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A/Prof. Melanie Nichols

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Associate Professor

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Health & Social Dev

Campus

Geelong Waterfront Campus

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, Deakin University, 2010
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Sciences), Deakin University, 2005
Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics, Deakin University, 2005

Biography

Dr Melanie Nichols is a Senior Research Fellow in GLOBE - the Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University.
Melanie's research focuses on the prevention and epidemiology of obesity, heart disease and other non-communicable diseases, community-based approaches to promoting health and evaluation of large scale interventions and natural experiments. Key interests include early childhood prevention, community-based and complex systems interventions, promoting equity through prevention interventions, and improving use of existing data and systems to generate high quality evidence.

Melanie has worked extensively in evaluation of large scale community-based obesity prevention, beginning with the successful Sentinel Site for Obesity Prevention programs in the Barwon South-Western region of Victoria, which generated world-leading evidence into the effectiveness of whole of community-approaches to obesity prevention. More recently her work includes the collation and harmonisation of data from community-based obesity prevention initiatives globally, and the application of innovative epidemiological and machine learning methods, to generate generalisable insights into the factors that impact on effectiveness and equity of these programs.

Between 2011 and 2012 Melanie worked in the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group at the University of Oxford, UK, leading the European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2012 project as part of the EuroHeart II project, funded by the European Commission. The project examined Europe-wide cardiovascular disease mortality, morbidity, treatment and risk factors, with special attention to inequalities and recent trends.

Melanie completed her PhD in Public Health at Deakin University in 2009. Her PhD thesis investigated issues around prevention of obesity in early childhood, including recent trends in prevalence, behaviours and environments to address the question of whether early childhood should be a priority period for obesity prevention activities. Prior to beginning her research career, Melanie qualified as a dietitian, and worked in the field of gastroenterological disorders. Melanie holds tertiary qualifications in nutrition and dietetics and health promotion.

Read more on Melanie's profile

Biography summary

Dr Melanie Nichols is a Senior Research Fellow in GLOBE - the Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention at Deakin University.

Melanie's research focuses on the prevention and epidemiology of obesity, heart disease and other non-communicable diseases, community-based approaches to promoting health and evaluation of large scale interventions and natural experiments. Key interests include early childhood prevention, community-based and complex systems interventions, promoting equity through prevention interventions, and improving use of existing data and systems to generate high quality evidence.

Research interests

Evaluation of large scale and 'natural' experiments in public health

Epidemiological modelling of non-communicable diseases

Community-based approaches to obesity prevention

Improved use of routine datasets for monitoring population health

Units taught

HSH744 - Epidemiology 1 (Masters of Public Health core unit)

Publications

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2024

Are climate-change actions present in community-based obesity prevention interventions? Development and application of the DoublE-duty actions in CommunIty-baSed obesity InterVEntions (DECISIVE) framework

N Ward, M Nichols, M Moodie, B Swinburn, K Bolton, P Fraser, V Brown

(2024), pp. 1-12, Journal of Public Health, Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article

Life-course trajectories of body mass index and cardiovascular disease risks and health outcomes in adulthood: Systematic review and meta-analysis

K Kibret, C Strugnell, K Backholer, A Peeters, T Tegegne, M Nichols

(2024), Obesity Reviews, England, C1

journal article

The common drivers of children and young people's health and wellbeing across 13 local government areas: a systems view

S O’Halloran, J Hayward, M Valdivia Cabrera, T Felmingham, P Fraser, C Needham, J Poorter, D Creighton, M Johnstone, M Nichols, S Allender

(2024), Vol. 24, BMC Public Health, C1

journal article
2023

Understanding weight status and dietary intakes among Australian school children by remoteness: A cross-sectional study

Jane Jacobs, Claudia Strugnell, Denise Becker, Jill Whelan, Josh Hayward, Melanie Nichols, Andrew Brown, Victoria Brown, Steven Allender, Colin Bell, Andrew Sanigorski, Liliana Orellana, Laura Alston

(2023), Vol. 26, pp. 1185-1193, Public Health Nutrition, Cambridge, Eng., C1

journal article

Community coalition efforts to prevent childhood obesity: two-year results of the Shape Up Under 5 study

