Overview
Background
Dr Wheeler is a proud Ngarabal person and Accredited Exercise Scientist (ESSA). Dr Wheeler specilises in implementation science in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Dr Wheeler was the first Aboriginal person to graduate with a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Dr Wheeler’s research examines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can co-design programs that build community capacity and engage children and young peoples in a broad range of development areas. Dr Wheeler’s research strengths consist co-designing physical movement-based programs, ensuring a trauma informed and culturally-responsive approach towards community engagement and empowerment.
Dr Wheeler has led high performing teams working on education programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through a strength-based and holistic framework. Extending this work, Dr Wheeler's research focuses on developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better address the complex health needs of community. Dr Wheeler has provided FIrst Nations leadership to a range of projects that have catered for the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and through this experience has partnered to deliver diverse governance solutions and educational engagement frameworks.
Dr Wheeler also specialises in biomechanics, sport analytics and performance analysis as well as strength and conditioning research. Dr Wheeler works currently with a range of sporting organisations to implement best-practice sport servicing, testing and athlete management to achieve excellence. Dr Wheeler is the lead researcher in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia. Dr Wheeler has worked with a variety of professional sporting organisations and teams such as the Wallabies, Brumbies Rugby and World Rugby as well as the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Raiders, Canberra Comets, Canberra Meteors and GWS Giants. Dr Wheeler co-design training programs to promote optimal performance in a range of sports. Dr Wheeler is a passionate about how sport and exercise can be used to enrich community as well as health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler is the Chair of the ESSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Working Group for Exercise and Sport Science Australia.
Dr Wheeler is the Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.
Dr Wheeler is the Program Convenor for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences, the University of Queensland.
Dr Wheeler was named in the top 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people changing the world from COSMOS.
Awards
2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award from the Australian Academy of Science
2022 LSQ Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award from Life Sciences Queensland
2020 Accredited Exercise Scientist of the Year Award from Exercise and Sport Science Australia
2021 Science Peoples Choice Award from National Science Week
2021 Outreach Award from National Science Week
2020 Science Leadership Excellence Award from National Science Week
2017 NAIDOC Award from Fraser Coast NAIDOC Committee
Availability
- Dr Kai Wheeler is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Canberra
- Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, University of Canberra
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
Research interests
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Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing
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Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander health and wellbeing
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Child development and inclusive sport and exercise systems
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Engaging diverse peoples in education
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Fundamental movement skills in children
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Trauma-informed movement and physical activity
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Sport analytics and performance analysis
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Biomechanics and movement analysis
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Strength and conditioning
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Sport coaching and education
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Wearable technology in the assessment of human movement
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Strategic leadership
Research impacts
Dr Wheeler has authored/co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals as well as one book that examined the practical use of wearable technology in sport, which was published by Springer.
Dr Wheeler has over 680 citations attributed to his work, with an H-index of 13 according to Google Scholar.
Dr Wheeler is also a peer reviewer of several high ranked Sport and Exercise Science journals.
Dr Wheeler has presented extensively at a range of national and international conferences. Dr Wheeler has demonstrated strong capacity in the development, implementation, management and completion of funded research projects in human movement disciplines. Dr Wheeler is leading collaborations for improved health outcomes, in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler has applied his research widely in human movement science, including innovative studies investigating the biomechanics of human gait specific to sport.
Dr Wheeler has worked extensively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage in meaningful learning experiences and activities. Dr Wheeler is skilled at translating his work into training programs and seminars aimed at improving theory and practice of human movement, including culturally responsive physical activity. His work challenges traditional views of child development and has been adopted by sport and exercise scientists working in a range of settings. Dr Wheeler’s innovative work in the Fraser Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait community included implementing gender specific engagement programs for secondary school students, various homework clubs, and traditional Indigenous games in primary schools led to him being awarded the 2017 NAIDOC Business award from the Fraser Coast community.
Works
Search Professor Kai Wheeler’s works on UQ eSpace
Featured
2020
Conference Publication
Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.
Featured
2020
Other Outputs
Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. Brisbane, QLD Australia:
Featured
2020
Journal Article
Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review
May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z
Featured
2019
Journal Article
Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study
Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14
Featured
2016
Conference Publication
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .
2024
Journal Article
International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles
Martin, Karen, Dobson, Madeleine, Fitzgerald, Kate, Ford, Madeleine, Lund, Stephan, Egeberg, Helen, Walker, Rebecca, Milroy, Helen, Wheeler, Keane, Kasten-Lee, Amanda, Bayly, Lisa, Gazey, Angela, Falconer, Sarah, Platell, Monique and Berger, Emily (2024). International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51 (4), 1445-1468. doi: 10.1007/s13384-023-00648-2
2024
Journal Article
Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Dick, Sarah, Wheeler, Kai and Keating, Shelley E. (2024). Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 48 (2) 100138, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100138
2024
Conference Publication
Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design
Osmond, Gary, Phillips, Murray G. and Wheeler, Kai (2024). Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design. 2024 NASSH Pre-Conference Workshop: "Sport Studies as a Public Service: Popular Scholarship, Histories, and Activism", Denver, CO, United States, 23-24 May 2024.
