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    • Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan
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    • Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan

      Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan

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Associate Professor Therese O’Sullivan

Associate Professor

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 3529
Mobile: 6304 5384
Email: t.osullivan@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO21.226  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1003-854X

Therese is the Discipline Lead of Nutrition and Dietetics, overseeing departmental operations and course accreditation, teaching in research units, and supervising higher degree students. Her research focuses on breastfeeding support, child and family-centred care, and respectful and collaborative approaches to mealtimes and caregiving with young children.

Current Teaching

  • NUT6100 Nutrition Research Skills
  • NUT6103 Nutrition Research Project

Background

  • Clinical Dietitian, Private Practice, QLD 2003-2007
  • Senior Research Fellow, Telethon Kids Institute, WA 2007-2010

Professional Associations

  • Accredited Practising Dietitian with Dietitians Australia
  • Nutrition Society of Australia
  • International Network for Child and Family Centred Care

Awards and Recognition

National and International Awards

  • Nutrition Society of Australia - Mid-career Researcher Award (excellence in nutrition research) (2023)
  • Australian Nutrition Trust Fund and Nutrition Society of Australia - Mid-career Development Award (2021)
  • Science on the Swan – Award for best poster and accompanying oral presentation (2021)
  • Dietitians Association of Australia National Award of Merit (for contribution to dietetics) 2011
  • Dietitians Association of Australia Emerging Researcher Award 2010.

University and National Teaching Awards

  • Edith Cowan University Minute to Pitch it runner up 2016
  • Edith Cowan University Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research by an Early Career Researcher 2015
  • Edith Cowan University Research in a Nutshell runner up 2013

National and International Research Positions

  • Perth Children's Hospital Foundation - Scientific Advisory Committee, 2024 - ongoing
    • Inaugural member, review and analysis of research program applications
  • Bright Tomorrows - Expert Advisory Panel, 2024 – ongoing
    • Providing expert opinion on project development
  • Council of Deans of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020 - ongoing
    • Strategic planning for the future of nutrition and dietetics education and research
  • Academy of Science's National Committee for Nutrition, 2023 - ongoing
    • Strategic guidance for the future of nutritional science in Australia, ex-officio Council of Deans representative
  • Raine Study - Scientific Advisory Committee, 2024 - ongoing
    • Reviews of scientific projects and science strategy
  • International Family and Child Centred Care Network, 2019 - ongoing
    • Co-led international project into children's experiences of COVID-19 (across 17 countries)
  • Raine Study - Diet Special Interest Group co-lead, 2016 - ongoing
    • Advice around nutrition projects and use of dietary data

Other

  • Famelab WA state finalist 2014 (communication of science research)

Research Areas and Interests

  • Breastfeeding
  • Early infant feeding
  • Childhood nutrition and meal environments
  • The Nutrition Care Process
  • Teaching and innovation in dietetics

The Happy Parenting Program: Respectful parent–child relationships and development of a healthy relationship with food

The Happy Parenting Program supports parents in building respectful and collaborative relationships with young children, focusing on mealtimes and everyday caregiving. Drawing on principles from Resources for Infant Educators, the program emphasises sensitive observation, authentic communication, and involving children meaningfully in routines. Delivered through practical workshops, early findings show that participation reduces parental stress and increases confidence in caregiving, while promoting positive mealtime interactions linked to improved child nutrition and well-being (mforum.com.au).

The ACE Study: Antenatal colostrum expression in first-time mothers

Despite the widespread initiation of breastfeeding in Australian hospitals, many babies still receive formula supplementation during the birth hospitalisation. The ACE Study has been designed as the first large-scale investigation of antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) in a non-diabetic, first-time mother population. Employing a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial across multiple Western Australian hospitals, the study compares standard care with two forms of ACE instruction (a midwife-led session or an online resource) with the aim of improving exclusive breastfeeding rates at four months postpartum.

