Dr Kavitha Palaniappan
Academic Director / Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Health and Medicine / School of Health Sciences
Career
Biography
Kavitha holds a doctorate in Environmental Health Engineering from Sri Ramachandra Medical University, India. She has been with the University of Newcastle, Australia, since January 2010, first as an associate lecturer and then as a full-time lecturer from September 2012. She teaches the Occupational Health and Safety components of the BEnvOHS Program. She is also actively involved in research related to the effects of lead exposure on children, mental health illnesses on adults, alternative approaches to enhance sleep, epidemiology of dengue fever, climate change, biofuels and nanotoxicology. She is a member of IOSH and Nanosing Initiative of Singapore.
Qualifications
- B.Sc. Microbiology
- Bachelor of General Laws
- Bachelor of Alternative System of Medicines
- M.Sc. Environmental Sciences
- M.A. French
- M.A. Public Administration
- Ph.D. Allied Health Sciences
Specialisation
- Environmental and Occupational Health and Industrial Safety
Research Areas
- Lead exposure and its effects
- Mahua Biodiesel as alternative and renewable fuel
- Effects of climate variables
- Mental Health Illnesses
- Sleep disorders and sleep enhancement
- Nanotoxicology
Awards
| 2019 | University of Newcastle Excellence in Teaching Award for 2018 |
| 2018 | Best Paper Award at the 2nd International Conference of Recent Trends in Environmental Science and Engineering (RTESE ’18) |
| 2017 | University of Newcastle Long Service Award |
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
2019 | Ha, H., Palaniappan, K., Pidani. R. (2019). Psychosocial well-being of employees in the Banking sector in Singapore. International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment (In press). |
2019 | Prasath, S., & Palaniappan, K. (2019). Is using nanosilver mattresses/pillows safe? A review of potential health implications of silver nanoparticles on human health. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, doi: 10.1007/s10653-019-00240-7 |
2018 | Palaniappan, K. (2018). Scientific Inquiry on Various Styles of Yoga for Revitalizing Psychological Health. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy, 4(3): 555638. doi: 10.19080/JYP.2018.04.555638 |
2017 | Palaniappan, K. (2017). An Overview of Applications of Nanotechnology in Biofuel Production. World Applied Sciences Journal, 35(8), 1305-1311. doi: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2017.1305.1311 |
2017 | Palaniappan, K., & Kum, I. (2017). Underlying Causes behind Research Study Participants’ Careless and Biased Responses in the field of Sciences. Current Psychology, 1-11 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-017-9733-2 |
2016 | Prasath, S., & Palaniappan, K. (2016). A Review of Control Banding and Traditional Industrial Hygiene Sampling Methods for Determining Risk Assessment of Engineered Nanomaterials in the Workplace. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 10(3), 32-38. |
2016 | Palaniappan, K., & Thenappan, A. (2016). Physiological Basis of Alternative Therapies to Alleviate Sleep Disturbances. Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy, 5:221. doi: 10.4172/2167-0277.1000221 |
2015 | Palaniappan, K. (2015). Toxicity, Occupational Exposure Risks and Management Framework for Nanomaterials used in Singapore. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 9(22), 8-17. |
2013 | Roy, A., Ettinger, A. S., Hu, H., Bellinger, D., Schwartz, J., Modali, R., Wright R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2013). Effect modification by transferrin C2 polymorphism on lead exposure, hemoglobin levels, and IQ. NeuroToxicology, 38, 17-22. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2013.05.005 |
2012 | Palaniappan, K., & Lee, C. C. (2012). A review on Mahua Oil biodiesel as an alternative and renewable fuel. VNU-HCM Journal of Science and Technology, 50(4A), 42-49. |
2012 | Roy, A., Hu, H., Bellinger, D., Wright, R., Palaniappan K., Balakrishnan, K. (2012). Effect Modification of Lead Exposure, Hemoglobin Levels and IQ: BY Transferrin C1/C2 Polymorphism. Epidemiology, 23(5S), E029. doi:10.1097/01.ede.0000416628.67228.d7 |