C Economos, L Calancie, A Korn, S Allender, J Appel, P Bakun, E Hennessy, P Hovmand, M Kasman, M Nichols, M Pachucki, B Swinburn, A Tovar, R Hammond

(2023), Vol. 23, pp. 1-10, BMC Public Health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Dietary patterns in rural and metropolitan Australia: a cross-sectional study exploring dietary patterns, inflammation and association with cardiovascular disease risk factors

L Alston, M Nichols, S Allender, V Versace, L Brown, T Schumacher, G Howard, J Shikany, K Bolton, K Livingstone, C Zorbas, S Judd

(2023), Vol. 13, pp. e069475-, BMJ open, England, C1

journal article

A systematic review of economic evidence for community-based obesity prevention interventions in children

M Sultana, M Nichols, M Moodie, S Allender, V Brown

(2023), Vol. 24, pp. 1-14, Obesity Reviews, London, Eng., C1

journal article

How healthy and affordable are foods and beverages sold in school canteens? A cross-sectional study comparing menus from Victorian primary schools

A Hill, M Blake, L Alston, M Nichols, C Bell, P Fraser, H Le, C Strugnell, S Allender, K Bolton

(2023), pp. 1-30, Public Health Nutrition, England, C1

journal article

Burdens of non-communicable disease attributable to metabolic risk factors in Australia, 1990-2019: joinpoint regression analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study

Kelemu Kibret, Kathryn Backholer, Anna Peeters, Fisaha Tesfay, Melanie Nichols

(2023), Vol. 13, pp. e071319-e071319, BMJ Open, London, Eng., C1

journal article

High but decreasing prevalence of overweight in preschool children: encouragement for further action.

Sarah Maessen, Melanie Nichols, Wayne Cutfield, Shane Norris, Christoph Beger, Ken Ong

(2023), Vol. 383, pp. 1-4, BMJ, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Diet-Related Disease Prevention in a Rural Australian Setting: Understanding Barriers, Enablers, and the Role of Rural Health Services in Supporting Changes in Local Rural Food Environments

N Wheaton, E Alston, V Versace, M Field, A Wong Shee, J Jacobs, K Backholer, S Allender, M Nichols, C Needham, K Bolton, M Blake, F Stewart, E Close, L Alston

(2023), Vol. 15, pp. 4979-4979, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Spillover effects of childhood obesity prevention interventions: A systematic review

V Brown, H Tran, J Jacobs, J Ananthapavan, C Strugnell, K Backholer, M Sultana, M Alsubhi, S Allender, R Novotny, M Nichols

(2023), pp. e13692-, Obesity Reviews, England, C1

journal article
2022

A Theory of Change for Community-Based Systems Interventions to Prevent Obesity

A Brown, J Whelan, K Bolton, P Nagorcka-Smith, J Hayward, P Fraser, C Strugnell, T Felmingham, M Nichols, C Bell, H Le, S Allender

(2022), Vol. 62, pp. 786-794, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Netherlands, C1

journal article

Testing the accuracy of a bedside screening tool framework to clinical records for identification of patients at risk of malnutrition in a rural setting: An exploratory study

L Alston, M Green, M Nichols, S Partridge, A Buccheri, K Bolton, V Versace, M Field, A Launder, A Lily, S Allender, L Orellana

(2022), Vol. 14, pp. 1-9, Nutrients, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Relationship between "Blue Space" Proximity and Children's Weight Status, Health Behaviors, and Health-Related Quality of Life among a Sample of Regional Victorian Primary School Children

N Crooks, D Becker, C Gaskin, M Nichols, K Bolton, L Orellana, P Fraser, H Le, A Brown, C Bell, J Bliss, S Allender, C Strugnell

(2022), Vol. 18, pp. 1-13, Childhood Obesity, New Rochelle, New York, C1

journal article

Cost-effectiveness of scaling up a whole-of-community intervention: The Romp & Chomp early childhood obesity prevention intervention

H Tran, A Killedar, E Tan, M Moodie, A Hayes, B Swinburn, M Nichols, V Brown

(2022), pp. 1-11, Pediatric Obesity, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Systematic review of the effectiveness of health promotion interventions targeting obesity prevention in school-based staff

