Our Team
Dr Elissa Jane Elvidge
Research Fellow/Casual Academic - Online Development
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr Elissa Elvidge is a leading public health researcher and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Widely recognised for her visionary and impact driven approach, her work sits at the forefront of health systems innovation, policy reform, and advancing health equity, with a particular focus on cultural safety. With more than 18 years of experience in public health and clinical research, Dr Elvidge has built a distinguished career spanning public health practice, research, and system-level transformation. Her expertise encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, enabling her to translate complex data into meaningful, actionable insights that improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems. As a principal investigator, Dr Elvidge leads multiple Medical Research Future Fund funded multidisciplinary projects focused on improving health equity and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work is defined by a deep commitment to community-led approaches, rigorous evidence, and transformative impact, positioning her as a trusted leader in the advancement of culturally responsive healthcare systems in Australia and abroad.
- Elissa.Elvidge@newcastle.edu.au
- 0240420674
Ms Yeena Thompson
Aboriginal Health Research Partner
Indigenous Education and Research
Yeena Thompson is a proud Gamilaraay yinarr from Moree and has lived and worked in many Aboriginal communities across NSW. She has over 20 years of experience as a nurse and Aboriginal Health Worker and has held many leadership education and community based positions in NSW. Yeena is a respected community advocate and is passionate about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, shared knowledge and experiences. Yeena considers it her cultural obligation to connect with the people of the land she lives on and visits as well as maintain her continued connection to her own community, the Gamilaraay people. Currently employed as Aboriginal Health Research Partner within the University of Newcastle’s Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership, Yeena is a skilled communicator and educator, delivering cultural capability training and leading Aboriginal community engagement to inform research grounded in self-determination, cultural safety and codesign. She is an experienced qualitative researcher, specialising in Indigenous methodologies such as yarning, narrative analysis and reflective practice.
Geraint Rogers
Prof Rogers is a molecular microbiologist and microbial ecologist. He is the Director, Microbiome Research at SAHMRI, leads a laboratory based within the Flinders University School of Medicine, and is supported by a Matthew Flinders Research Fellowship. His research programme focuses on the contribution of human-associated microbiota to health and disease.
Steven Taylor
Steven Taylor is a non-Indigenous research scientist whose work includes statistical, bioinformatic and laboratory methods. He is an early career researcher and head of the Respiratory Health Group at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and Flinders University. He is of Anglo-Australian descent and has lived in regional and metropolitan areas across New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. His work aims to partner with Indigenous-led projects to address health inequities.
Kerri Shying
Kerri Shying is a health researcher, writer and peer educator of Wiradjuri and Chinese family, born on Tharawal country. Kerri has over 40 years experience working across community health, government and academia, including national level roles and projects in HIV, hepatitis C and infectious disease prevention. Her research has contributed to major public health responses and community led interventions, particularly in marginalised and First Nations communities. She has held roles with organisations such as the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Kirby Institute, NSW Users and AIDS Association.
In 2009 Kerri ceased full time work in the health system due to a degenerative disease, but continues to work part time as a senior qualitative researcher with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Kerri is also an award winning author, poet and artist, recognised with the Varuna Dr Eric Dark Fellowship. She has held writing residencies including the Alumni Indigenous Residency Varuna and The Lighthouse Arts Residency, Newcastle Whibayganba.
Kerri is a dedicated mentor in the arts, disability advocacy and community support. She remains engaged with her communities as an advocate with a special focus on the Western area of NSW, Coonabarabran and Dubbo, where she has family connections. She is passionate about mentoring young people with disabilities and also remains a sentinel support person for First Nations people who are in touch with the criminal justice system.
Mr Trumaine Rankmore
Aboriginal Project Officer/Casual Aboriginal Project Officer
School of Medicine and Public Health
Sophie Miller
Sophie Miller is an early career researcher in the Microbiome and Host Health programme at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and Flinders University. Her doctoral research focused on understanding factors influencing infection risk and health outcomes in older adults, using advanced genomic and data-driven approaches. Sophie brings experience in data analytics, study coordination, and collaborative research practice across diverse health research settings.
Mrs Joley Foster
Research Officer
School of Medicine and Public Health
Joley Foster from Manton/Ridgeway, is a proud Worimi woman from the Gummpingal clan of North Arm Cove, Port Stephens, New South Wales, and a registered Traditional Owner of the Worimi Conservation Lands. She is an Adult Educator, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and Research Coordinator at the University of Newcastle. Joley has more than 20 years of experience working across all levels of government, federal, state, and local and has spent over nine years in Aboriginal health research. Throughout her career, she has contributed to initiatives at national, state, and local levels, supporting research, policy, and community engagement that promote Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Her work has enabled her to build and maintain extensive relationships with Aboriginal communities, health services, and organisations across Australia. She is committed to strengthening Indigenous led research, advancing culturally safe health practices, and supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In addition to her research and education roles, Joley has provided training and support to health professionals and other staff in counselling, behaviour change, and smoking cessation. She has also played an important role in mentoring and supporting colleagues, helping to build workforce capability and confidence in delivering culturally safe and effective health interventions.
- Joley.Foster@newcastle.edu.au
- 40421618
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.