Key research questions include whether ACE improves breastfeeding outcomes, reduces formula use in the initial hospital stay or alters postnatal colostrum composition. Notably, preliminary evaluation of the ACE online resource found it significantly improved pregnant individuals’ knowledge and self-reported confidence in hand expressing colostrum.

The Milky Way Study: Either whole fat or reduced fat dairy is ok for children

As seen on Channel 7 news: au.news.yahoo.com/telethon-study-to-determine-full-fat-or-low-fat-dairy-for-kids-32508240.html

Dietary guidelines recommend that children over the age of 2 years consume reduced-fat dairy products rather than regular-fat dairy. However, emerging research suggests regular-fat dairy could have potential health benefits. The Milky Way Study investigated the effects of regular-fat compared with reduced-fat dairy intake on children’s adiposity, cardiometabolic risk, and gut health. Findings from the randomised controlled trial showed that switching to reduced-fat dairy did not reduce adiposity or improve cardiometabolic risk markers compared with continuing regular-fat dairy.

Child-Centred Research: A Respectful Approach to research with children

Ideally, participating in dietary trials should be an enjoyable experience for children. However, some assessments, such as blood sampling, can be unpleasant and stressful. To help generate guidelines for child-centred research, we investigated principles from childcare specialist Magda Gerber's Resources for Infant Educators, consulted with parents in focus groups and liaised with parenting experts. We identified principles that can be used to guide research with children, including the use of authentic communication, acknowledging emotions, and inviting participation. Building on this, a collaboration with nursing colleagues has resulted in a checklist tool to embed child-centredness in research processes.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology, 2008.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies), Queensland University of Technology, 2003.
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition & Dietetics), Queensland University of Technology, 2003.

Research Outputs

2025

Journal Articles

  • Jamieson, J., Kovacic, B., Lyons-Wall, P., O'Sullivan, T. (2025). Conceptual Diagrams Help Dietetic Students to Understand and Apply the Nutrition Care Process. Journal of Dietetic Education, 3(1), Article number 3. https://doi.org/10.26890/gpwe3797.
  • Foster, M., Whitehead, L., O'Sullivan, T., Hill, J., Pahlsson Morelius, EM. (2025). A child-centred research checklist to improve the design and reporting of paediatric research studies: A descriptive mixed methods study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 162(2025), article number 104958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104958.
  • Zgambo, M., Blamires, J., Foster, M., Al-Motlaq, MA., O'Sullivan, T., Houghton, D., Pahlsson Morelius, EM. (2025). Child and Family Centred Care: A Three-Phased Principle-Based Concept Analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2025(Article in press), 24 pages. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16846.
  • Marchese, LE., McNaughton, SA., Hendrie, GA., Machado, PP., O'Sullivan, T., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., Dickinson, KM., Livingstone, KM. (2025). Trajectories of plant-based dietary patterns and their sex-specific associations with cardiometabolic health among young Australian adults. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22(1), article number 62. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-025-01765-0.

