Dr. Saman Khalesi
PhD in Medicine (Community Nutrition), Master of Nutritional Sciences, Bachelor of Food Science and TechnologySenior Lecturer | Head of Course - Nutrition
School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
Appleton Institute
I am a Senior Lecturer and Head of Course for Nutrition at CQUniversity’s School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences. A former National Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow, I have contributed to hypertension prevention and cardiovascular health through innovative dietary, lifestyle, and health literacy interventions. My research focuses on health behaviours, chronic disease management, gut health, and the links between physical and mental health, with a Field-Weighted Citation Impact exceeding 2.5.
As the leader of the HealthWise research group at CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute, I work with my team to empower consumers to make informed health decisions and combat health misinformation in diet, physical activity, and sleep. I am passionate about integrating research into teaching and training the next generation of nutritionists and researchers dedicated to improving health and well-being.
Universities Studied At
- Griffith University, Australia (PhD)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia (Master)
- Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Iran (Bachelor)
Universities Worked At
Griffith University
Awards
- Queensland Youg Tall Poppy Award, 2022
- CQUniversity Student Voice Commendation 2021
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Heart Foundation of Australia, 2020
- CQUniversity Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Researchers Commendation & Dean’s Award for Outstanding Early Career Research in 2020
Media Citations
- The Conversation: Health Check: Should healthy people take probiotic supplements?
- The Conversation: Why am I bloated? Here are some possibilities to consider
- The Conversation: Here’s why having chocolate can make you feel great or a bit sick
- Insider: A nutrition expert said probiotics can be helpful, but not everyone needs them
Professional Memberships
Committee member of:
- Nutrition Society of Australia QLD
- Queensland Cardiovascular Research Network
- The Psychological wellbeing and Lifestyle in University Students (PLUS) Research Network;
- Queensland Government Digital Health Research Committee
10,000 Steps Queensland - ActiveKIT Project
Grant: Competitive Grant (Category 2: Other Public Sector)
Funding Schemes: ActiveKit 2022
Total Funding: $100,000.00
Reducing salt intake to improve hypertension using highly personalized web-based advice
Grant: Competitive Grant (Category 1: Aust Competitive Grant)
Funding Schemes: Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship for funding commencing in 2020
Total Funding: $153,850.00
Review of healthy eating and food literacy programs for children and parents of young children
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Schemes: Contract Research - Centre for Rural & Regional Indigenous Health - Food Literacy Program - 2021
Total Funding: $14,849.00
Research and Feasibility Study into the redevelopment of Old Blackall Hospital
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Schemes: Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Limited
Total Funding: $650,000.00
Accreditation
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
- 3210 Nutrition and Dietetics
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
Current Capacity
Current Supervision
Allied health and rehabilitation science - Allied health and rehabilitation science not elsewhere classified
Gut health, prebiotics and probiotics for physical and mental health.
Public health - Preventative health care
Personalised online feedback-based interventions to reduce salt intake, improve diet and lifestyle, and prevent and manage chronic diseases.
Public health - Public health not elsewhere classified
Combating health misinformation and improve health literacy in diet, physical activity and sleep.
Public health - Social determinants of health
Factors influencing individual’s food choice and dietary behaviour.