2023
Other Outputs
Design of the Athletics Australia First Nations Community Impact Framework
Wheeler, Kai, Hall, Emily, Griffiths, Kealey, Boyd-Ford, Stella, Carle, Maleah, Richard, Veronique, Beckman, Emma and Cairney, John (2023). Design of the Athletics Australia First Nations Community Impact Framework. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2023
Other Outputs
Stakeholder feedback of Indigenous Basketball Australia Pathways and Community Impact through Phase 1 Yarning
Kai Wheeler and Emily Hall (2023). Stakeholder feedback of Indigenous Basketball Australia Pathways and Community Impact through Phase 1 Yarning. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2023
Other Outputs
Preliminary draft national respectful relationships education framework
Pfitzner, N., Berger, E., McCook, S., Stonehouse, C., Allen, K., Ollis, D., Harris, B., Lambert, K., McGowan, J., Sanjakdar, F., Wheeler, K., Stewart, R. and Fitz-Gibbon, K. (2023). Preliminary draft national respectful relationships education framework. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Monash University.
2023
Journal Article
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport: sporting literacy, attenuated agency, and survivance
Phillips, Murray G., Osmond, Gary and Wheeler, Keane (2023). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport: sporting literacy, attenuated agency, and survivance. The International Journal of the History of Sport, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/09523367.2023.2245765
2023
Conference Publication
The double folds of racism and history: silences, concussion and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sportspeople
Phillips, Murray G., Wheeler, Keane and Osmond, Gary (2023). The double folds of racism and history: silences, concussion and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sportspeople. Remembering the Injured Brain in Sport History’ (North American Society for Sport History (NASSH) pre-conference workshop, Washington, DC, United States, 25 May 2023.
2023
Other Outputs
Scoping and gap analysis of tools, resources and training for primary health care professionals, and tools and resources for parents and carers, on early detection of disability or developmental concerns in young children - Final Report
Boyle, F. M., Boyd, R. N., Burgess, A., Cairney, J., Carle, M., Dean, J., Lohan, A., Luke, C., Vlack, S. and Wheeler, K. (2023). Scoping and gap analysis of tools, resources and training for primary health care professionals, and tools and resources for parents and carers, on early detection of disability or developmental concerns in young children - Final Report. Brisbane: The University of Queensland.
2023
Journal Article
Experiences of Aboriginal parents in the context of junior rugby league
Rynne, Steven B., Dittman, Cassandra K., Wheeler, Keane W., Mallett, Cliff J. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2023). Experiences of Aboriginal parents in the context of junior rugby league. Leisure Studies, 42 (5), 751-768. doi: 10.1080/02614367.2022.2143875
2022
Other Outputs
Evaluating the Curious Communities Early Learning Program implemented in the Logan region
Shlager, Emma J., Cairney, John and Wheeler, Keane (2022). Evaluating the Curious Communities Early Learning Program implemented in the Logan region. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland.
2022
Other Outputs
Exploring the Success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan Region: Evaluation Report
Mann, N., Wheeler, K. and Cairney, J. (2022). Exploring the Success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan Region: Evaluation Report. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland.
2021
Conference Publication
Multistakeholder analysis of a novel STEM intervention using physical activity and play
Lee, Jim, Willis, Charlene, Wheeler, Keanne, Parker, Jeff, White, Peter and James, Daniel A. (2021). Multistakeholder analysis of a novel STEM intervention using physical activity and play. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference (REES AAEE 2021), Perth, WA, Australia, 5-8 December 2021. Red Hook, NY, United States: Research in Engineering Education Network. doi: 10.52202/066488-0113
2020
Conference Publication
Engaging the disengaged: A literature driven, retrospective reflection, of a successful student centric STEM intervention
Lee, J., Willis, C., Parker, J., Wheeler, K. and James, D. (2020). Engaging the disengaged: A literature driven, retrospective reflection, of a successful student centric STEM intervention. Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2020, Online, December 2020 .
2020
Conference Publication
The use of wearable technology in the evaluation of gait patterns of soldiers during weighted locomotion
Betts, S., Wheeler, K. and Lee, J. (2020). The use of wearable technology in the evaluation of gait patterns of soldiers during weighted locomotion. Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2020, Online, 7-9 December 2020 .
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Kai Wheeler is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Innovating physical literacy in childhood through the co-design of the MobMoves program
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Murray Phillips, Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Health literacy of rheumatic heart disease within non-family based care
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the Cultural Determinants of Physical Literacy in Diverse Communities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Tackling the Nutrition Burden with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Led and Co- Designed Healthy Living Program
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Robyn Littlewood, Dr Jacki Walker
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Doctor Philosophy
Co-designing trauma informed practices for Exercise Physiologists working with children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Movement Interventions to improve mental well-being in individuals who have experiences trauma
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Opportunities for the management of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Kym Rae, Dr Shelley Keating
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Kai Wheeler directly for media enquiries about:
- aboriginal
- biomechanics
- business leadership
- child development
- child movement
- embedding indigenous perspectives
- exercise
- first nations
- indigenous
- indigenous health
- performance analysis
- physical activity
- sport
- trauma-informed education
- wearable sensors
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