A Hill, L Alston, C Needham, A Peeters, A Lamontagne, M Nichols

(2022), Vol. 37, Health Promotion International, England, C1

journal article

The impact of coalition characteristics on outcomes in community-based initiatives targeting the social determinants of health: a systematic review

P Nagorcka-Smith, K Bolton, J Dam, M Nichols, L Alston, M Johnstone, S Allender

(2022), Vol. 22, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article

Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevention Obesity and Non-communicable Disease (RESPOND): Protocol and baseline outcomes for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised prevention trial

J Whelan, J Hayward, M Nichols, A Brown, L Orellana, V Brown, D Becker, C Bell, B Swinburn, A Peeters, M Moodie, S Geddes, C Chadwick, S Allender, C Strugnell

(2022), Vol. 12, BMJ Open, England, C1

journal article
2021

Socio-economic and Regional Differences in Walkability and Greenspace Around Primary Schools: A Census of Australian Primary School Neighbourhoods

J Jacobs, K Backholer, C Strugnell, S Allender, M Nichols

(2021), Vol. 46, pp. 98-107, Journal of Community Health, Netherlands, C1

journal article

Understanding the healthfulness of outlets providing lunch and dinner meals: a census of a rural food retail environment in Victoria, Australia

L Alston, V Versace, E Brown, M Nichols, J Whelan, K Bolton, G Sacks, C Needham, L Orellana, S Allender

(2021), Vol. 45, pp. 65-70, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article

Association between the school physical activity environment, measured and self-reported student physical activity and active transport behaviours in Victoria, Australia

N Crooks, L Alston, M Nichols, K Bolton, S Allender, P Fraser, H Le, J Bliss, C Rennie, L Orellana, C Strugnell

(2021), Vol. 18, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, England, C1

journal article

Inequalities in early childhood body-mass index Z scores in Victoria, Australia: a 15-year observational study

M Nichols, S Allender, B Swinburn, L Orellana

(2021), Vol. 6, pp. e462-e471, The Lancet Public Health, England, C1

journal article

Is the physical activity environment surrounding primary schools associated with students' weight status, physical activity or active transport, in regional areas of Victoria, Australia? A cross-sectional study

J Jacobs, N Crooks, S Allender, C Strugnell, K Backholer, M Nichols

(2021), Vol. 11, BMJ Open, England, C1

journal article

The impact of a community-based intervention on weight, weight-related behaviours and health-related quality of life in primary school children in Victoria, Australia, according to socio-economic position

J Jacobs, C Strugnell, S Allender, L Orellana, K Backholer, K Bolton, P Fraser, H Le, A Brown, M Nichols

(2021), Vol. 21, BMC Public Health, England, C1

journal article
2020

A comparison of the modelled impacts on CVD mortality if attainment of public health recommendations was achieved in metropolitan and rural Australia

L Alston, J Jacobs, S Allender, M Nichols

(2020), Vol. 23, pp. 339-347, Public Health Nutrition, England, C1

journal article

Integrating Complex Systems Methods to Advance Obesity Prevention Intervention Research

E Hennessy, C Economos, R Hammond, L Sweeney, L Brukilacchio, V Chomitz, J Collins, E Nahar, N Rioles, S Allender, B Swinburn, M Gillman, P Hovmand, M Kasman, M Nichols

(2020), Vol. 47, pp. 213-223, Health Education and Behavior, United States, C1

journal article

Responsibility for evidence-based policy in cardiovascular disease in rural communities: Implications for persistent rural health inequalities

L Alston, L Bourke, M Nichols, S Allender

(2020), Vol. 44, pp. 527-534, Australian health review, Clayton, Vic., C1

journal article

Profiling malnutrition prevalence among australian rural in-patients using a retrospective census of electronic medical files over a 12-month period

L Alston, M Green, V Versace, K Bolton, K Widdicombe, A Buccheri, D Imran, S Allender, L Orellana, M Nichols

(2020), Vol. 17, pp. 1-11, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Protocol for the measurement of changes in knowledge and engagement in the stepped wedge cluster randomised trial for childhood obesity prevention in Australia: (Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non-communicable Disease (RESPOND))

J Whelan, C Strugnell, S Allender, A Korn, A Brown, L Orellana, J Hayward, V Brown, C Bell, M Moodie, A Peeters, M Nichols

