU have always been supportive of my thoughts, opinions, work, and achievements, which has given me the opportunity to continually improve and develop as a researcher and a kind and accepting person."
Year 3, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: Are we meeting the educational needs of Australian children affected by serious illness, and that of their educators?
"My research is examining the impact of cancer, among 5 other serious illnesses, on school experiences and outcomes. Claire Wakefield is my primary supervisor, and Barb Donnan, an education psychologist, and Glenn Marshall, a paediatric oncologist, are my secondary supervisors. Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly has also provided my with invaluable mentorship. My PhD project involves a number of different projects. The largest project is examining parents’ and students’ perceptions of school support, specifically, the support provided by teachers that encourages belonging and social-emotional wellbeing in the school. I have also conducted a similar, smaller scale study in a German adolescent population. I will also be examining the impact of a teacher professional development course provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities on teachers’ knowledge and understanding of serious illness and their educational implications. I am also evaluating the legal framework that exists in state and federal health and education departments, and how policies have been developed to support the educational needs of students with cancer. My time at the BSU has been incredible. I have learnt a tremendous amount from Claire, Barb, and Glenn, as well as the rest of the team. Best of all, Claire and the BSU have always been supportive of my thoughts, opinions, work, and achievements, which has given me the opportunity to continually improve and develop as a researcher and a kind and accepting person."
Honours Students
Madeleine Janin
Honours
ILP: Developing an information resource for children returning to school after cancer treatment
"My project involved a qualitative study design, looking at the social experiences of children with a serious chronic illness at school. Throughout the year, I was also able to gain a good insight into the overall “research process” with many varied research opportunities. Being involved in study design, recruitment, data collection, data entry, data analysis and writing, enabled me to gain experience and taught me a lot in a very practical and concrete manner. As my project was part of a larger study that the BSU is conducting, I was supported through all these steps by my supervisors as well as researchers of the BSU. As the BSU is conveniently located at Sydney Children’s Hospital, there are many opportunities for clinical learning throughout the year. I also felt very supported by all the other members of the BSU, who were always happy to answer questions or help me with my project. The mentoring program organised for the group of students at the BSU provided us with help and guidance which was very appreciated, allowing for more efficient work. I would highly recommend to any future ILP/Honours student to conduct a project at the BSU."
Honours
ILP: Developing an information resource for children returning to school after cancer treatment
"My project involved a qualitative study design, looking at the social experiences of children with a serious chronic illness at school. Throughout the year, I was also able to gain a good insight into the overall “research process” with many varied research opportunities. Being involved in study design, recruitment, data collection, data entry, data analysis and writing, enabled me to gain experience and taught me a lot in a very practical and concrete manner. As my project was part of a larger study that the BSU is conducting, I was supported through all these steps by my supervisors as well as researchers of the BSU. As the BSU is conveniently located at Sydney Children’s Hospital, there are many opportunities for clinical learning throughout the year. I also felt very supported by all the other members of the BSU, who were always happy to answer questions or help me with my project. The mentoring program organised for the group of students at the BSU provided us with help and guidance which was very appreciated, allowing for more efficient work. I would highly recommend to any future ILP/Honours student to conduct a project at the BSU."
ILP Students
Andrea Wan Ka Chow
ILP: The impact of childhood cancer on parent’s relationship
ILP: The impact of childhood cancer on parent’s relationship
Mark Gabriel
ILP: Surgical experiences of parents and survivors of childhood cancer
ILP: Surgical experiences of parents and survivors of childhood cancer
David Grant
ILP: A before-and-after implementation trial of a nutrition support decision aid in a paediatric oncology unit
"My main project for the year was the before and after trial of a nutritional decision aid, for parents of children diagnosed with cancer this year. The project involved recruitment and follow up with these parents, analysis of the data obtained from the questionnaires and completion of a final report. I also conducted a systematic literature review regarding study outcomes used in paediatrics decision aid trials, and trials for other decision making tools. The main thing I would like to express is how unbelievably grateful I am to have received a place at the BSU this year. The entire year I felt incredibly supported, but also pushed to achieve as much as I could during the year.
