EXPERTS SEARCH

Overview
Bedru is a research professional specializing in perioperative medicine, rheumatology, and pain. His work focuses on clinical research, evidence synthesis, and knowledge translation. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between research evidence and clinical application, with the overarching goal of improving medical practice and enhancing patient outcomes.
Research interests
Study types of interest: Clinical trial, Cohort, Patient reported Outcomes, Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, Health Economics Evaluation.
Disease areas of interest: Musculoskeletal, Rheumatology, Osteoarthritis, Cardiovascular, Renal, Oncology, and more.
Specialty areas: Anesthesiology, Perioperative medicine and Critical care.

Award Highlights:
He has been recognized internationally, receiving the ESCEO-IOF Young Investigator Award at the WCO IOF-ESCEO Congress (2024) and recived travel grants to present oral research at prestigious scientific meetings, including London’s WCO IOF-ESCEO Congress. Nationally, he was a finalist for the Tasmanian Australian Society for Medical Research Annual Scientific Meeting Postgraduate Award, highlighting his impact within the Australian research community.

Publications may appear under both Bedru Jemal and Bedru J. Abafita. All records are linked through this profile.

Dr Melissa Abela is a lecturer and researcher within the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, in the college of Health and Medicine. Melissa has been involved with the ageing and the aged care sector as an academic and Occupational Therapist for over 20 years. Her research and teaching interests include aged care, dementia care, dementia palliative care, physical activity and dementia risk reduction strategies. Melissa is a former recipient of the Australian Postgraduate Award scholarship program. Melissa has collaborated on a range of research projects nationally to support the development of evidence-based care for people with dementia.Melissa has attracted just under $200,000 worth of research funding despite assuming a teaching intensive role.

Biography
Melissa completed her Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) degree at the University of Sydney. After several years working in the community and residential aged care as a Geriatric Occupational Therapist, Melissa returned to university to complete a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Technology, Sydney (first class Hons) and subsequently completed her PhD study investigating the adherence to novel exercise programs for physical and functional health benefits in Older Australians. Melissa has worked between clinical practice and academia over the last two decades. In her current role as Lecturer, Melissa predominantly teaches into the undergraduate and post graduate dementia degrees and is involved in curriculum development and other teaching scholarship activities. She supervisors Higher Degree by Research students and currently co-leads the Staff and Student Monthly Meeting, the Translational Research Meeting (TRM) group and Academic Integrity Assessor (AIA) for the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. Melissa is a registered Occupational Therapist.

Qualifications
Ph.D. - Adherence to novel exercise programs for Physical and Functional Performance of Older Australians. University of Technology, Sydney. Australia (2015).
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (1st Class Hons). University of Technology, Sydney Australia
Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy). University of Sydney, Australia (2000)

Professor Tina Acuña is the Director of Curriculum Design at the University of Tasmania. She previously served as Associate Dean Learning and Teaching Performance in the College of Sciences and Engineering. Tina has a background in agricultural science, with research focused on high-rainfall cropping systems through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. She has also contributed nationally by leading the development of Learning and Teaching Academic Standards for Agriculture in higher education.

Tina holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from UTAS and completed postdoctoral fellowships with CSIRO in Perth, the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, and the University of Western Australia, where she researched cereal responses to drought. She returned to Tasmania in 2007 as a lecturer in Crop Science and has since combined her research with a strong interest in teaching and curriculum development.

In 2016, she received a national citation for outstanding contributions to student learning. In 2019, she was awarded the inaugural joint Australian Deans of Science Fellowship with Dr Jo-Anne Kelder, where they developed a framework to support scholarly teaching practices in STEM programs.

Baxter is the Deputy Director of the University Psychology Clinic and a lecturer and supervisor in the UTas postgraduate psychology programs. He is a clinical psychologist and Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor and is dedicated to improving mental health services in rural and remote communities across Tasmania. Baxter’s clinical and academic work is underpinned by his commitment to reducing health inequality and strengthening the regional psychology workforce. In addition to his leadership role in the UTas Psychology Clinic, Baxter is the course coordinator for the fifth-year postgraduate programs, where he provides strategic direction for student-centred learning and curriculum that prepares work-ready graduates. In addition to postgraduate leadership, Baxter provides supervision for postgraduate students undertaking placement-related units, across simulated training, the University Psychology Clinic, the Advanced Assessment Clinic, and regular rural and remote outreach psychological assessments clinics. Baxter provides supervision for Master by Coursework theses and contributes to research through the Compassion, Health, Intimacy and Perinatal (CHIP) Research Lab. His research has informed clinical guidelines, supporting evidence‑based practice and improving the quality and consistency of psychological care in rural communities. 