2011 | Palaniappan, K., Roy, A., Balakrishnan, K., Gopalakrishnan, L., Mukherjee, B., Hu, H., Bellinger, D. C. (2011). Lead exposure and visual-motor abilities in children from Chennai, India. Neurotoxicology, 32(4), 465-470. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2011.03.011 |
| 2011 | Roy, A., Hu, H., Bellinger, D. C., Mukherjee, B., Modali, R., Nasaruddin, K., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2011). Hemoglobin, Lead Exposure, and Intelligence Quotient: Effect Modification by the DRD2 Taq IA Polymorphism. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(1), 144-149. doi:10.1289/ehp.0901878 |
| 2011 | Thomas, D., Roy, A., Hu, H., Mukherjee, B., Modali, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2011). IQ and Blood Lead Levels: Effect Modification By ALAD Amongst Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 22, S135-S136. doi:10.1097/01.ede.0000392085.28902.a4 |
| 2009 | Roy, A., Palaniappan, K., Hu, H., Wright, R., Bellinger, D., Balakrishnan, K., Schwartz, J. (2009). Predictors of Blood Lead among 3-7 year old children in Chennai, India (2005-2006). International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 15(4), 351-359. |
| 2009 | Roy, A., Bellinger, D., Hu, H., Schwartz, J., Ettinger, A. S., Wright, R. O., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2009). Lead exposure and behavior among young children in Chennai, India. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(10), 1607-1611. doi:10.1289/ehp.0900625 |
| 2009 | Roy, A., Bellinger, D., Hu, H., Modali, R., Schwartz, J., Wright, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2009). Lead Exposure, Hemoglobin and Intelligence Quotient: Effect Modification by Dopamine Receptor D2 Taq IA Polymorphism Among Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 20(6), S77-S78. doi:10.1097/01.ede.0000362942.62234.42 |
| 2008 | Roy, A., Bellinger, D., Hu, H., Schwartz, J., Wright, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. (2008). Lead Associated Deficits in Executive Function and Behavior in 3–7 Year Old Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 19(6), S306. |
| 2007 | Roy, A., Hu, H., Palaniappan, K., Bellinger, D., Wright, R., & Balakrishnan, K. (2007). Current Blood Lead Is Associated With Decline in Stature Among Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 18(5), S181. |
| 2007 | Roy, A., Palaniappan, K., Hu, H., Wright, R., & Balakrishnan, K. (2007). Predictors of Blood Lead Among 3–7-Year-Old Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 18(5), S175. |
| 2007 | Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K., Krishnan, L., Bellinger, D., Roy, A., Wright, R., Hu, H. (2007). Lead Exposure, IQ, and Neurobehavioral Changes in Children in Chennai, India. Epidemiology, 18(5), S42. |
Conference Presentations
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Palaniappan, K. Release of nanomaterials during construction activities that could potentially pollute the surrounding air. Proceedings of the International Conference on Environmental Science and Applications ICESA’20. Virtual conference. September 7-8, 2020 |
| 2020 | Palaniappan, K. Work Environment and Its Impacts on Health and Productivity in Migrant Workers. Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society, Sep 3, 2020, Paris, France (paper accepted) |
| 2020 | Palaniappan, K. Enhanced Biodiesel Production through Nanocatalysts and Nanomaterial bound Microbial Enzymes. Nanotech Singapore 2020 International Conference and Exhibition, 20-22 April 2020, Singapore (paper accepted) |
| 2019 | Palaniappan, K., Koh, Y.Y. Impact of Vinyasa Flow Yoga on Hypertension in Yoga Practitioners. The ASAR – International Conference on Nutrition and Health (ICNH) 2019, Chennai, India |
| 2019 | Miles, C., Cameron, D., Palaniappan, K. Are Captured Live Lectures Appropriate for Primary Online Course Content? A question of fidelity (Presentation and Panel Discussion). ASCILITE Conference 2019, Singapore |
| 2019 | Palaniappan, K. Mental Health and Wellbeing (invited speaker). JTC’s Contractors Engagement Day Seminar 2019, Singapore |
| 2019 | Palaniappan, K. Lifelong Learning for an Enhanced Workplace Safety and Health (invited speaker). 17th SISO WSHO Conference 2019, Singapore |