2024

Journal Articles

  • Cuffe, C., Giglia, R., Cooper , MN., Hill, J., Silva, D., Moorhead, A., Verhasselt, V., Lewis, J., Ireson, D., Demirci, J., Cotte , T., Webb, K., Patey, F., O'Sullivan, T. (2024). Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Instruction in First-Time Mothers: The ACE Study. Journal of Human Lactation, 40(1), 80-95. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344231215074.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Ihlein, C. (2024). A Brief History Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression, And Where To From Here. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 2024(Article in Press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002966512400483X.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Rowley, CE., Lodge, S., Egan, S., Itsiopoulos, C., Christophersen, C., Silva, D., Kicic-Starcevich, E., O'Sullivan, T., Wist, J., Nicholson, J., Frost, G., Holmes, E., D'vaz, N. (2023). Altered dietary behaviour during pregnancy impacts systemic metabolic phenotypes. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10(2023), article number 1230480. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1230480.
  • Keshawarz, A., Joehanes, R., Ma, J., Lee, GY., Costeira, R., Tsai, P., Masachs, OM., Bell, JT., Wilson, R., Thorand, B., Winkelmann, J., Peters, A., Linseisen, J., Waldenberger, M., Lehtimaeki, T., Mishra, PP., Kahonen, M., Raitakari, O., Helminen, M., Wang, CA., Melton, PE., Huang, R., Pennell, CE., O'Sullivan, T., Ochoa-Rosales, C., Voortman, T., Van Meurs, JB., Young, KL., Graff, M., Wang, Y., Kiel, DP., Smith, CE., Jacques, PF., Levy, D. (2023). Dietary And Supplemental Intake Of Vitamins C And E Is Associated With Altered Dna Methylation In An Epigenome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis. Epigenetics, 18(1), article number 2211361. https://doi.org/10.1080/15592294.2023.2211361.
  • Johnston, M., O'Sullivan, T., Devine, A., Wallace, R., Costello, L., Sambell, R. (2023). Toddlers may be getting enough iron in long day-care services after all. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 36(5), 1901-1911. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.13180.
  • Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Gucciardi, DF., McVeigh, JA., O'Sullivan, T., Dontje, M., Stamatakis, E., Eastwood, PR., Straker, L. (2023). Health behaviour profiles in young Australian adults in relation to physical and mental health: The Raine Study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 2023(2023), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.828.
  • Demirci, JR., Glasser, M., Bogen, DL., Sereika, SM., Ren, D., Ray, K., Bodnar, LM., O'Sullivan, T., Himes, K. (2023). Effect Of Antenatal Milk Expression Education On Lactation Outcomes In Birthing People With Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index >= 25: Protocol For A Randomized, Controlled Trial. International Breastfeeding Journal, 18(1), article number 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-023-00552-6.
  • Properzi, C., Adams, LA., Lo, J., Sherriff, JL., Jeffrey, GP., O'Sullivan, T. (2023). Higher Overall Intakes Are The Defining Feature Of Dietary Intakes In Nafld And Compared To The General Population. Nutrients, 15(12), article number 2669. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122669.
  • Ott, R., Stein, R., Hauta-Alus, HH., Ronkainen, J., Fernandez-Barres, S., Spielau, U., Kirsten, H., Poulain, T., Melton, PE., Küpers, LK., Azaryah, H., Colombo, M., Landgraf, K., Tobi, EW., O'Sullivan, T., Huang, R., Campoy, C., Winkler, C., Vioque, J., Vrijheid, M., Kiess, W., Körner, A., Sebert, S., Jarvelin, M., Ziegler, A., Hummel, S. (2023). Epigenome-Wide Meta-analysis Reveals Associations Between Dietary Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load and DNA Methylation in Children and Adolescents of Different Body Sizes. Diabetes Care, 46(11), 2067-2075. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-0474.
  • Wan, F., Pan, F., Mori, T., O'Sullivan, T., Beilin, L., Oddy, W. (2023). Relationship between dietary intake and erythrocyte PUFA in adolescents from a Western Australian cohort. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(2), 283-291. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-022-01219-x.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Jayasuriya, P., Tsalis, N., Calogero, N., Manocha, R. (2023). Nurses' understanding and management of iron deficiency in Australia: a cross-sectional, exploratory study. BMJ Open, 13(2), article number e065706. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065706.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Middeke, J., Palmer, K., Lövestam, E., Vivanti, A., Orrevall, Y., Steiber, A., Lyons-Wall, P., Lo, J., Devine, A., Lieffers, J., Papoutsakis, C., Lang, N., Thoresen, L., Lloyd, L., O'Sullivan, T. (2022). Predictors of nutrition care process knowledge and use among dietitians internationally. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 35(3), 466-478. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12961.
