Deakin’s Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (MCEP) is led by incredible, high-achieving staff – many of whom have been recognised by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the peak body for exercise and sports science in Australia. Meet three of them here.
Deakin has proudly retained the #1 ranking globally for sport science. A large part of this ranking can be attributed to the amazing team behind the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, all of whom are accredited exercise physiologists.
We’re proud to have industry leaders spearheading this course and inspiring the next generation of clinicians, teachers and researchers. All our staff are true mentors, leaders, and experts in their fields. Here, we celebrate the standout achievements of three valued team members who have been recognised through ESSA awards and fellowships.
ESSA honours recognise outstanding accredited members who demonstrate a strong commitment to their profession and the industry through their advocacy, practice and understanding of the discipline of exercise science.
Associate Professor Natalie Saunders – 2022 ESSA Female Leader in Exercise Science
Natalie is the Co-Director of Deakin’s Centre for Sports Research. She was previously the co-facilitator of the Deakin Women in Sport and Exercise hub and Deputy Course Co-ordinator for the MCEP. Natalie is a passionate accredited exercise physiologist who focuses on strategies to advance clinical exercise and get more girls and women participating in sport.
In 2022, Natalie was named ESSA Female Leader in Exercise Science, an award she was nominated for by her peers. Recognition of women in sport and exercise science is an issue Natalie is passionate about, and she is humbled to have been nominated.
“I think that the award represented so much about the people that I get to work with and what we try and do in our school, which is really good,” says Natalie.
“We’re actually the clinicians as well as being the academics. I think it's always been an excellent culture and we've cared about what we've done. We've been quite passionate about the industry, and we believe in clinical exercise physiology. We see what difference it makes to people's lives as clinicians, and I think that helps us teach it.”
Natalie completed her PhD in neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics of the female netballer's landing pattern. Among her research interests is women in sport and exercise, deciphering evidence-based research to the community, and understanding and preventing sporting injuries in female athletes.
Dr Niamh Mundell – ESSA Fellow
Niamh is an accredited exercise physiologist and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin. She's served as the ESSA Standards Council Vice Chair and now serves on the ESSA National Board.
Niamh was recognised as an ESSA Fellow, which is awarded in recognition of a high level of professional accomplishment, responsibility and service to both ESSA and the exercise and sports science industry.
“The fellowship recognises the work that I've put in over the years and also the teaching and research side of my contributions. In teaching, I really care about the outcomes for the graduates and love seeing them grow and develop as professionals,” says Niamh.
“I think that exercise physiologists have got a huge role to play in managing mental and physical health for people with chronic diseases.”
Niamh has a keen interest in researching exercise interventions for the management of cancer recovery, mental illness, persisting pain and age-related decline. She has completed a PhD on the benefits of multimodal exercise for cognitive and physical function.
Associate Professor Steve Fraser – ESSA Fellow
Associate Professor Steve Fraser has taught over 5000 students over the past two decades, dedicating his professional life to the development and promotion of exercise. He has been an ESSA member since 2007, and has served as Chair of the ESSA Accreditation Council and Vice President of the Council of Heads of Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences. He currently serves on the ESSA National Board.
As an ESSA Fellow, Steve is recognised as a highly regarded professional who has made significant contributions to ESSA and the broader exercise and sports science industry.
He has also contributed to the initial development of Deakin’s Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology course and served as course director from 2014 until 2021.
“I'm quite happy in the career that I've achieved. I've been passionate about clinical exercise. My goal is that exercise is usual care for anyone with a chronic disease. Whether you've got diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer, it shouldn't matter,” says Steve.
While Steve has earned many honours and leadership positions over the years, watching former students go on to enjoy successful careers is what makes him most proud.
“They’re moving up the ranks to become more senior in their roles, and they’re becoming mentors to the students coming through the course now. I think our graduates are primed for success and I'm quite proud of the fact that so many of them have gone on to see their careers really prosper.”
Be taught by the best in the country. Learn more about our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology today.