Professor David Adams is a scholar, policy leader, and public intellectual whose work explores how places, institutions, and communities navigate complex social change. His career spans senior public service, state policy leadership, university administration, social work, media, and civic engagement. He has served as Deputy Secretary in both the Tasmanian Department of Health and Community Services and the Victorian Premier’s Department, Tasmania’s inaugural Social Inclusion Commissioner, Chair of the Tasmanian Food Security Council, Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Community, Partnerships and Regional Development at the University of Tasmania.

Public Policy and Democratic Institutions
David’s work examines how governments, universities, and civic institutions respond to complex public problems. His experience as a senior public-sector executive and policy adviser informs a career-long interest in governance, institutional trust, public value, and social change. He brings evidence and judgement to questions of public decision-making, asking how institutions can become more responsive to people, place, and long-term community need.

Place, Community, and Tasmanian Futures
David’s scholarship and public work are grounded in Tasmania. He is interested in how place shapes identity, belonging, opportunity, and public imagination. As a former Pro Vice-Chancellor for Community, Partnerships and Regional Development, his work reflects a sustained commitment to the University’s role in Tasmania’s civic, regional, and institutional future.

Inclusion, Equity, and Social Cohesion
As Tasmania’s inaugural Social Inclusion Commissioner and Chair of the Tasmanian Food Security Council, David worked at the centre of public conversations about disadvantage, food security, cost of living, and civic participation. His expertise includes the conditions that enable people and communities to be recognised, heard, and included in institutional and social life.

Media, Public Debate, and Civic Storytelling

David has been a prominent contributor to Tasmanian public life through media, commentary, public forums, and government advisory work. His work explores how stories, public debate, and shared narratives shape the way communities understand themselves and their future. He brings academic depth to public conversations, translating complex social and policy issues into forms that support reflection, dialogue, and collective action.

Professor Adams is open to connecting with government, community, media, education, and not-for-profit organisations on research partnerships, policy advice, public engagement, evaluation, and civic leadership initiatives.

Dr Louise Adams is interested in the development of sustainable aquaculture feeds for changing culture environments, and in particular assessing the impacts of new feed ingredients on growth efficiency, fish health and product quality in aquaculture. With increasing need for novel and sustainable feed ingredients for existing species, and the need to develop feeds for new species, her research aims to refine nutritional requirements and improve growth through more efficient delivery, feed design and utilization of dietary nutrients. 

Dr Vanessa Adams is a Professor in Conservation and Planning and ARC Future Fellow at the University of Tasmania. Her research focuses on modelling dynamic social-ecological systems to inform conservation decisions that improve ecosystems and the communities they support. This means her research is broadly aligned with three themes: ecological modelling (to understand dynamic ecosystems), socio-economic aspects of conservation (to understand the human dimensions of social-ecological systems), and conservation decision theory (to inform decision making).

Vanessa was raised in New Mexico (USA) but now calls Australia home. She has worked in a variety roles ranging from actuarial analyst for global consulting firm Mercer HR to research scientist at universities. She spent a year as a Fulbright scholar conducting research at University of Queensland in 2004 and completed her PhD at James Cook University in 2011. During her PhD she was awarded a Sir Keith Murdoch fellowship through the American Australian Association to support a component of her research conducted in Fiji modelling costs of conservation actions to local fishermen. Vanessa partners with relevant government agencies and NGOs to ensure that her research is relevant to policy makers and is positioned to influence on-ground conservation.


Board service roles
Society for Conservation Biology, President
Australian Fulbright Alumni Association, National Committee
Society for Conservation Biology Oceania, Director
Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Board Member

Dr Santosh Adhikari is an award-winning policy, research, and community engagement professional with extensive experience delivering evidence-based policy advice, leading strategic consultations, and coordinating high-impact, externally funded projects across government, academia, and the multicultural sector. Dr Adhikari has demonstrated capability in research, stakeholder engagement, political analysis, grant acquisition, and high-quality written communication. Dr Adhikari is recognised for sound judgement, ability to manage competing priorities, and effectiveness in fast-paced and politically sensitive environments. He is the winner of the 2025 Community Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening diversity, inclusion, and community wellbeing.

Dr Adhikari leads multiple projects focused on social cohesion, digital literacy, and community capacity building among migrant communities in Tasmania. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tasmania, with research on Labour migration as a development strategy examining welfare and protection issues of migrant workers and policy recommendations for sending countries.

Dr Ruth Adler is an Adjunct Researcher with the Faculty of Law, with expertise in international negotiations (bilateral and multilateral), diplomatic tradecraft and international climate law and policy. Her research interests include international climate and environment law, climate finance, international relations and foreign and trade policy.