  • Wan, F., Pan, F., Ayonrinde, O., Adams, L., Mori, T., Beilin, L., O'Sullivan, T., Olynyk, J., Oddy, W. (2022). Prospective dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake is associated with trajectories of fatty liver disease: an 8 year follow‑up study from adolescence to young adulthood. European Journal of Nutrition, 61(8), 3987-4000. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-022-02934-8.
  • Charng, J., Ansari, A., Bondonno, N., Hunter, M., O'Sullivan, T., Louca, P., Hammond, C., Mackey, D. (2022). Association between dietary niacin and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in healthy eyes of different ages. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 50(7), 736-744. https://doi.org/10.1111/ceo.14120.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Butcher, L., O'Sullivan, T., Ryan, M., Lo, J., Nyanjom, J., Wilkins, H., Devine, A. (2021). To dine in or not to dine in: A comparison of food selection and preparation behaviours in those with and without food security. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 32(S2), 267-282. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.427.
  • Panossian, C., Lyons-Wall, P., Whitehouse, A., Oddy, W., Lo, J., Scott, J., O'Sullivan, T. (2021). Young Adults with High Autistic-Like Traits Displayed Lower Food Variety and Diet Quality in Childhood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(2), 685-696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04567-4.
  • Wan, F., Pan, F., Ayonrinde, O., Adams, L., Mori, T., Beilin, L., O'Sullivan, T., Olynyk, J., Oddy, W. (2021). Validation of fatty liver disease scoring systems for ultrasound diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents. Digestive and Liver Disease, 53(6), 746-752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2020.11.037.
  • Foster, M., Al-Motlaq, M., Carter, B., Neill, S., O'Sullivan, T., Quaye, A., Majamanda, M., Abdullah, KL., Hallström, I., English, C., Vickers, A., Coyne, I., Adama, E., Pahlsson Morelius, EM. (2021). Seeing lockdown through the eyes of children from around the world: Reflecting on a children's artwork project. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, 37(3), 104-115. https://doi.org/10.36951/27034542.2021.039.
  • Swann, O., Breslin, M., Kilpatrick, M., O'Sullivan, T., Mori, T., Beilin, L., Oddy, W. (2021). Dietary fibre intake and its association with inflammatory markers in adolescents. British Journal of Nutrition, 125(3), 329-336. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520001609.
  • Nicholl, A., Deering, K., Evelegh, K., Lyons-Wall, P., Lawrence, D., Mori, T., Kratz, M., O'Sullivan, T. (2021). Whole-fat dairy products do not adversely affect adiposity or cardiometabolic risk factors in children in the Milky Way Study: a double-blind randomized controlled pilot study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 114(6), 2025-2042. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqab288.
  • Swann, O., Breslin, M., Kilpatrick, M., O'Sullivan, T., Mori, T., Beilin, L., Lin, A., Oddy, W. (2021). Dietary fibre intake and its associations with depressive symptoms in a prospective adolescent cohort. British Journal of Nutrition, 125(10), 1166-1176. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114520003426.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Richardson, M., Lo, J., Priddis, L., O'Sullivan, T. (2020). A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Respectful Approach on Early Parenting Competence and Stress. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(10), 2796-2810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01762-w.
  • Ayonrinde, O., Ayonrinde, OA., Adams, L., Sanfilippo, F., O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., Oddy, W., Olynyk, J. (2020). The relationship between abdominal pain and emotional wellbeing in children and adolescents in the Raine Study. Scientific Reports, 10(1), Article number 1646. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58543-0.
  • Mills, B., Hansen, S., Nang, C., McDonald, H., Lyons-Wall, P., Hunt, J., O'Sullivan, T. (2020). A pilot evaluation of simulation-based interprofessional education for occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetic students: improvements in attitudes and confidence. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(4), 472-480. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2019.1659759.
