Research Assistant/Data manager
BHlthSc MPH
Liz is a research assistant working with the PLAYCE (PLAY Spaces and Environments for Children’s Physical Activity, Health & Development) Research Group. Liz is committed to improving health outcomes for our future generations by developing and testing physical activity health promotion initiatives for young children in all settings. She also has a research interest in intergenerational research and health outcomes for children and adolescents.
Liz is currently a UWA PhD student investigating the implementation of physical activity policy and practice in early education and care centres, and won an Australian Government RTP Scholarship to undertake this research.
Liz has a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Public Health from Edith Cowan University.
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Publications
January 2021
A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a dog-facilitated physical activity minimal intervention on young children's physical activity, health and development: the PLAYCE PAWS trial
Pet ownership brings many health benefits to individuals. In children developmental benefits can extend to improved self-esteem, better social competence and decreased loneliness. The majority of households with children own a dog, however only a small proportion of children gain the benefits of dog ownership through dog walking and play. There are few intervention studies investigating the impact of dog-facilitated physical activity in children. The PLAYCE PAWS study aims to test a minimal-contact intervention through the use of mobile health ("mhealth") strategies, i.e. text (SMS) messages, to parents to encourage their children to walk and play with their dog more, and evaluate the impact on children's overall physical activity and development.
Published research Child Physical Activity, Health and DevelopmentJanuary 2020Nature play and fundamental movement skills training programs improve childcare educator supportive physical activity behavior
Both the Nature play and fundamental movement skills professional development programs were effective in improving educators’ self-efficacy to engage children
Published research Health Promotion & Education Child Physical Activity, Health and Development -
Education and Qualifications
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Awards/Honours
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Active Collaborations