| 2019 | Palaniappan, K. Research Gaps in Occupational Hygiene (invited speaker). IOM’s Research Seminar Series 2019, Singapore |
| 2018 | Prasath, S., Palaniappan, K., Wang, H., James, C. Nano titanium Dioxide (TiO2) enabled products in Singapore: Results of a Mapping Study. Malaysian Industrial Hygiene Association International Conference and Exhibition 2018, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 2018 | Palaniappan, K. Review of Applications and Environmental Fate of Gold Nanoparticles. 2nd International Conference of Recent Trends in Environmental Science and Engineering (RTESE ’18), Niagara Falls, Canada |
| 2017 | Prasath, S., Palaniappan, K. Knowledge gaps in fate, exposure and environmental risk assessment of engineered metal oxide nanomaterials: A review and perspective. XXI World Congress on Safety & Health at Work 2017, Singapore (Abstract submitted) |
| 2017 | Palaniappan, K., Seah, S. H. Influence of Confucianism Philosophy on Workplace Safety in Singapore. XXI World Congress on Safety & Health at Work 2017, Singapore (Abstract submitted) |
| 2017 | Palaniappan, K., Mahanta, D. Moving towards an ageless workforce – role of psychological well-being and mindfulness. XXI World Congress on Safety & Health at Work 2017, Singapore (Abstract submitted) |
| 2017 | Palaniappan, K., Mahmood, A. Occupational Health and Safety in the ASEAN Member Nations: Challenges and Opportunities. 8th International Conference on 2017 Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics, Los Angeles, USA (Abstract accepted) |
| 2016 | Palaniappan, K. Blending Leadership Styles at various levels of the Management to Improve Psychological Well-being of Employees (invited speaker). Workplace Safety and Health Conference 2016, Singapore |
| 2016 | Palaniappan, K. Impacts of Work-Related Stress on Productivity: Effective Management Techniques. 12th European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology Conference, Athens, Greece |
| 2016 | Palaniappan, K. Environment Drivers of Dengue – Operational Control Strategies employed in Singapore (invited key note speaker). International Conference on Environmental Technology and Management, Singapore |
| 2015 | Palaniappan, K. Bi-directional relationship between poor sleep and work-related stress: Management through transformational leadership and work organization. Annual Summit on Sleep Disorders and Medicine, San Francisco, USA |
| 2015 | Palaniappan, K., Thenappan, A. Alternative therapies for sleep enhancement with hands-on experience of the deep relaxation technique (invited workshop presentation). Annual Summit on Sleep Disorders and Medicine, San Francisco, USA |
| 2015 | Palaniappan, K. Toxicity, Occupational Exposure Risks and Management Framework for Nanomaterials used in Singapore. International Conference on Occupational Health and Safety, Langkawi, Malaysia |
| 2014 | Palaniappan, K. Mental Health of Migrant Workers. International Conference on Stress Management Professional, Hyderabad, India |
| 2014 | Palaniappan, K., Lee CC. Health impacts of climate change in Asia. International Conference of Environmental and Occupational Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia |
| 2013 | Palaniappan, K., Ghosh, S. The effect of climate variables on the risk of dengue incidence in Singapore: A temporal analysis for the period 2000-2012. Joint Conference of ISEE, ISES and ISIAQ on Environment and Health – Bridging South, North, East and West, Basel, Switzerland |
| 2012 | Palaniappan, K., Lee, C. C. A Review of Mahua Oil Biodiesel as an Alternative and Renewable Fuel. International Conference for Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| 2012 | Roy, A., Hu, H., Bellinger, D., Wright, R., Hu, H., Bellinger, D., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. Effect modification of lead exposure, hemoglobin levels and IQ: By transferrin C1/C2 polymorphism. ISEE Conference, Columbia. |
| 2011 | Palaniappan, K., Lee, C. C. Reduction of diesel engine emissions using ethanol-based transesterified Mahua biodiesel. International Conference on Environmental Pollution and Remediation, Ottawa, Canada |