All staff, not just my supervisors, were available for any help I needed, and both myself and other ILP/Honours students felt truly a part of the team. Our invitations to meetings, journal clubs and even social events all contributed to this feeling and I always endeavoured to take part in these when I did not have other commitments."
ILP: A before-and-after implementation trial of a nutrition support decision aid in a paediatric oncology unit
"My main project for the year was the before and after trial of a nutritional decision aid, for parents of children diagnosed with cancer this year. The project involved recruitment and follow up with these parents, analysis of the data obtained from the questionnaires and completion of a final report. I also conducted a systematic literature review regarding study outcomes used in paediatrics decision aid trials, and trials for other decision making tools. The main thing I would like to express is how unbelievably grateful I am to have received a place at the BSU this year. The entire year I felt incredibly supported, but also pushed to achieve as much as I could during the year.
All staff, not just my supervisors, were available for any help I needed, and both myself and other ILP/Honours students felt truly a part of the team. Our invitations to meetings, journal clubs and even social events all contributed to this feeling and I always endeavoured to take part in these when I did not have other commitments."
Ryan Pieters
ILP: The various beliefs in cancer causes in long term paediatric oncology patients from various CALD backgrounds.
ILP: The various beliefs in cancer causes in long term paediatric oncology patients from various CALD backgrounds.
Eric Xu
ILP: Health service use in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
ILP: Health service use in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Past students 2016
PhD students
Leigh Donovan
Graduated 2017
School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: 'Compass' - The right help, in the right place, at the right time: exploring the experience and needs of parents whose child has died from cancer
Graduated 2017
School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW
PhD: 'Compass' - The right help, in the right place, at the right time: exploring the experience and needs of parents whose child has died from cancer
Honours students
Qishan Lim
2016
Honours thesis: The Psychosocial Impact of Genetic Counselling in Families Affected by Childhood Cancer: A Genetic Counselling Experiences Study
2016
Honours thesis: The Psychosocial Impact of Genetic Counselling in Families Affected by Childhood Cancer: A Genetic Counselling Experiences Study
ILP Students
Lucy Gan
2016
ILP: Exploring perspectives on the educational needs of siblings of children with chronic illness
"I completed my ILP project with the Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU), Kids Cancer Centre in 2016. My project involved an exploration of the school and education related experiences of siblings of children with chronic illness. I was under the supervision of Mr Alistair Lum, Dr Joanna Fardell and Associate Professor Claire Wakefield. Overall, my project provided me with great insight into the dynamics and processes involved with research and the nature of paediatric psycho-oncology. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to independently work on my project but also have the amazing support and guidance of my supervisors and other team members when needed throughout the entire research process. My supervisors had high expectations for me that really galvanized me to work harder and achieve more than I ever could have without their encouragement. I would definitely recommend the BSU to any student interested in paediatric psycho-oncology."
2016
ILP: Exploring perspectives on the educational needs of siblings of children with chronic illness
"I completed my ILP project with the Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU), Kids Cancer Centre in 2016. My project involved an exploration of the school and education related experiences of siblings of children with chronic illness. I was under the supervision of Mr Alistair Lum, Dr Joanna Fardell and Associate Professor Claire Wakefield. Overall, my project provided me with great insight into the dynamics and processes involved with research and the nature of paediatric psycho-oncology. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to independently work on my project but also have the amazing support and guidance of my supervisors and other team members when needed throughout the entire research process. My supervisors had high expectations for me that really galvanized me to work harder and achieve more than I ever could have without their encouragement. I would definitely recommend the BSU to any student interested in paediatric psycho-oncology."
