University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Background
Dr O’Brien was awarded a PhD in Behavioural Sciences in April 2019 from the University of Newcastle.
Dr O’Brien has over 9 years’ experience in the implementation and evaluation of community-based chronic disease prevention programs. These have focused predominantly on the evaluation of large-scale school-based health promotion programs targeting obesity, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use in young people. Dr O’Brien is an expert in evidence synthesis methodology, including living evidence systems, and is an employed Methods Editor for Cochrane Public Health.
Dr O’Brien is currently in a lead role investigating the implementation of school-based healthy eating and physical activity interventions, including a series of systematic reviews, a national survey of primary schools, and a prioritisation study with policy and practitioner stakeholders.
Role in NCOIS
Post-doctoral researcher