(2020), Vol. 21, Trials, England, C1

journal article

Beyond the black stump: rapid reviews of health research issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia

S Osborne, L Alston, K Bolton, J Whelan, E Reeve, A Wong Shee, J Browne, T Walker, V Versace, S Allender, M Nichols, K Backholer, N Goodwin, S Lewis, H Dalton, G Prael, M Curtin, R Brooks, S Verdon, J Crockett, G Hodgins, S Walsh, D Lyle, S Thompson, L Browne, S Knight, S Pit, M Jones, M Gillam, M Leach, D Gonzalez-Chica, K Muyambi, T Eshetie, K Tran, E May, G Lieschke, V Parker, A Smith, C Hayes, A Dunlop, H Rajappa, R White, P Oakley, S Holliday

(2020), Vol. 213, pp. S3-S32.e1, Medical Journal of Australia, Australia, C1

journal article

Retail initiatives to improve the healthiness of food environments in rural, regional and remote communities

Laura Alston, Kristy Bolton, Jill Whelan, Erica Reeve, Anna Shee, Jennifer Browne, Troy Walker, Vincent Versace, Steven Allender, Melanie Nichols, Kathryn Backholer

(2020), Vol. 213, pp. S5-+, MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA, C1

journal article
2019

Epidemiology report: trends in sex-specific cerebrovascular disease mortality in Europe based on WHO mortality data

Rushabh Shah, Elizabeth Wilkins, Melanie Nichols, Paul Kelly, Farah El-Sadi, F Wright, Nick Townsend

(2019), Vol. 40, pp. 755-764, European heart journal, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Variation in the physical activity environment according to area-level socio-economic position-a systematic review

Jane Jacobs, Laura Alston, Cindy Needham, Kathryn Backholer, Claudia Strugnell, Steven Allender, Melanie Nichols

(2019), Vol. 20, pp. 686-700, Obesity reviews, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

Policy makers' perceptions of the high burden of heart disease in rural Australia: Implications for the implementation of evidence-based rural health policy

L Alston, M Nichols, S Allender

(2019), Vol. 14, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article

Activating a Community: An Agent-Based Model of Romp & Chomp, a Whole-of-Community Childhood Obesity Intervention

M Kasman, R Hammond, B Heuberger, A Mack-Crane, R Purcell, C Economos, B Swinburn, S Allender, M Nichols

(2019), Vol. 27, pp. 1494-1502, Obesity, United States, C1

journal article

Associations between school food environments, body mass index and dietary intakes among regional school students in Victoria, Australia: A cross-sectional study

L Alston, N Crooks, C Strugnell, L Orellana, S Allender, C Rennie, M Nichols

(2019), Vol. 16, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2018

Obesity in Australia

O Huse, J Hettiarachchi, E Gearon, M Nichols, S Allender, A Peeters

(2018), Vol. 12, pp. 29-39, Obesity research & clinical practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Understanding a successful obesity prevention initiative in children under 5 from a systems perspective

B Owen, A Brown, J Kuhlberg, L Millar, M Nichols, C Economos, S Allender

(2018), Vol. 13, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article

Networks for prevention in 19 communities at the start of a large-scale community-based obesity prevention initiative

J Marks, A Sanigorski, B Owen, J McGlashan, L Millar, M Nichols, C Strugnell, S Allender

(2018), Vol. 8, pp. 575-584, Translational behavioral medicine, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Social network analysis of stakeholder networks from two community-based obesity prevention interventions

J McGlashan, M Nichols, A Korn, L Millar, J Marks, A Sanigorski, M Pachucki, B Swinburn, S Allender, C Economos

(2018), Vol. 13, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article

Regional variation in cardiovascular mortality in Australia 2009-2012: the impact of remoteness and socioeconomic status

J Jacobs, K Peterson, S Allender, L Alston, M Nichols

(2018), Vol. 42, pp. 467-473, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article
2017

Rural Inequalities in the Australian Burden of Ischaemic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

L Alston, S Allender, K Peterson, J Jacobs, M Nichols

(2017), Vol. 26, pp. 122-133, Heart Lung and Circulation, Australia, C1

journal article

Comparison between measured and perceived weight status in a nationally representative sample of Australian adults

J Herbert, K Peterson, L Alston, S Allender, M Nichols

(2017), Vol. 11, pp. 414-425, Obesity research & clinical practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

School-based systems change for obesity prevention in adolescents: outcomes of the Australian Capital Territory 'It's Your Move!'