  • Kent, K., Charlton, K., O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, W. (2020). Estimated intake and major food sources of flavonoids among Australian adolescents. European Journal of Nutrition, 59(8), 3841-3856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-020-02218-z.
  • Lovestam, E., Vivanti, A., Steiber, A., Bostrom, A., Devine, A., Haughey, O., Kiss, C., Lang, N., Lieffers, J., Lloyd, L., O'Sullivan, T., Papoutsakis, C., Peersen, C., Thoresen, L., Orrevall, Y. (2020). Barriers and enablers in the implementation of a standardised process for nutrition care: findings from a multinational survey of dietetic professionals in 10 countries. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 33(2), 252-262. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12700.
  • Nicholl, A., Evelegh, K., Deering, K., Russell, K., Lawrence, D., Lyons-Wall, P., O'Sullivan, T. (2020). Using a Respectful Approach to Child-centred Healthcare (ReACH) in a paediatric clinical trial: A feasibility study. PLoS One, 15(11), Article number e0241764. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241764.
  • Cooper, SL., Butcher, L., Scagnelli, SD., Lo, J., Ryan, M., Devine, A., O'Sullivan, T. (2020). Australian Consumers Are Willing to Pay for the Health Star Rating Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label. Nutrients, 12(12), Article number 3876. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12123876.
  • Swann, O., Breslin, M., Kilpatrick, M., O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, W. (2020). Differences in dietary fibre intake and associated familial factors in a longitudinal study at two time points across adolescence. Public Health Nutrition, 23(14), 2539-2547. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980019003446.
  • Deering, K., Devine, A., O'Sullivan, T., Lo, J., Boyce, M., Christophersen, C. (2020). Characterizing the composition of the pediatric gut microbiome: A systematic review. Nutrients, 12(1), Article number 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12010016.
  • Adams, L., Wang, Z., Liddle, C., Melton, P., Ariff, A., Chandraratna, H., Tan, J., Ching, H., Coulter, S., De Boer, B., Christophersen, C., O'Sullivan, T., Morrison, M., Jeffrey, G. (2020). Bile acids associate with specific gut microbiota, low‐level alcohol consumption and liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver International, 40(6), 1356-1365. https://doi.org/10.1111/liv.14453.
  • Ng, F., Mackey, D., O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, W., Yazar, S. (2020). Is dietary Vitamin A associated with Myopia from Adolescence to Young Adulthood?. Translational Vision Science and Technology, 9(6), Article 29. https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.9.6.29.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Schmidt, K., Kratz, M. (2020). Whole-Fat or Reduced-Fat Dairy Product Intake, Adiposity, and Cardiometabolic Health in Children: A Systematic Review. Advances in Nutrition, 11(4), 928-950. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmaa011.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Ayonrinde, O., Sanfilippo, FM., O'Sullivan, T., Adams, L., Ayonrinde, O., Robinson, M., Oddy, W., Olynyk, J. (2019). Bowel patterns, gastrointestinal symptoms and emotional well-being in adolescents: A cohort study. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 34(11), 1946-1954. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.14699.
  • Butcher, L., O'Sullivan, T., Ryan, M., Lo, J., Devine, A. (2019). Utilising a multi-item questionnaire to assess household food security in Australia. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 30(1), 9-17. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.61.
  • Lövestam, E., Steiber, A., Vivanti, A., Boström, A., Devine, A., Haughey, O., Kiss, C., Lang, N., Lieffers, J., Lloyd, L., O'Sullivan, T., Papoutsakis, C., Peersen, C., Thoresen, L., Orrevall, Y., Corish, C., Eisenbraun, C., Hanning, R., Kristiansen, I., Lorentzen, S., Maclean, A. (2019). Use of the Nutrition Care Process and Nutrition Care Process Terminology in an International Cohort Reported by an Online Survey Tool. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(2), 225-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2018.09.002.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Cooke, J., McCafferty, C., Giglia, R. (2019). Online Video Instruction on Hand Expression of Colostrum in Pregnancy is an Effective Educational Tool. Nutrients, 11(4), pii: E883. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040883.