| 2011 | Palaniappan, K., Lee, C. C. A strategic review of Mahua Oil biodiesel as a renewal fuel. Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| 2010 | Thomas, D., Roy, A., Hu, H., Mukherjee, B., Modali, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. IQ and Blood Lead Levels: Effect Modification by ALAD Amongst Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 22nd Annual Conference, Seoul, Korea |
| 2009 | Roy, A., Bellinger, D., Hu, H., Modali, R., Schwartz, J., Wright, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. Lead Exposure, Hemoglobin and Intelligence Quotient: Effect Modification by Dopamine Receptor D2 Taq IA Polymorphism Among Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 21st Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland |
| 2008 | Roy, A., Bellinger, D., Hu, H., Schwartz, J., Wright, R., Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K. Lead Associated Deficits in Executive Function and Behavior in 3-7 Year Old Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 20th Annual Conference, Pasadena, California |
| 2007 | Roy, A., Palaniappan, K., Hu, H., Wright, R., & Balakrishnan, K. Predictors of Blood Lead Among 3-7 Year-Old Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 19th Annual Conference, Mexico City, Mexico |
| 2007 | Roy, A., Hu, H., Palaniappan, K., Bellinger, D., Wright, R., & Balakrishnan, K. Current Blood Lead is Associated with Decline in Stature Among Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 19th Annual Conference, Mexico City, Mexico |
| 2007 | Palaniappan, K., Balakrishnan, K., Krishnan, L., Bellinger, D., Roy, A., Wright, R., Hu, H. Lead Exposure, IQ and Neurobehavioral Changes in Children in Chennai, India. ISEE 19th Annual Conference, Mexico City, Mexico |
Reports
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Research Report to UON Singapore on Vinyasa Flow Yoga Therapy coupled with Pranayama for Weight Loss. |
| 2017 | Report to Lifelong Learning Council on Innovative Ideas for Lifelong Learning. |
| 2016 | Research Report to UON Singapore on Psychosocial Well-Being and Work-Life Balance of Professionals in the Banking Sector in Singapore. |
| 2014 | Interim and Final Reports to WSHI on Workplace Safety and Health in the Singapore Construction Industry: Assessing the Nexus between Mental Health and Productivity. |
Grants and Funding
Research Grants Obtained
| Year | Grant | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Co-Investigator, “Sleep Enhancement through Vinyasa Flow Yoga”, grant application submitted to University of Newcastle Singapore’s Small Project Research Grant 2020 | S$10,000 |
| 2019 | Principal Investigator, “Mental Health Support for Migrant Workers in Singapore’s Construction Industry through Peer-Training”, grant application submitted to University of Newcastle Singapore’s Small Project Research Grant 2019. | S$10,000 |
| 2017 | Principal Investigator, “A Pilot Feasibility Study of Vinyasa Flow Yoga Therapy coupled with Pranayama for Weight Loss”, grant application submitted to University of Newcastle Singapore’s Small Project Research Grant 2017. | S$5,000 |
| 2017 | Co-Investigator, “Innovation Ideas for Lifelong Learning”, grant application submitted to LearnSG Seed Fund – Lifelong Learning Council, Singapore. | S$10,000 |
| 2017 | Principal Investigator, “Life cycle Exposure Assessment of Nano Titanium Dioxide enabled Products in various Industries in Singapore”, equipment grant application submitted to University of Newcastle’s UON 2017 Researcher Equipment Grant Scheme. | $16,783 AUD |
| 2016 | Co-Investigator, “Psychosocial Well-Being and Work-Life Balance of Professionals in the Banking Sector in Singapore”, grant application submitted to University of Newcastle Singapore’s Small Project Research Grant 2016. | S$5,000 |
| 2014 | Co-Investigator, “Workplace Safety and Health in the Singapore Construction Industry: Assessing the Nexus between Mental Health and Productivity” grant application submitted to WSHI, Singapore. | S$361,000 |
Supervision
Ph.D. Supervisions
| Commenced | Research Title | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | As Ph.D. co-supervisor for Sriram Prasath Ramasoori Krishnan. Establishing safe working guidance level for nano titanium dioxide enabled products in Singapore industries (still ongoing) | Co-supervisor |