As an educator, I spearhead innovation in curriculum development and design. I am recognised for my leadership in innovative learning and teaching practices, including embedding awards and micro-credentialling, multi-level curriculum pathway mapping, creating industry-relevant curriculum and qualifications and translating innovative learning and teaching practices into CQU policy and procedures to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among colleagues. This leadership is recognised with the most prestigious CQUniversity Learning and Teaching awards in recent years, including the 2022 CQUniversity Vice Chancellor Award for Best Practice in Learning and Teaching, the 2023 CQUniversity Vice Chancellor Award for Best Practice in Higher Education and the 2025 Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) Citation.

I am a member of the esteemed Appleton Research Institute. I have authored six national industry/government reports, including the 2025 Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Best Practice Recommendations for Pregnant, Postpartum and Parenting Athletes, the 2021 Australian Physical Activity Screening Tool for Pregnant Women (endorsed by peak industry bodies) and the 2021 Australian Evidence-based Physical Activity Guidelines for Pregnant Women. I also recently led a group of content experts to develop educational resources for recreational and elite athletes during preconception and pregnancy in partnership with the AIS Female Performance Health Initiative (FPHI). At present, I provide expertise as a researcher, content expert and appointed industry representative in guideline and policy development to national and international sporting organisations (including the IOC, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), AIS, Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA)).

BHMSc - CQUniversity, Rockhampton

MEd.Practice - Bond University, Gold Coast

PhD - CQUniversity, Rockhampton

CQUniversity, Rockhampton

Bond University, Gold Coast

2015 - 2017 CQUniversity Student Voice Educator of the Year (Commendation)

2015 - 2017 CQUniversity Student Voice Distance Educator of the Year (Commendation)

2017 Australian Universities National 5RP (5 minute research pitch) Competition - NATIONAL OVERALL WINNER

2017 Australian Universities National 5RP (5 minute research pitch) Competition - NATIONAL MEDICAL AND SCIENCES CATEGORY WINNER

2020: https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2020-general/mum-keen-to-swap-deskjobs-for-real-rehab-roles

2019 Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pregnancy-fitness/too-few-pregnant-women-get-exercise-advice-from-doctors-study-finds-idUSKBN1W52FM

2018 Science Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181128141649.htm

2017 SoundMinds Radio: http://www.soundminds.com.au/fit4two/

2017 National Science Week Activity Booklet (page 7): http://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/images/documents/chiefscientist/pubs/activity-book-with-answers-2017.pdf

2017 QLD Women in STEM Competition: https://www.thinkable.org/submission_entries/Q3bpAk95

2017 CQUniversity International Women's Day: https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/melanie-hayman-physical-activity-researcher

2017 CQUniversity International Women's Day: https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/general-category/2017/melanie-hayman-physical-activity-researcher

2017: CQUniversity Celebrating Women in Research: https://twitter.com/CQUni/status/839377736481312768

2016 Australian Universities 5RP Competition - Overall Winner: http://scu.edu.au/research/index.php/142

2016 Australian Universities Vice Chancellor 2RP Competition: https://www.thinkable.org/submission_entries/y3OAey9m

2016 QLD Chief Scientist 'Health of Queensland & Innovation' Report - Feature Article(page 25): http://www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/images/documents/chiefscientist/pubs/reviews-audits/health-qld-science-2016.pdf

2016 Sports Medicine Australia 'Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period position statement: http://sma.org.au/2016/09/new-exercise-in-pregnancy-guidelines/

2016 Oxygen Magazine: http://www.oxygenmag.com.au/Blog/tabid/4988/ArticleID/972/EXCERSISING-WHILE-EXPECTING-Your-guide-to-safely-getting-your-sweat-on-while-pregnant-By-Melanie-Hayman.aspx

2015 Sports Medicine Australia 'Exercise during pregnancy' Women in Sport Fact Sheet: https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/stories/research-category/2017/phd-student-instrumental-in-producing-exercise-during-pregnancy-fact-sheet

CQUniversity - Exercise Science

CQUniversity - Health Science (Allied Health)

International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Sports Medicine Australia

Queensland College of Teachers (Fully Registered Senior Teacher)

Fitness Australia

Head of Course (HOC) - Allied Health

Improving the health of pregnant women through physical activity / exercise, sleep and nutrition

Education and training of health professionals in exercise during pregnancy

e- and mHealth technologies

The successful integration of technology- based interventions into a clinical setting within the Healthcare system

Exercise behaviour among pregnant women (vigorous intensity activity, resistance-based training)

Social media influences on the exercise behaviours among pregnant women

2017 Australian Universities National 5RP (5 minute research pitch) Competition - NATIONAL OVERALL WINNER

2017 Australian Universities National 5RP (5 minute research pitch) Competition - NATIONAL MEDICAL AND SCIENCES CATEGORY WINNER

2017 Australian Universities Vice Chancellor 2RM (2 minute research pitch) Pitch competitor - Invited RUN Universities Representative

2017 Women in STEM Nominee

2016 QLD Chief Scientist 'Health of Queensland & Innovation' Report - Feature Article

2016 Invited Keynote speaker for QLD and NSW Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) 'Women's health Professional Development Day'

Fit4Two - a web-based computer tailored program designed to increase the health behaviours among pregnant women through physical activity and nutrition.

2020 Australian Government 'Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period' guidelines - released mid-2020

2016 QLD Chief Scientist 'Health of Queensland & Innovation' Report - Feature Article

2016 Sports Medicine Australia 'Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period' Position Statement - Lead Author

2015 Sports Medicine Australia Women in Sport Fact Sheet Series 'Exercise during pregnancy' - Lead Author

2017 - Currently working with international research team (Professor Michelle Mottola Western University Canada and Associate Professor Christina Campbell Iowa State University USA) on the development of a tailored lifestyle behaviour change intervention for women during pregnancy and postpartum.

2017 - QLD Chief Scientist 'Health of Queensland & Innovation' Science Week Activity Booklet