M Malakellis, E Hoare, A Sanigorski, N Crooks, S Allender, M Nichols, B Swinburn, C Chikwendu, P Kelly, S Petersen, L Millar

(2017), Vol. 41, pp. 490-496, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Australia, C1

journal article

Quantifying the role of modifiable risk factors in the differences in cardiovascular disease mortality rates between metropolitan and rural populations in Australia: A macrosimulation modelling study

L Alston, K Peterson, J Jacobs, S Allender, M Nichols

(2017), Vol. 7, BMJ Open, C1

journal article
2016

Depressive symptomatology, weight status and obesogenic risk among Australian adolescents: A prospective cohort study

E Hoare, L Millar, M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, H Skouteris, M Nichols, M Malakellis, B Swinburn, S Allender

(2016), Vol. 6, BMJ Open, England, C1

journal article

Characterising the extent of misreporting of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes using the Australian Health Survey

K Peterson, J Jacobs, S Allender, L Alston, M Nichols

(2016), Vol. 16, BMC Public Health, C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe: Epidemiological update 2016

N Townsend, L Wilson, P Bhatnagar, K Wickramasinghe, M Rayner, M Nichols

(2016), Vol. 37, pp. 3232-3245, European Heart Journal, England, C1

journal article

A systematic review of published interventions for primary and secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in rural populations of Australia

L Alston, K Peterson, J Jacobs, S Allender, M Nichols

(2016), Vol. 16, BMC Public Health, C1

journal article

Quantifying the Association Between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A Wahid, A Wahid, N Manek, N Manek, M Nichols, M Nichols, P Kelly, P Kelly, C Foster, C Foster, P Webster, P Webster, A Kaur, A Kaur, C Friedemann Smith, C Friedemann Smith, E Wilkins, E Wilkins, M Rayner, M Rayner, N Roberts, N Roberts, P Scarborough, P Scarborough

(2016), Vol. 5, Journal of the American Heart Association, C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe 2016: an epidemiological update

N Townsend, L Wilson, P Bhatnagar, K Wickramasinghe, M Rayner, M Nichols

(2016), Vol. 37, pp. 3182-3183, European heart journal, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article
2015

Systematic review of mental health and well-being outcomes following community-based obesity prevention interventions among adolescents

E Hoare, M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, H Skouteris, L Millar, M Nichols, S Allender

(2015), Vol. 5, BMJ Open, England, C1

journal article

Web search activity data accurately predict population chronic disease risk in the USA

T Nguyen, T Tran, W Luo, S Gupta, S Rana, Q Phung, M Nichols, L Millar, S Venkatesh, S Allender

(2015), Vol. 69, pp. 693-699, Journal of epidemiology and community health, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Is demography destiny? Application of machine learning techniques to accurately predict population health outcomes from a minimal demographic dataset

W Luo, T Nguyen, M Nichols, T Tran, S Rana, S Gupta, Q Phung, S Venkatesh, S Allender

(2015), Vol. 10, pp. 1-13, PLoS One, San Francisco, Calif., C1

journal article

The stability of weight status through the early to middle childhood years in Australia: a longitudinal study

N Wheaton, L Millar, S Allender, M Nichols

(2015), Vol. 5, pp. 1-9, BMJ open, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe - epidemiological update 2015

N Townsend, M Nichols, P Scarborough, M Rayner

(2015), Vol. 36, pp. 2696-2705, European heart journal, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article

Critical design features for establishing a childhood obesity monitoring program in Australia

K Lacy, M Nichols, A De Silva, S Allender, B Swinburn, E Leslie, L Jones, P Kremer

(2015), Vol. 21, pp. 369-372, Australian journal of primary health, Melbourne, Vic, C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe 2015 : epidemiological update

N Townsend, M Nichols, P Scarborough, M Rayner

(2015), Vol. 36, pp. 2696-2705, European heart journal, London, Eng., C1

journal article
2014

Relationship between raised BMI and sugar sweetened beverage and high fat food consumption among children