  • Butcher, L., Ryan, M., O'Sullivan, T., Lo, J., Devine, A. (2019). Food-Insecure Household’s Self-Reported Perceptions of Food Labels, Product Attributes and Consumption Behaviours. Nutrients, 11(4), Article number 828. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11040828.
  • Lovestam, E., Vivanti, A., Steiber, A., Bostrom, A., Devine, A., Haughey, O., Kiss, C., Lang, N., Lieffers, J., Lloyd, L., O'Sullivan, T., Papoutsakis, C., Thoreson, L., Orrevall, Y., Corish, C., Eisenbraun, C., Hanning, R., Kristiansen, I., Lorentzen, SS., Maclean, AK., Peerson, C. (2019). The International Nutrition Care Process and Terminology Implementation Survey: Towards a Global Evaluation Tool to Assess Individual Practitioner Implementation in Multiple Countries and Languages. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 119(2), 242-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2018.09.004.
  • Connolly, E., Reinkowsky, M., Giglia, R., Sexton, B., Lyons-Wall, P., Lo, J., O'Sullivan, T. (2019). Education on antenatal colostrum expression and the Baby Friendly Health Initiative in an Australian hospital: An audit of birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Breastfeeding Review, 27(1), 21-30. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/6610.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Lo, J., Vivanti, A. (2019). Predictors of nutrition care process and terminology use, applicability and importance within Asia‐Pacific dietitians. Nutrition and Dietetics, 76(4), 455-461. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12467.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Vivanti, A., Lewis, J., O'Sullivan, T. (2018). The Nutrition Care Process Terminology: Changes in perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and implementation amongst Australian dietitians after three years. Nutrition and Dietetics, 75(1), 87-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12347.
  • Properzi, C., O'Sullivan, T., Sherriff , J., Ching, H., Jeffery, G., Buckley, R., Tibballs, J., Macquillan, G., Garas, G., Adans, L. (2018). Ad libitum Mediterranean and Low Fat Diets both Significantly Reduce Hepatic Steatosis: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Hepatology, 68(5), 1741-1754. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.30076.
  • Barber, R., Ekin, A., Sivakumar, P., Howard, K., O'Sullivan, T. (2018). Glucose Gel as a Potential Alternative Treatment to Infant Formula for Neonatal Hypoglycaemia in Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(5), article no.876. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15050876.
  • Nicholl, A., O'Sullivan, T. (2018). Keep Calm and Carry on: Parental Opinions on Improving Clinical Dietary Trials for Young Children. Nutrients, 10(9), article no.1166. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091166.
  • Butcher, L., Ryan, M., O'Sullivan, T., Lo, J., Devine, A. (2018). What Drives Food Insecurity in Western Australia? How the Perceptions of People at Risk Differ to Those of Stakeholders. Nutrients, 10(8), article no.1059. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081059.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Vivanti, A., O'Sullivan, T., Porter, J., Hogg, M. (2017). Successful long-term maintenance following Nutrition Care Process Terminology implementation across a state-wide health-care system. Nutrition and Dietetics, 74(4), 372-380. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12346.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Nyaradi, A., Li, J., Foster, J., Hickling, S., Jacques, A., O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, W. (2016). Good-quality diet in the early years may have a positive effect on academic achievement. Acta Paediatrica: promoting child health, 105(5), e209-e218. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13324.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Bremner, A., Mori, T., Beilin, L., Wilson, C., Hafekost, K., Ambrosini, G., Huang, R., Oddy, W. (2016). Regular Fat and Reduced Fat Dairy Products Show Similar Associations with Markers of Adolescent Cardiometabolic Health. Nutrients, 8(1), 16p.. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010022.
  • Sherriff, J., O'Sullivan, T., Properzi, C., Oddo, J., Adams, L. (2016). Choline, Its Potential Role in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and the Case for Human and Bacterial Genes. Advances in Nutrition, 7(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.114.007955.