In November 2023, Ruth completed a PhD in international climate law with the Faculty of Law. The title of her thesis was: ‘The Green Climate Fund: A Case Study in the Legitimacy of Global Climate Finance Governance’.  Her supervisors were Dr Peter Lawrence and Professor Jan McDonald.

She is the author of Financing Climate Justice: The Green ClimateFund in a Changing World (Elgar Studies in Climate Law, Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, 2026).

Abstract: The book traces the evolution of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) since its establishment in 2010 and investigates whether it has the legitimacy necessary to substantially contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, including limiting the increase in global average temperature to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. It conducts a comprehensive study of the performance of the GCF and addresses gaps in the existing scholarship to analyse the Fund’s effectiveness. Taking a deep dive into its portfolio, it determines whether the funded projects and programs have been effective, and if they have achieved outcomes consistent with the principles of justice and equity. Chapters draw on performance reporting and independent evaluations, as well as annual reports and financial information, which indicate implementation challenges and delays. The book ultimately argues that the Fund’s legitimacy could be enhanced through reforms to its governance and contributions from a broader range of donors.

Career

Ruth is a former senior career officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Ruth served as Australian Ambassador to Ireland (2013-2016) and Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam (2006-2009), with earlier postings as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy, Mexico City (1998-2000) and Second Secretary at the Australian Embassy, Manila (1991-1994).  In Canberra, Ruth held various Senior Executive roles, with responsibility for a range of bilateral, regional, multilateral and corporate issues. As Assistant Secretary of DFAT’s Environment Branch (2009-2011), Ruth advised ministers on climate and environment issues, sustainable development and the future of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). She was also Australia’s lead negotiator for the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Ruth has extensive international experience working with stakeholders at all levels and negotiating at the highest levels of government. She has regional expertise in Latin America and is fluent in Spanish.

Over the period 2021-2025, Ruth served as director of the Centre for Political and Diplomatic Studies Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd (https://cpds.training). In recent years, she has also facilitated professional development training for the ANU Diplomacy Forum (Australian National University) and the DFAT Diplomatic Academy, and served as a Non-resident Research Fellow with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (United Arab Emirates). She has published articles and opinion pieces on climate and environment issues for various Australian and international policy think tanks. In addition, Ruth is the President of Diplomats for Climate Limited, the mandate of which calls for Australia take an international leadership role in meeting the global challenge of climate change.

Non-Executive Career

Research Fellow, Earth Systems Governance Project (February 2023-present)

The Earth System Governance Project is a global research network that aims to advance knowledge at the interface between global environmental change and governance. The network connects and mobilizes scholars from the social sciences and humanities researching at local and global scales.

Website: https://www.earthsystemgovernance.org

President, Diplomats for Climate Limited (October 2025-present)

Diplomats for Climate are former Australian diplomats and foreign, trade and development policy officers who are concerned about the effects of climate change on future generations and future life on this planet. Diplomats for Climate calls on the Australian government to make climate action a central focus of Australia's foreign, trade and development policies. Its mandate calls for Australia take an international leadership role in meeting the global challenge of climate change and highlights the nexus between foreign and domestic policy: strong domestic climate policies will increase our Australia's influence in international fora and enhance its ability to achieve Australia’s foreign, trade and investment, political and security objectives.

Website: https://www.diplomatsforclimate.org/about_us

Director, Centre for Political and Diplomatic Studies (CPDS) Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd (2021-2025)

Company director with special responsibility for developing and delivering CPDS programs in the Asia Pacific region. CPDS provides bespoke training to diplomats, civil servants, corporate executives and politicians from around the world, enabling them to develop the skills necessary for public administration, leadership, international negotiation, political analysis, policy-making, reporting and briefing, public speaking and chairing meetings. CPDS courses are delivered by a network of expert leaders, are interactive and draw on practical exercises and simulations based on real-life events and cases.

Website: https://cpds.training/our-people/

Non-resident Research Fellow, Centre for Climate Diplomacy, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), United Arab Emirates (2023-2025)

The Centre for Climate Diplomacy, launched in 2023 by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), aims to guide the United Arab Emirates’ foreign policy on climate change through research and diplomacy. Special responsibility for providing policy advice and writing research papers and insights on climate policy and climate finance issues.

Website: https://www.agda.ac.ae/research/ccd

Facilitator, Trainer and Guest Lecturer (2018-present)

Occasional facilitator and trainer for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Diplomatic Academy and the ANU Diplomacy Forum (Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific), teaching courses on diplomatic tradecraft, international diplomacy, and Australia’s foreign and trade policy. Occasional guest speaker/lecturer with the School of Law at the University of Tasmania, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) Centre for Climate Diplomacy (United Arab Emirates).