L Millar, B Rowland, M Nichols, B Swinburn, C Bennett, H Skouteris, S Allender

(2014), Vol. 22, Obesity, Hoboken, N. J., C1

journal article

Associations between obesogenic risk and depressive symptomatology in Australian adolescents : a cross-sectional study

E Hoare, L Millar, M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, H Skouteris, M Nichols, F Jacka, B Swinburn, C Chikwendu, S Allender

(2014), Vol. 68, pp. 767-772, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, London, England, C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe 2014: epidemiological update

M Nichols, N Townsend, P Scarborough, M Rayner

(2014), Vol. 35, pp. 2950-2959, European heart journal, Oxford, England, C1

journal article

A systematic review and meta-analysis of whole of community interventions to prevent excessive population weight gain

L Wolfenden, R Wyse, M Nichols, S Allender, L Millar, P McElduff

(2014), Vol. 62, pp. 193-200, Preventive medicine, Maryland Heights, Missouri, C1

journal article
2013

Increasing community capacity and decreasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in a community based intervention among Australian adolescents

L Millar, N Robertson, S Allender, M Nichols, C Bennett, B Swinburn

(2013), Vol. 56, pp. 379-384, Preventive medicine, Maryland Heights, Mo., C1

journal article

Inconsistent associations between sweet drink intake and 2-year change in BMI among Victorian children and adolescents

B Jensen, M Nichols, S Allender, A de Silva-Sanigorski, L Millar, P Kremer, K Lacy, B Swinburn

(2013), Vol. 8, pp. 271-283, Pediatric obesity, Oxford, England, C1

journal article

Adolescent dietary patterns in Fiji and their relationships with standardized body mass index

J Wate, W Snowdon, L Millar, M Nichols, H Mavoa, R Goundar, A Kama, B Swinburn

(2013), Vol. 10, pp. 1-12, International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, London, England, C1

journal article

Trends in age-specific coronary heart disease mortality in the European Union over three decades: 1980-2009

M Nichols, N Townsend, P Scarborough, M Rayner

(2013), Vol. 34, pp. 3017-3027, European heart journal, Oxford, England, C1

journal article

Community-based efforts to prevent obesity: Australia-wide survey of projects

M Nichols, R Reynolds, E Waters, T Gill, L King, B Swinburn, S Allender

(2013), pp. 1-7, Health promotion journal of Australia, Camperdown, N. S. W., C1

journal article

Cardiovascular disease in Europe: epidemiological update

M Nichols, N Townsend, P Scarborough, M Rayner

(2013), Vol. 34, pp. 3028-3034, European heart journal, Oxford, England, C1

journal article
2012

What is the optimal level of population alcohol consumption for chronic disease prevention in England? Modelling the impact of changes in average consumption levels

M Nichols, P Scarborough, S Allender, M Rayner

(2012), Vol. 2, pp. 1-10, BMJ Open, London, England, C1

journal article

Process and impact evaluation of the romp & chomp obesity prevention intervention in early childhood settings : lessons learned from implementation in preschools and long day care settings

A de Silva-Sanigorski, A Bell, P Kremer, J Park, L Demajo, M Smith, S Sharp, M Nichols, L Carpenter, R Boak, B Swinburn

(2012), Vol. 8, pp. 205-215, Childhood obesity, New Rochelle, N.Y., C1

journal article

Consumption patterns of sweet drinks in a population of Australian children and adolescents (2003-2008)

B Jensen, M Nichols, S Allender, A de Silva-Sanigorski, L Millar, P Kremer, K Lacy, B Swinburn

(2012), Vol. 12, pp. 1-12, BMC public health, London, England, C1

journal article
2011

Obesity prevention in the family day care setting : impact of the romp & chomp intervention on opportunities for children's physical activity and healthy eating

A de Silva-Sanigorski, D Elea, C Bell, P Kremer, L Carpenter, M Nichols, M Smith, S Sharp, R Boak, B Swinburn

(2011), Vol. 37, pp. 385-393, Child : care, health and development, Oxford, England, C1

journal article

The development of a network for community based obesity prevention : the CO-OPS collaboration

