Staff Profile
Career Summary
Biography
I graduated with a BHS(Nutrition and Dietetics) with honors from the University of Newcastle in 1998, and returned in 1999 to complete a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics, which was awarded in 2003. The topic of the PhD was dietary fat intake and the impact on in vivo markers of antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress. There were three papers in ERA classified A* journals accepted from the PhD and I presented the findings nationally and internationally at relevant conferences. Subsequently I was invited to review in vitro measures of antioxidant capacity for the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture [ERA A].
In 2009-2010 I was a key member of the consortium awarded the tender from the National Health and Medical Research Council to update the evidence underpinning the review of the Dietary Guidelines for Australians. In this my role involved the management of the systematic review that related fat intake to prevention of chronic illness. Sufficient evidence was found to make evidence statements for fats and oils and prevention of cardiovascular disease, weight loss and obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, all cause mortality from Cancer and certain specific cancers and Mental Health. Similarly, in 2010/11 I was part of the consortium awarded the tender to update the evidence underpinning the update of the Best Practice Guidelines for the treatment of obesity in Adult Australians.
I have RHD students researching in the area of Nutrition and asthma and also in early childhood in particular childhood obesting and breastfeeding and the impact on chronic diseases. This particular area has developed into an NHMRC application which will be re-submitted in 2013. More recently I have started to combine my previous fatty acid expertise in the area of anxiety and stress. This has commenced as an honours project which I hope to develop in the future.
I have been cited 240 times with an H-index of 8. I focus my research efforts on forming strong local collaborations, and fostering strong research outputs in my RHD students ensuring a quality experience for these students and quality outcomes for my research.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Health Science (Nut & Diet) Hons, University of Newcastle
Research
Research keywords
- Dietary Methodology
- Dietary intake and chronic illness
- Omega 3 Fatty acids
- Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacity
Research expertise
I have been cited 240 times with an H-index of 8. I focus my research efforts on forming strong local collaborations, and fostering strong research outputs in my RHD students ensuring a quality experience for these students and quality outcomes for my research.
In 2003 I was awarded a PhD in Dietary fat intake and omega 3 fatty acids. I have continued my interest in omega 3 fatty acids, primarily looking for their role in anxiety and depression disorders. I have a strong interest in dietary methodolgy and evidence of accuracy of this methodology through vlaidation with biomarkers. I have particular expertise in traslating biomarkers into clinical practice, particularly in chronic illness. Recently I have developed strong research expertise in Child and maternal nutrition.
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 111100 | Nutrition And Dietetics | 100 |
Collaboration
My research collaborations are primarily through the PRC in Physical Activity and Nutrition and through the research centre for gender Health and Ageing. I also have links with Dr Lisa Wood and Professor Roger Smith in HMRI Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases, and Mothers and Babies respectively.
My more recent research work on Breastfeeding and chronic disease prevention, which is the subject of an NHMRC grant has lead to a collaboration with Yvonne Hauck, Professor of Midwifery in the School of Nursing & Midwifery atCurtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI). The 2013 iteration of this grant application has lead to an international collaboration.
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Communication and Counselling
- Nutrition Services and Foodservice Management
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Professional Practice
Teaching expertise
I have been an academic in the Nutrition and Dietetic program since 2002. I attained my PhD in 2003. I joined DAA in 1997, and have been involved in the APD program since it was introduced. In 2012 I attained my Adv APD credential.
I have been course coordinator in a wide variety of the courses involved in our program, particularly the placement courses. I have been the director of Professional Practice for the program since 2003, and in 2011 I became the program convenor.
I have particular expertise in communication, professional practice and management. I am the domain leader for Foodservice and coordinate the courses in the third and fourth year of the program that align to these areas of expertise. I enjoy all of my varied roles within our degree and enjoy the challenge of teaching students and the varied roles that support student learning.
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 7 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $207,582 |
For project grants received where the lead institution is other than the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics.
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2013 (2 grants)
Maximising Allied Health professional placements in aged care: exploring opportunities for future partnerships within the Newcastle and Coast region$28,386
Funding Body: HETI (Health Education and Training Institute)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ms Catherine Johnston, Mr Clint Newstead, Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli, Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| NSW ICTN Local Project Fund | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $28,386 | 2013 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1201146 | ||
ANZAHPE 13 (Professional Development of Health Professional Educators), Melbourne Australia, 24-27 June 2013$1,350
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,350 | 2013 | 2013 |
| GNo:G1300649 | ||
2010 (3 grants)
ERF Teaching Relief - Ashby, Findlay and MacDonald-Wicks.$82,082
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Darren Rivett, Ms Samantha Ashby, Doctor Naomi Findlay, Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equity Research Fellowship | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $82,082 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G0900097 | ||
Preliminary work to revise the DAA Best Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults$9,091
Funding Body: Dietitians Association of Australia
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Clare Collins, Conjoint Professor Lauren Williams, Associate Professor Surinder Baines, Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Doctor Tracy Burrows, Doctor Alexis Hure, Doctor Melinda Hutchesson | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Consultancy | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $9,091 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G1001022 | ||
Helping mothers get their pre-baby body back - an RCT using breastfeeding support to reduce future risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes$7,350
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Equity Research Fellowship | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $7,350 | 2010 | 2011 |
| GNo:G0190628 | ||
2009 (1 grants)
The contribution of nutrition to achieving healthy pregnancy outcomes for mothers and babies $68,181
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Clare Collins, Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks, Professor Roger Smith, Doctor Alexis Hure | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Newcastle Permanent Building Society | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $68,181 | 2009 | 2011 |
| GNo:G0189769 | ||
2002 (1 grants)
Oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in newly diagnosed Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus using a novel ELISA technique$11,142
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Lesley MacDonald-Wicks | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Early Career Researcher Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $11,142 | 2002 | 2002 |
| GNo:G0182573 | ||
Research Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 3 |
|---|---|
| Total current UoN PhD EFTSL | 0.95 |
For supervisions undertaken at an institution other that the University of Newcastle, details are shown in italics, and the institution name is listed below the program name.
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Proposed Completion | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2017 | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics) | Principal Supervisor | An Investigation of the Dietary/Nutritional Predictors Associated with Bone Health |
| 2011 | 2019 | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics) | Co-Supervisor | The Family Diet Study - Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated With Weight Status of Malay Primary School Children and Their Main Carers at Urban Areas of Klang Valley, Malaysia |
| 2010 | 2014 | PhD (Medical Biochemistry) | Co-Supervisor | Investigating the Link Between Corticosteroids and Diet in Asthma |
Past Supervision
| Year | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | M Philosophy (Nutrition&Diet) | Co-Supervisor | Weight Retention in the Postpartum Period |
| 2013 | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics) | Co-Supervisor | Nutrition During Pregnancy: An Evaluation of Maternal Dietary Intake and the Development of Foetal Adiposity |
| 2010 | PhD (Nutrition & Dietetics) | Principal Supervisor | Improving the Provision of Nutrition Advice and Referral to Dietetics Professionals in the General Practice Setting |
Dr Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
| Work Phone | (02) 492 16646 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) 492 17092 |
| Lesley.Wicks@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position | Senior Lecturer School of Health Sciences Faculty of Health and Medicine |
| Focus Area | Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Office | HE26, Hunter Building, Callaghan University Drive Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia |
| URL: | www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/lesley-wicks |
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