Profile image of Melanie Nichols

Dr Melanie Nichols

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Senior Research Fellow

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 Obesity Centre, a World Health Organisation (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, including 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. Melanie also worked for 3 years providing support in evaluation and evidence to community-based initiatives across Australia through the CO-OPS Collaboration of Obesity Prevention Sites.
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, and culminated in a significant report which was launched by the European Heart Network on World Heart Day 2012.
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 Obesity Centre, a World Health Organisation (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

Filter by

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
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

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
2017

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
2016

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

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, Dr Melanie Nichols, Prof Anna Peeters, Dr Andrew Bell, Prof Marj Moodie, Prof Liliana Orellana

NHMRC - Partnership Project

  • 2023: $172,894
  • 2022: $311,201
  • 2021: $297,552
  • 2020: $305,461
  • 2019: $247,775
  • 2018: $85,145

PRECIS: PRecision Evidence for Childhood obesity prevention InterventionS

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

NHMRC - Ideas Grant

  • 2023: $138,436
  • 2022: $367,668
  • 2021: $322,739

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 Melanie Nichols, Dr Lynne Millar, 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, Dr 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

Industry and Other Funding

Developing a resource for evidence based healthy living programs

Prof Steven Allender, Dr Melanie Nichols, Prof Boyd Swinburn

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, Dr 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, Dr 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, Dr 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, Dr Melanie Nichols, Dr Kristy Bolton

Western Alliance

  • 2020: $20,595
  • 2019: $41,359

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

Dr Claudia Strugnell, Prof Steven Allender, Dr 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, Dr Melanie Nichols, Dr Jill Whelan, Dr Erica Reeve, Dr Anna Wong Shee

Australasian Medical Publishing Co Proprietary Ltd

  • 2020: $10,000

Other Funding Sources

International Society Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention (ISCEP)

Dr 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
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