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
2022
Other Outputs
Exploring the success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan region: evaluation report
Mann, Navjeet, Wheeler, Keane and Cairney, John (2022). Exploring the success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan region: evaluation report. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The 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 .
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 National Conference, Online , 1-3 December 2020.
2019
Book
Wearable sensors in sport : a practical guide to usage and implementation
Lee, James, Wheeler, Keane and James, Daniel A. (2019). Wearable sensors in sport : a practical guide to usage and implementation. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-13-3777-2
2016
Conference Publication
Where are the Ghundus? A retrospective exploration of the long-term impact of and Indigenous educational aspirations program on participants
Louth, S., Wheeler, K., Bonner, J. and Vea Vea, H. (2016). Where are the Ghundus? A retrospective exploration of the long-term impact of and Indigenous educational aspirations program on participants. Australia Association for Research in Education Conference 2016, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 27 November - 1 December 2016.
2014
Journal Article
Validity of the SenseWear armband to assess energy expenditure during intermittent exercise and recovery in rugby union players
Zanetti, Sara, Pumpa, Kate L., Wheeler, Keane W. and Pyne, David B. (2014). Validity of the SenseWear armband to assess energy expenditure during intermittent exercise and recovery in rugby union players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28 (4), 1090-1095. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000243
2013
Journal Article
Effective defensive strategies at the ruck contest in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane, Mills, David, Lyons, Keith and Harrinton, Warrick (2013). Effective defensive strategies at the ruck contest in rugby union. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 8 (3), 481-491. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.8.3.481
2013
Journal Article
The volume of goal shooting during training can predict shoulder soreness in elite female water polo players
Wheeler, Keane, Kefford, Tamara, Mosler, Andrea, Lebedew, Alexis and Lyons, Keith (2013). The volume of goal shooting during training can predict shoulder soreness in elite female water polo players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16 (3), 255-258. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.06.006
2012
Conference Publication
Attacking effectiveness of Japanese fast paced rugby in 2011
Ipponsugi, H. and Wheeler, K. (2012). Attacking effectiveness of Japanese fast paced rugby in 2011. International Conference on Sports and Exercise Science, Bangkok, Thailand, September 2012 .
2012
Journal Article
Attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in high level women's football
Mara, Jocelyn K., Wheeler, Keane W. and Lyons, Keith (2012). Attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in high level women's football. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 7 (3), 565-577. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.565
2012
Conference Publication
Changes to agility running technique during reactive performance conditions
Wheeler, K. (2012). Changes to agility running technique during reactive performance conditions. 30th Annual Conference of Biomechanics in Sports, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 2012.
2011
Journal Article
Anthropometrical, physiological, and tracked power profiles of elite taekwondo athletes 9 weeks before the olympic competition phase
Ball, Nick, Nolan, Emily and Wheeler, Keane (2011). Anthropometrical, physiological, and tracked power profiles of elite taekwondo athletes 9 weeks before the olympic competition phase. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25 (10), 2752-2763. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31820d9f3f
2011
Journal Article
Rugby union contact skills alter evasive agility performance during attacking ball carries
Wheeler, Keane and Sayers, Mark (2011). Rugby union contact skills alter evasive agility performance during attacking ball carries. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 6 (3), 419-432. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.6.3.419
2011
Journal Article
Tactical and technical factors associated with effective ball offloading strategies during the tackle in rugby league
Wheeler, Keane W., Wiseman, Rachael and Lyons, Keith (2011). Tactical and technical factors associated with effective ball offloading strategies during the tackle in rugby league. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 11 (2), 392-409. doi: 10.1080/24748668.2011.11868558
2010
Journal Article
Modification of agility running technique in reaction to a defender in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane W. and Sayers, Mark G.L. (2010). Modification of agility running technique in reaction to a defender in rugby union. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 9 (3), 445-451.
2010
Journal Article
Effective attacking strategies in rugby union
Wheeler, Keane W., Askew, Christopher D. and Sayers, Mark G. (2010). Effective attacking strategies in rugby union. European Journal of Sport Science, 10 (4), 237-242. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2010.482595
2009
Conference Publication
Breaking the tackle in rugby union
Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). Breaking the tackle in rugby union. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
2009
Conference Publication
Tackle height and the influence on tackle outcome in rugby league
Ibbott, P. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Tackle height and the influence on tackle outcome in rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .
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
Co-designing trauma informed practices for Exercise Physiologists working with children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney
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Doctor Philosophy
Strengthening Wellbeing: Exploring the Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Social and Emotional Wellbeing Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating, Professor Kym Rae
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Master Philosophy
Evaluating the association between perinatal cultural connectedness and socioemotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kym Rae
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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: Dr Azhar Potia, 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, Dr Azhar Potia
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Doctor Philosophy
Trauma-informed education in partnership with First Nations communities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jessica Lee
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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
Health literacy of rheumatic heart disease within non-family based care
Principal 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: Professor Kym Rae, Dr Shelley Keating
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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
Transition to secondary school: Supporting successful educational pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen Thorpe, Dr Azhar Potia
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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: Professor Kym Rae, Dr Shelley Keating
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Doctor Philosophy
Deadly Fit Mums: yarning about health and wellbeing of mums and their families.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Judith Dean, Associate Professor Federica Barzi
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Doctor Philosophy
Deadly Fit Mums: yarning about health and wellbeing of mums and their families.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Judith Dean, Associate Professor Federica Barzi
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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