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Striding across the stage to collect her doctorate was a surreal moment for Carolyn Taylor.
The La Trobe University graduate had worked on her PhD in physiology part time for more than eight years.
Prior to that she secured a degree in sports science and worked in private practice as a physio for 15 years.
“I already had a background and interest in physio but I wanted to do some research, a masters and a PhD, so I came back,” Dr Taylor said.
“I also got sick with chronic fatigue syndrome and couldn't work clinically anymore. I was only working a couple of days and doing research because it wasn't physically demanding.
“There was always something in back of my mind that I knew I wanted to go into academia. It was an opportunity that meant so much.”
During her study she developed a screening test to identify football players at risk of lower-limb injuries.
The work in developing the test was commissioned by the AFL and the protocol is now being used at all levels of football from juniors through to elite players.
“They were looking for someone to help after recognising they didn't have a standardised screening protocol to pick up injuries early,” Dr Taylor said.
“It was a project they wanted someone to do and one of my supervisors went to meeting when I was starting my masters.
“Supervisor then asked if I wanted to do it for my masters.”
Dr Taylor said lower-limb injuries were the most common injuries in Australian Rules Football.
“A majority of injuries are lower-limb injuries and we have specifically looked at a physical screening test for those injuries,” she said.
“I am still working for La Trobe and really enjoying work and career advancement opportunities there.
“Originally, I was good at biology and human science as well as being good with hands. I was interested in sport and helping people, so (those interests) converge.”
Dr Taylor was on of hundreds of La Trobe University graduates to doff their cap at graduation ceremonies this week.
Thesis analyses community services
La Trobe University PhD graduate Nerida Hyett has been waiting for her doctorate for six months.
With a degree in occupational therapy and a masters in health science, Dr Hyett now has a PhD in public health.
“I did my PhD full time, so it was just three years but I finished about six months ago. I’ve been waiting for this day for a while,” she said.
With a background in community health services, Dr Hyett wrote a thesis that explores community participation and questions why and how people take part in community initiatives.
“Through that work I saw a lot of potential in (health) services to work better with communities,” she said.
“My thesis looked at different ways people in health services can work more closely with communities. By working in partnership I'm hopeful they can achieve better health outcomes.
“I am hoping to take the thesis back to health services and improve the ways they can help the different communities.”