Author of opinion pieces (2016-present)

Occasional contributor/author of articles and opinion pieces on climate and environment issues, Australian foreign policy and international relations for The Interpreter (The Lowy Institute), Australian Outlook (The Australian Institute of International Affairs) and Pearls and Irritations (published by John Menadue).

Board Member, Australian-Argentine Business Council, Sydney (2018-2019)

Special responsibility for advising on Australia’s interests in Latin America, engagement with government and political risk.

Honorary Patron, Irish Chapter, Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce, Dublin (2015-2016)

Special responsibility for promoting bilateral trade and investment links between Australia and Ireland.

Board Member, ReachOut.com, Dublin (2015-2016)

ReachOut is the Irish counterpart of an Australian charity of the same name, specialising in providing online mental health services to young people. Special responsibility for risk analysis, engagement with government and major corporates, and fund-raising.

Official Australian representative, International Fund for Ireland (IFI), Dublin and Belfast (2013-2016)

Established by the UK and Irish governments in 1986, the IFI funds peace and reconciliation projects in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Special responsibility for advising on engagement with government, strategic and political risk management, and sustainability.

Official Australian representative, International Advisory Committee, Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Dublin (2013-2016) 

The Glencree Centre funds peace and reconciliation projects in post-conflict situations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Special responsibility for advising on engagement with government, strategic and political risk management, and sustainability.

Aademic Qualiications

PhD, Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Hobart (2023)
Thesis title: ‘The Green Climate Fund: A Case Study in the Legitimacy of Global Climate Finance Governance’

Graduate Certificate of Law, Australian National University, Canberra (2018)

PhD (Latin American history and politics), La Trobe University, Melbourne (1993)

Graduate Diploma, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian National University, Canberra (1992)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of New South Wales, Sydney (1983)

Professional Qualifications

Certification in the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (2023)/Advanced Training in Conflict Management (2023)

United Nations Senior Women Talent Pipeline (SWTP) Induction Program (Entebbe, Uganda, 2019)

Women Transforming Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (2015)

Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma (2011)

‘Driving Government Performance: Leadership Strategies that Produce Results’, Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Leadership Program (2011)

A/Prof. Juan C. Afonso's background is in computational geoscience and geodata integration. After graduating with a PhD in theoretical geophysics at Carleton University, Juan C. Afonso  undertook  postdoctoral research at the Institute of Earth Sciences Jaume Almera (CSIC, Barcelona) on the development of new methods to study the thermal and compositional structures of the lithospheric/sublithospheric upper mantle. He subsequently joined Macquarie University in 2009 as part of the recruitment program CoRE (Concentration of Research Excellence). In 2022, he joined the ITC Faculty (University of Twente, Netherlands) as full-time staff. In 2026 he joined the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Tasmania. He was an Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED, University of Oslo) and Honorary Professor at the Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Macquarie University. He currently is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at SUSTech University and in ITC at the University of Twente.

Dr Afonso's current research includes the development of methodologies (and associated computational tools) that formally combine geophysics, numerical modelling, petrology and geochemistry to obtain reliable and realistic models of the Earth's interior using satellite-derived and land-based data sets. For this (and related) work he has received the 2013 EGU Outstanding Young Scientist Award (Geodynamics Division), the 2017 Anton Hales Medal of the Australian Academy of Sciences and the 2019 IUGG Early Career Scientist Award, among others.

His research centers on understanding the thermochemical structure and evolution of the lithosphere, as well as the mechanical and geochemical interactions between tectonic plates and the sublithospheric upper mantle. His work explores how these interactions influence both regional and global tectonic processes, with implications for plate dynamics, mantle convection, and crustal evolution.

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His most recent research integrates machine learning, multiscale probabilistic inversion, and numerical modeling to investigate some of the most fundamental questions about the nature and evolution of the lithosphere and upper mantle using a formal combination of multiple satellite (e.g. gravity, magnetic field) and land-based (e.g. geochemistry, seismic) data sets.

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He also works on the development of novel numerical algorithms to model the complex coupling between geodynamic and geochemical processes. This work directly supports the global energy transition by enabling more accurate and physically realistic models for geothermal resource assessment and critical mineral exploration. His methodologies assist in identifying subsurface conditions favorable for sustainable energy development and securing the raw materials essential for clean energy technologies.

