Pursuing a PhD was a natural progression for Theresa Heering who developed an interest in health research during her undergraduate studies.
Theresa's passion led her to a Cotutelle PhD in collaboration with Deakin and Coventry University in the UK, giving her research an international perspective. Theresa’s research on Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries has attracted international attention and awards, including Theresa being named PhD Researcher of the Year 2024 at Coventry University.
From Sam Kerr missing the upcoming 2024 Olympics, to Bob Murphy sitting on the sidelines for the Western Bulldogs fairytale AFL Premiership in 2016, we’ve all seen the devastating impact ACL injuries can have on an individual’s physical health and wellbeing, but what if there was a way to reduce the chances of these injuries occurring?
How health research improves wellbeing
Theresa’s thesis, ‘Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children – identifying those at risk’, uses a mixed method approach to identify children at risk before the actual injury occurs. The benefits of this type of preventative health care research are many, both to the individual and society at large.
'Health and medical research have the potential to directly influence our wellbeing and quality of life. For instance, health research contributes to enhancing health outcomes through improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies,' says Theresa.
Alongside the initial acute pain and mobility issues of an ACL injury, patients also suffer long-term health consequences, high re-injury levels and increasing public health care costs. Theresa’s research aims to prevent the instances and severity of paediatric ACL injuries through risk reduction strategies to reduce both the immediate and long-term consequences of the injury.
Her research has engaged stakeholders on global and local levels, including academic experts and sports clubs, coaches and athletes. It has also employed a collaborative approach to co-produce knowledge and raise awareness of paediatric ACL injuries.
'This co-production methodology not only facilitates the dissemination of research findings but can inform practice and policy changes at the community and governing body levels,' Theresa says of her approach.
The PhD journey offered personal growth. I was able to sharpen critical skills like problem-solving and communication, while also forming connections with leading experts in the field.
Theresa Heering
PhD student
The benefits of a Cotutelle PhD program
Undertaking her research as part of a Cotutelle PhD in partnership with Coventry University gave Theresa a unique opportunity to blend her research with travel opportunities. It also increased opportunity for collaboration, networking and international exposure.
A Cotutelle PhD program allows you to complete your research degree across Deakin and one of our international partner universities as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. On completion, you'll be awarded be awarded a PhD from both universities.
Theresa’s research has received international recognition, including prestigious awards and prizes, underscoring the significance of the research topic and its potential for real-world impact. As further recognition of her work, Theresa was nominated for the Early Career Professional Development Program organised by the WHO Europe and Health Enhancing Physical Activity Europe and was named PhD Researcher of the Year 2024 at Coventry University.
For Theresa, undertaking a PhD has allowed her to follow her passion for preventative research that can affect real change for patients.