S Allender, M Nichols, C Foulkes, R Reynolds, E Waters, L King, T Gill, R Armstrong, B Swinburn

(2011), Vol. 11, pp. 1-8, BMC public health, London, England, C1

journal article

Decreasing trends in overweight and obesity among an Australian population of preschool children

M Nichols, A de Silva-Sanigorski, J Cleary, S Goldfeld, A Colahan, B Swinburn

(2011), Vol. 35, pp. 916-924, International journal of obesity, London, England, C1

journal article
2010

Selection of priority groups for obesity prevention current approaches and development of an evidence-informed framework

M Nichols, B Swinburn

(2010), Vol. 11, pp. 731-739, Obesity reviews, Oxford, England, C1

journal article

Reducing obesity in early childhood : results from romp & chomp, an Australian community-wide intervention program

A De Silva-Sanigorski, A Bell, P Kremer, M Nichols, M Crellin, M Smith, S Sharp, F de Groot, L Carpenter, R Boak, N Robertson, B Swinburn

(2010), Vol. 91, pp. 831-840, American journal of clinical nutrition, Bethesda, Md., C1

journal article
2009

Assessing the intake of obesity-related foods and beverages in young children: comparison of a simple population survey with 24 hr-recall

C Bennett, A de Silva-Sanigorski, M Nichols, A Bell, B Swinburn

(2009), Vol. 6, pp. 1-6, International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, London, England, C1

journal article

Nutrition and physical activity in children and adolescents : Report 1 : methods and tools

L Mathews, P Kremer, A Sanigorski, A Simmons, M Nichols, M Moodie, B Swinburn

(2009), Melbourne, Vic., A6

research report/technical paper

Romp & chomp : Healthy eating and active play for Geelong under 5s : Process report for objective 3

A de Silva-Sanigorski, N Robertson, M Nichols

(2009), [Geelong, Vic.], A6

research report/technical paper

Romp & chomp : Healthy eating and active play for Geelong under 5s : Process report for objective 8

M Nichols, M Crellin, A de Silva-Sanigorski

(2009), [Geelong, Vic.], A6

research report/technical paper

Romp & chomp : Healthy eating and active play for Geelong under 5s

F de Groot, N Robertson, A de Silva-Sanigorski, S Parker, M Nichols, F Frawley, T Sacks, M Brennan, K Stagnitti, M Crellin

(2009), [Geelong, Vic.], A6

research report/technical paper

Funded Projects at Deakin

Australian Competitive Grants

RESPOND: Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non-Communicable Disease

Prof Steven Allender, Dr Claudia Strugnell, Prof Boyd Swinburn, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Anna Peeters, Dr Andrew Bell, Prof Marj Moodie, Prof Liliana Orellana

NHMRC - Partnership Project

  • 2023: $311,209
  • 2022: $311,201
  • 2021: $297,552
  • 2020: $305,461
  • 2019: $247,775
  • 2018: $85,145

PRECIS: PRecision Evidence for Childhood obesity prevention InterventionS

A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Kathryn Backholer, Prof Boyd Swinburn, Dr Victoria Brown, Dr Thin Nguyen, Prof Christina Economos

NHMRC - Ideas Grant

  • 2024: $101,889
  • 2023: $332,248
  • 2022: $367,668
  • 2021: $322,739

Systems Thinking with Active Implementation Research (STAIR) to prevent childhood obesity: an effectiveness-implementation trial

Prof Colin Bell, Dr Jill Whelan, Prof Steven Allender, Dr Luke Wolfenden, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Dr Victoria Brown, A/Prof Serene Yoong, Prof Liliana Orellana, A/Prof Kristy Bolton

NHMRC - Partnership Project

  • 2024: $94,777
  • 2023: $115,020

Other Public Sector Funding

(Phase 2) - Provision and Evaluation of the It's Your Move Program in the ACT. (Phase 1) - systems-based interventions to promote healthy weight in ACT secondary schools - program planning

Dr Lynne Millar, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Boyd Swinburn, Prof Steven Allender

Aust Capital Territory Department of Health ACT Government Health Information

  • 2014: $106,146
  • 2012: $118,000
  • 2011: $5,537

RESPOND: Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non-Communicable Disease