Elizabeth May
2016
ILP: Investigating the healthcare experiences and health literacy among adolescent and young adults with
cancer
"I loved my time at the BSU and would not hesitate to recommend it to any ILP student. The ILP year is a funny thing, and can be quite challenging, however the amazing team at the BSU made it the smoothest, most
enjoyable and most rewarding experience it could have been. I worked on a part of the existing Recapture Life
study, looking at the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in the early survivorship
period. The project had the perfect size and scope for the ILP year. Within the year, and with the amazing
support of my supervisors and the BSU team, I was able to have the research ready for publication, and picked
up a few invaluable research skills along the way. Beyond being incredible researchers, the BSU is full of
amazing, and supportive people. It is a wonderful environment, and I was sad to leave at the end of the year!"
2016
ILP: Investigating the healthcare experiences and health literacy among adolescent and young adults with
cancer
"I loved my time at the BSU and would not hesitate to recommend it to any ILP student. The ILP year is a funny thing, and can be quite challenging, however the amazing team at the BSU made it the smoothest, most
enjoyable and most rewarding experience it could have been. I worked on a part of the existing Recapture Life
study, looking at the experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in the early survivorship
period. The project had the perfect size and scope for the ILP year. Within the year, and with the amazing
support of my supervisors and the BSU team, I was able to have the research ready for publication, and picked
up a few invaluable research skills along the way. Beyond being incredible researchers, the BSU is full of
amazing, and supportive people. It is a wonderful environment, and I was sad to leave at the end of the year!"
Ailie McGarity
2016
Honours thesis: Nutrition decision aids in the general paediatric population
2016
Honours thesis: Nutrition decision aids in the general paediatric population
Beeshman Nandakumar
2016
ILP: Models of care for long term survivors of childhood cancer: how do cognitive difficulties impact transitioning to adult care?
2016
ILP: Models of care for long term survivors of childhood cancer: how do cognitive difficulties impact transitioning to adult care?
Past students 2015
Honours students
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Mona Sajeev
2015 Honours Thesis: Developing and evaluating a decision aid for paediatric oncology nutritional support "I completed my Medicine Honours project with the Behavioural Sciences Unit (BSU), Kids Cancer Centre, in 2015. During this time I was under the supervision of A/Prof Claire Wakefield and Ms Jennifer Cohen. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to be involved in all stages of my study and to develop a range of skills associated with these stages - my project was never boring. Another strength of my project was its direct translational nature. . To then meet parents who spoke about their issues with information about nutrition support and praised the development of a booklet to improve this situation was even more rewarding. The BSU also provides a mentoring program for the ILP and Honours students. This mentoring program is emblematic of the BSU’s commitment to supporting research students throughout their project. The team environment is warm, welcoming and encouraging. Overall I have had an incredible year and will be very sad to leave. I highly recommend the BSU for any student considering being involved in paediatric research." |
ILP Students
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Gabrielle Georgiou
2015 Independent Learning Project: Childhood cancer survivors and their parents' understanding and attitudes towards Personalised Medicine "A/Prof Wakefield, who was the most amazing ILP supervisor to work with. She always provided me with the utmost support, detailed advice and constant assistance throughout the year, during every phase of the project, from construction of the Project Design, to the Literature Review, and then through the Interview, Ethics, Analysis and Writing phases. She truly took me under her wing as one of her very own BSU team members, and I am very blessed to have had such a hard-working, inspiring and formidable researcher and leader as my Supervisor this year. I count myself so lucky to have received this research place within the BSU for 2015, and to be able to have spent my ILP year amongst such brilliant minds. It was always a joy to come to hospital everyday, and in looking back on this year, I count it as one of the greatest learning experiences of my schooling life." |
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Ayus Kumar