2015

Journal Articles

  • Porter, J., Devine, A., Vivanti, A., Ferguson, M., O'Sullivan, T. (2015). Development of a Nutrition Care Process implementation package for hospital dietetic departments. Nutrition and Dietetics, 72(3), 205-212. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12169.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Bremner, A., Bremer, H., Seares, M., Beilin, L., Mori, T., Lyons-Wall, P., Devine, A., Oddy, W. (2015). Dairy product consumption, dietary nutrient and energy density and associations with obesity in Australian adolescents. J Hum Nutr Diet, 28(5), 452-464. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12264.
  • Porter, J., Devine, A., O'Sullivan, T. (2015). Evaluation of a Nutrition Care Process implementation package in hospital dietetic departments. Nutrition and Dietetics, 72(3), 213-221. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12176.
  • Vivanti, A., Ferguson, M., Porter, J., O'Sullivan, T., Hulcombe, J. (2015). Increased familiarity, knowledge and confidence with Nutrition Care Process Terminology following implementation across a statewide health-care system. Nutrition and Dietetics, 72(3), 222-231. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12199.

2014

Journal Articles

  • O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, WH., Bremner, AP., Sherriff, JL., Ayonrinde, OT., Olynyk, JK., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., Adams, LA. (2014). Lower fructose intake may help protect against development of nonalcoholic fatty liver in adolescents with obesity. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 58(5), 624-631. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000267.
  • Trapp, G., Allen, K., O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., Jacoby, P., Oddy, W. (2014). Energy drink consumption among young Australian adults: Associations with alcohol and illicit drug use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 134(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.09.006.
  • Trapp, G., Allen, K., O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., Jacoby, P., Oddy, W. (2014). Energy drink consumption is associated with anxiety in Australian young adult males. Depression and Anxiety, 31(5), 420-428. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22175.
  • Flood, A., Chung, A., Parker , H., Kearns , V., O'Sullivan, T. (2014). The use of hand grip strength as a predictor of nutrition status in hospital patients. Clinical Nutrition, 33(1), 106-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2013.03.003.
  • Appannah, G., Pot, GK., O'Sullivan, T., Oddy, WH., Jebb, SA., Ambrosini, GL. (2014). The reliability of an adolescent dietary pattern identified using reduced-rank regression: Comparison of a FFQ and 3 d food record. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(4), 609-615. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514001111.
  • Nicholl, A., Du Heaume, M., Mori, TA., Beilin, LJ., Oddy, WH., Bremner, AP., O'Sullivan, T. (2014). Higher breakfast glycaemic load is associated with increased metabolic syndrome risk, including lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations and increased TAG concentrations, in adolescent girls. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(12), 1974-1983. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114514003092.
  • Piccini, S., Fairburn, A., Gill, E., Budgeon, CA., O'Sullivan, T. (2014). Predictors of malnutrition in Australian haemodialysis patients and comparison of dietary protein intakes to national guidelines. Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 10(3), 133-140.

2013

Journal Articles

  • Bobridge, K., Haines, G., Mori, TA., Beilin, LJ., Oddy, WH., Sherriff, J., O'Sullivan, T. (2013). Dietary fructose in relation to blood pressure and serum uric acid in adolescent boys and girls. Journal of Human Hypertension, 27(4), 217-224. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2012.36.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Hafekost, K., Mitrou , F., Lawrence , D. (2013). Food sources of saturated fat and the association with mortality: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 103(9), e31-e42. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301492.
  • O'Sullivan, T. (2013). Evaluation of an electronic record prototype incorporating the Nutrition Care Process and International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology. Nutrition and Dietetics, 70(3), 188–195. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12012.
  • Oddy, W., Herbison , C., Jacoby, P., Ambrosini , G., O'Sullivan, T., Ayonrinde , O., Olynyk , J., Black, LJ., Beilin , L., Mori , T., Hands, B., Adams , L. (2013). The Western dietary pattern is prospectively associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescence. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 108(5), 778-785. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2013.95.
  • Hafekost , K., Lawrence , D., Mitrou , F., O'Sullivan, T., Zubrick , S. (2013). Tackling overweight and obesity: Does the public health message match the science?. BMC Medicine, 11(1), Article 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-11-41.
  • Woolley, S., Sherriff, J., Oddy, W., O'Sullivan, T. (2013). Fructose intake and food sources in West Australian adolescents. Nutrition and Dietetics, 70(2), 139-145. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12006.