Prof Steven Allender, Dr Claudia Strugnell, Prof Boyd Swinburn, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Anna Peeters, Dr Andrew Bell, Prof Marj Moodie, Prof Liliana Orellana

VicHealth - Partnership

  • 2020: $25,000
  • 2019: $25,000
  • 2018: $25,000

Systems Thinking with Active Implementation Research (STAIR) to prevent childhood obesity: an effectiveness-implementation trial

Prof Colin Bell, Dr Jill Whelan, Prof Steven Allender, Dr Luke Wolfenden, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Dr Victoria Brown, A/Prof Serene Yoong, Prof Liliana Orellana, A/Prof Kristy Bolton

VicHealth - NHMRC Partnership Project Grants

  • 2024: $20,000

Industry and Other Funding

Developing a resource for evidence based healthy living programs

Prof Steven Allender, Prof Boyd Swinburn, A/Prof Melanie Nichols

Centre of Excellence in Intervention and Prevention Science Limited

  • 2012: $80,000

HeartStats Project: The Heart Foundation/Deakin University Australian Heart Disease Statistics Project

Prof Steven Allender, A/Prof Melanie Nichols

NHF Health Professional Scholarship - National Heart Foundation of Australia, NHF Grant Cat 3 - Research - National Heart Foundation of Australia

  • 2015: $160,694
  • 2014: $169,230
  • 2013: $144,932

RESPOND: Reflexive Evidence and Systems interventions to Prevent Obesity and Non-Communicable Disease

Prof Steven Allender, Dr Claudia Strugnell, Prof Boyd Swinburn, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Anna Peeters, Dr Andrew Bell, Prof Marj Moodie, Prof Liliana Orellana

Goulburn Valley Primary Care Partnership

  • 2019: $22,500
  • 2018: $22,500

Evaluation of the amended Victorian Achievement Program for schools - Pilot study of outcomes for teachers

Prof Anna Peeters, Prof Liliana Orellana, Prof Tony LaMontagne, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Dr Claudia Strugnell, Dr Victoria Brown, Mr Nic Crooks

Teachers Health Foundation

  • 2020: $85,000
  • 2019: $92,000
  • 2018: $40,000

Preventing chronic diseases in rural populations for future generations: The role of rural health services in guiding community efforts to improve the food environment.

Dr Laura Alston, Prof Steven Allender, Prof Vincent Versace, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, A/Prof Kristy Bolton

Western Alliance

  • 2023: $20,595
  • 2020: $20,595
  • 2019: $41,359

Translate a community-based and 'systems informed' childhood obesity intervention.

Dr Claudia Strugnell, Prof Steven Allender, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Anna Peeters, Prof Colin Bell, Prof Marj Moodie, Prof Liliana Orellana, Dr Josh Hayward, Mr Andrew Brown

Nexus Primary Health

  • 2019: $70,000
  • 2018: $70,000

A review of evidence on interventions to improve the availability and promotion of healthy food in rural communities.

Dr Laura Alston, Prof Kathryn Backholer, Prof Vincent Versace, Prof Steven Allender, A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Dr Jill Whelan, Dr Anna Wong Shee, Dr Erica Reeve

Australasian Medical Publishing Co Proprietary Ltd

  • 2020: $10,000

Other Funding Sources

International Society Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention (ISCEP)

A/Prof Melanie Nichols, Prof Steven Allender

International Society of Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention

  • 2017: $15,000
  • 2016: $15,000
  • 2015: $62,000

Supervisions

Principal Supervisor
2024

Mary Lou Wetzel Chatterton

Thesis entitled: Cost-Effectiveness of Adjunctive Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder in Australia

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2021

Jane Jacobs

Thesis entitled: Socio-economic and regional variation in childhood obesity prevalence and determinants

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2019

Laura Veronica Alston

Thesis entitled: Policy priorities to reduce disparities in ischaemic heart disease among rural Australians

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

Associate Supervisor
2016

Erin Jane Hoare

Thesis entitled: Obesogenic risk and depression: patterns and prevention among adolescents

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development

2015

Jillian Tutuo Wate

Thesis entitled: Obesity, Dietary Choices, and Sociocultural Influences among Fijian Adolescents

Doctor of Philosophy (Health & Social Development), School of Health and Social Development