Currently, Dr. Afonso is the leader and coordinator of the following large projects:

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- The EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network EarthSafe: Unveiling Earth's Critical Resources for Clean Energy and a Sustainable Future (https://earthsafe-dn.eu/)

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- The passive seismic experiment PatagoniARRAY (imaging and modelling the Patagonian lithosphere)

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- The NWO DeepNL Project INTEGRATION (Integrated subsurface modelling beneath Groningen and on-shore Netherlands from multi-data probabilistic inversions; link) 

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He also enjoys very much spending quality time with his family and playing drums whenever possible...

Dr Adeel is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in agricultural extension education and agricultural sustainability. Working as a Researcher at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, contributing to a project funded by NRE Tas that supports the Farm Business Resilience Program. This program helps farmers develop strategic business skills, manage risks, and adapt to changing climates, thereby fostering economic, environmental, and social resilience. 
He holds a PhD from the University of Tasmania, where his research focused on the use of E-extension methods to strengthen dairy extension systems in Tasmania and Punjab. His research helped in gaining a deep understanding of how information technology can help sustain the dairy industry.
Previously he served as a Consultant and Advisor with Knowledge Systems Consultancy & Research Company (Rashidoon) in Saudi Arabia, where he developed and designed literature aimed at helping Saudi farmers adopt sustainable farm management practices.
He also served as a researcher and consultant at King Saud University Riyadh and Ministry of Agriculture Saudi Arabia working on projects involving indigenization of forest development technologies to enhance their environmental role in Riyadh, and analyzing the attitudes of agricultural extension workers toward the use of online communication tools in Saudi Arabia.

Shradha Agarwal is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the School of Sociology and Criminology, College of Arts, Law, and Education at the University of Tasmania. Coming from a design-oriented background that glamorises excessive consumerism, her life experiences and dedication to creating a better sustainable world had her disassociated from her past life. In her current research position, she is adopting a social science interdisciplinary approach to delve into the factors that can enhance sustainable human behaviour in Antarctic tourists toward posthumanism. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts on the behaviour of Antarctic tourists after visiting the icy continent. She is excited to explore the concept of Antarctic ambassadorship from a non-western and postcolonial perspective. 

Owing to her fascination with the polar regions, her previous master's thesis research explored the role of citizen science programs onboard expedition cruise ships in fostering pro-environmental behaviour in Arctic tourists. Shradha now seeks to explore factors that can help improve the policies around the existing self-regulatory tourism framework in Antarctica and encourage pro-environmental choices in view of the booming polar tourism industry.

Elements: Overview

Dr Richard Mawulawoe Ahadzie is a lecturer in Finance at Tasmanian School of Business and Economics - University of Tasmania, Australia. His research areas encompass theoretical and empirical asset pricing, high-frequency finance, data and business analytics (big data), financial econometrics, FinTech and ESG investing. His research has appeared in the Journal of Behavioural and Experimental Finance and Quantitative Finance and has other papers currently under review. He has also contributed to the body of research by reviewing scholarly work for the following international peer-review journals: Journal of Asian Economics, Journal of International Financial Markets, Institution & Money, Finance Research Letters, The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, and Ecological Economics, etc. He is the coordinator for industry practitioner organizations: CFA Institute University Affiliation Program and GARP Academic Partnership Program. Richard is also the director of finance databases.

Biography
Dr Ahadzie enrolled as a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania in 2016. During this time, he was employed in different roles ranging from University Lecturer, Tutor and Research assistant. This enabled him to develop his teaching and research skills. Upon completion of his PhD degree in 2021, Dr Ahadzie was appointed as a full-time scholarly academic at the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. Prior to joining the University of Tasmania, his passion for teaching and research was ignited during his national service, where he conducted tutorials for undergraduate students and supervised their research work as their class tutor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.

Richard is a mentor to students and as an accredited mental health first aider, he is keen not only to the academic performance of his students but also to their mental and psychological wellbeing. It is therefore not surprising that he received a nomination for the University of Tasmania Teaching Award with outstanding unit evaluation scores in 2020 and a commendation from the office of the provost in 2021.

For his PhD, Dr. Ahadzie investigated the behavior of higher-order realized moments in asset markets and showed that realized skewness and kurtosis are driven by the jump component of a jump-diffusion process. His findings have a variety of implications for high-frequency finance. He is motivated and committed to producing quality research.

PhD Candidate

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture

University of Tasmania

Project: Natural Antioxidants for Maintaining Flavour in Shelf-Stable Meat Products

Research Area: My research focuses on using natural antioxidants to improve the oxidative stability, flavour, and sensory quality of processed meat products. I am particularly interested in food chemistry, meat science, and instrumental flavour analysis.