Early Career Researcher Award Finalists
Awarded to an outstanding individual academic or professional staff member actively engaged in research, who is within 5 years of PhD completion.
Dr Emily Cox, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Dr Emily Cox is an outstanding Early Career Researcher whose internationally recognised work is transforming exercise prescription for metabolic disease. In less than five years post-PhD, she has published 18 papers, shaped two major clinical guidelines, secured more than $200,000 in funding, and delivered impactful research translation across clinical, consumer, and media platforms. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to end-user engagement position her as a leader in exercise physiology, where she is already making a measurable difference to health outcomes nationally and internationally.
Dr Jessica Siva, School of Architecture and Built Environment
Since completing her PhD in 2022, Dr Jessica Siva has emerged as a research leader in sustainable and equitable built environment governance. She has authored two books with Routledge and Springer, published more than 15 papers and chapters, and secured $647,000 in external funding. With more than 200 international collaborations spanning 11 countries, she co-led the Australia-India Zero-Carbon Construction Network engaging more than 1,000 participants. Through industry partnerships, HDR supervision, and global engagement, Jessica demonstrates originality and impact, and a steep upward trajectory as an Early Career Researcher.
Haoning (Alice) Xi, Newcastle Business School
Since completing her PhD in 2022, Dr Xi has established herself as an exceptional Early Career Researcher, advancing transportation through AI and optimisation methods. She has published 22 SCI/SSCI articles, including 9 Australian Business Deans Council A* ranked journals, and 20 Journal Citation Reports Q1 journals. Her research informs Transport for NSW, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the Port of Newcastle. Recognised nationally and internationally, Dr Xi has earned the ANZAM Doctoral Thesis Prize, Rising Stars Women in Engineering, and multiple Best Paper Awards. Her research has also received media recognition including Conversation, ABC Radio, Sky News Australia.
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.