2015 Independent Learning Project: Consumer and health care providers' perspectives on e-health management tools for childhood cancer survivorship "The entire year was very enjoyable and also very enlightening. As a student with incredibly limited research experience, it was informative and inspiring to be able to work with such friendly and patient professionals. The team put an enormous amount of time into working with all of the ILP students, making sure that we were learning well and understanding the world of research. It was truly a privilege to be allowed to work within such a dedicated and caring team as the BSU, and I hope I can carry their teachings forward for future use in my career." |
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Merry Lin
2015 Independent Learning Project: Investigating health in literacy in adolescents and young adults with cancer "Under the supervision of Dr Sansom-Daly, I was provided the opportunity to systematically review the literature on adolescent and young adult health literacy, and to further examine health literacy in young Australians living with cancer. My year with the BSU provided me with valuable insights into the worlds of paediatric psycho-oncology, and research and publication. I felt incredibly fortunate to work with such a dedicated and supportive team, who pushed us to achieve our fullest potential and took time out of their very busy schedules to guide us through the research process. The experiences I gained with the BSU will be invaluable moving forward into the rest of my medical career. I give my sincerest thanks for their advice and supervision throughout this year." |
Past students 2014
PhD students
Dr Ursula Sansom-Daly
Graduated 2014
School of Psychology, UNSW
PhD: Where to after treatment? A new way to support young people with cancer
Graduated 2014
School of Psychology, UNSW
PhD: Where to after treatment? A new way to support young people with cancer
ILP students
Bridget Cavanagh
2014
Independent Learning Project: Perspectives on the long term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors: Qualitative research with parents and survivors.
"This project was extremely enlightening, especially as I was able to attain some clinical experience with childhood cancer survivors through the observations of follow-up consultations with Dr Richard Cohn. Dr Wakefield, in conjunction with all members at the Behavioural Sciences Unit, harnessed a very friendly and welcoming environment with which I felt privileged to work within throughout this year. Dr Wakefield and other members within the Behavioural Sciences Unit dedicated many hours of their time to ensuring their ILP students truly understood the research process. They encouraged us to adopt this knowledge to work autonomously whilst continuing to oversee our progress and assist with any problems that arose. I am grateful for their dedication as I believe from this I will be able to comfortably undertake my own research projects later on within my career."
2014
Independent Learning Project: Perspectives on the long term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors: Qualitative research with parents and survivors.
"This project was extremely enlightening, especially as I was able to attain some clinical experience with childhood cancer survivors through the observations of follow-up consultations with Dr Richard Cohn. Dr Wakefield, in conjunction with all members at the Behavioural Sciences Unit, harnessed a very friendly and welcoming environment with which I felt privileged to work within throughout this year. Dr Wakefield and other members within the Behavioural Sciences Unit dedicated many hours of their time to ensuring their ILP students truly understood the research process. They encouraged us to adopt this knowledge to work autonomously whilst continuing to oversee our progress and assist with any problems that arose. I am grateful for their dedication as I believe from this I will be able to comfortably undertake my own research projects later on within my career."
Joanne Cheng
2014
Independent Learning Project: The role of GPs in childhood cancer survivorship care
"After spending one year with the BSU, I'm convinced that I couldn't have chosen a better research team to work with. The dedication of the BSU towards combating various issues in the care of cancer survivors is both refreshing and inspiring. Personally, I have gained so much appreciation for the ongoing projects being carried out to better the lives of people who have suffered from cancer. Moreover, the opportunity to undertake my own research regarding survivorship care plans, as well as the role of GPs in childhood cancer survivorship care, was an immense privilege and learning curve for me. The BSU team members never ceased to be supportive and proactive in addressing any questions or concerns that I had. Also, despite never having any prior research experience, I was invited to conduct and write up a systematic review, a challenging but rewarding task at the beginning of the year. Overall, my time at the BSU will be memorable for the learning experience, the continual support of my team members, and the friendships forged over conducting valuable research."
2014
Independent Learning Project: The role of GPs in childhood cancer survivorship care
"After spending one year with the BSU, I'm convinced that I couldn't have chosen a better research team to work with. The dedication of the BSU towards combating various issues in the care of cancer survivors is both refreshing and inspiring. Personally, I have gained so much appreciation for the ongoing projects being carried out to better the lives of people who have suffered from cancer. Moreover, the opportunity to undertake my own research regarding survivorship care plans, as well as the role of GPs in childhood cancer survivorship care, was an immense privilege and learning curve for me. The BSU team members never ceased to be supportive and proactive in addressing any questions or concerns that I had. Also, despite never having any prior research experience, I was invited to conduct and write up a systematic review, a challenging but rewarding task at the beginning of the year. Overall, my time at the BSU will be memorable for the learning experience, the continual support of my team members, and the friendships forged over conducting valuable research."
Lucy Hanlon
2014
Independent Learning Project: Childhood cancer survivors and their parents' attitudes toward emerging genetic technologies
"Being part of the BSU has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete my ILP as part of my medical studies at UNSW with Claire and the team. Together with Claire, I systematically reviewed the psychological impact of genetic knowledge on children. This has been an invaluable learning experience which is rarely offered to other ILP students, and now preparing for publication it has also offered me the opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers. Completing my review provided an excellent foundation to begin my research project concerned with new genetic technologies (as part of the Long-Term Follow Up study). I have gained an understanding of how important the work of the BSU is in conducting translational research to the paediatric oncology clinical setting. Every member of the BSU team has been so lovely, helpful and obliging, providing us with so much support in every aspect of our research year. I will be incredibly sad to leave at the end of 2014!"
2014
Independent Learning Project: Childhood cancer survivors and their parents' attitudes toward emerging genetic technologies
"Being part of the BSU has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete my ILP as part of my medical studies at UNSW with Claire and the team. Together with Claire, I systematically reviewed the psychological impact of genetic knowledge on children. This has been an invaluable learning experience which is rarely offered to other ILP students, and now preparing for publication it has also offered me the opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers. Completing my review provided an excellent foundation to begin my research project concerned with new genetic technologies (as part of the Long-Term Follow Up study). I have gained an understanding of how important the work of the BSU is in conducting translational research to the paediatric oncology clinical setting. Every member of the BSU team has been so lovely, helpful and obliging, providing us with so much support in every aspect of our research year. I will be incredibly sad to leave at the end of 2014!"
Past students 2013
Renae Lawrence
2013
Independent Learning Project: Are GPs prepared to manage the complex care of long term survivors of childhood cancer?
"At the BSU I learnt valuable research skills that I can take with me into future studies, particularly how to correctly use databases, perform a systematic review of literature and qualitative methodologies. Being part of the BSU has been an invaluable experience; I got to understand what it was like to be part of a professional team and liaise with colleagues. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a welcoming and supportive team."
2013
Independent Learning Project: Are GPs prepared to manage the complex care of long term survivors of childhood cancer?
"At the BSU I learnt valuable research skills that I can take with me into future studies, particularly how to correctly use databases, perform a systematic review of literature and qualitative methodologies. Being part of the BSU has been an invaluable experience; I got to understand what it was like to be part of a professional team and liaise with colleagues. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a welcoming and supportive team."
Sixuan Lin
2013
Project: Developing an information booklet for grandparents of children with cancer
"Doing my research in the BSU has provided me with the invaluable experience of conducting research with a multidisciplinary team of people and learning about standard operating procedures involved in good research methodology. The members of the BSU have always ensured a friendly, helpful and encouraging working environment, where I could learn a lot from their experience and not be afraid to ask for help where needed. I have really appreciated my time here at the BSU as an ILP student, and will count it among the best experiences of my university degree."
2013
Project: Developing an information booklet for grandparents of children with cancer
"Doing my research in the BSU has provided me with the invaluable experience of conducting research with a multidisciplinary team of people and learning about standard operating procedures involved in good research methodology. The members of the BSU have always ensured a friendly, helpful and encouraging working environment, where I could learn a lot from their experience and not be afraid to ask for help where needed. I have really appreciated my time here at the BSU as an ILP student, and will count it among the best experiences of my university degree."