2012

Journal Articles

  • O'Sullivan, T., Bremner, AP., Beilin, LJ., Ambrosini, GL., Mori, T., Huang, R., Oddy, WH. (2012). Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and blood pressure in adolescents. Journal of Human Hypertension, 26(3), 178-187. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2011.7.
  • Meyerkort , C., Oddy, WH., O'Sullivan, T., Henderson , J., Pennell , C. (2012). Early diet quality in a longitudinal study of Australian children: associations with nutrition and body mass index later in childhood and adolescence. Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, 3(1), 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174411000717.
  • Li, J., O'Sullivan, T., Johnson, S., Stanley, F., Oddy, WH. (2012). Maternal work hours in early to middle childhood link to later adolescent diet quality. Public Health Nutrition, 15(10), 1861-1870. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980011003053.
  • Herbison , C., Hickling , S., Allen , KL., O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., Bremner, AP., Huang, R., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., Oddy, WH. (2012). Low intake of B-vitamins is associated with poor adolescent mental health and behaviour. Preventive Medicine, 55(6), 634-638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.014.
  • Parker, C., Vivian, W., Oddy, WH., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., O'Sullivan, T. (2012). Changes in dairy food and nutrient intakes in Australian adolescents. Nutrients, 4(12), 1794-1811. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu4121794.

2011

Journal Articles

  • O'Sullivan, T., Billing, NA., Stokes, D. (2011). Just what the doctor ordered: Moving forward with electronic health records. Nutrition and Dietetics, 68(3), 179-184. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-0080.2011.01525.x.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Ambrosini, GL., Mori, TA., Beilin, LJ., Oddy, WH. (2011). Omega-3 index correlates with healthier food consumption in adolescents and with reduced cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescent boys. Lipids, 46(1), 59-67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-010-3499-8.
  • Oddy, WH., Hickling, S., Smith, MA., O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., De Klerk, N., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., Syrette, J., Zubrick, SR., Silburn, SR. (2011). Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Depression and Anxiety, 28(7), 582-588. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20822.
  • Ambrosini, GL., O'Sullivan, T., De Klerk, N., Mori, TA., Beilin, LJ., Oddy, WH. (2011). Relative validity of adolescent dietary patterns: a comparison of a FFQ and 3d food record. British Journal of Nutrition, 105(4), 625-633. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114510004137.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Ambrosini, GL., Beilin, LJ., Mori, TA., Oddy, WH. (2011). Dietary intake and food sources of fatty acids in Australian adolescents. Nutrition, 27(2), 153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2009.11.019.

2010

Journal Articles

  • O'Sullivan, T., Bremner, AP., O'Neill, SM., Lyons-Wall, PM. (2010). Glycaemic load is associated with insulin resistance in older Australian women. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(1), 80-87.
  • Ambrosini, GL., Huang, RC., Mori, TA., Hands, BP., O'Sullivan, T., De Klerk, NH., Beilin, LJ., Oddy, WH. (2010). Dietary patterns and markers for the metabolic syndrome in Australian adolescents. Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 20(4), 274-283.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Lyons-Wall, P., Bremnert, A., Ambrosini, L., Huang, C., Beilin, L., Mori, T., Blair, E., Oddy, W. (2010). Dietary glycaemic carbohydrate in relation to the metabolic syndrome in adolescents: comparison of different metabolic syndrome definitions. Diabetic Medicine, 27(7), 770-778.

2009

Journal Articles

  • O'Sullivan, T., Bremner, A., Cedaro, P., O'Neill, S., Lyons-Wall, P. (2009). Glycaemic index and glycaemic load intake patterns in older Australian women. Nutrition and Dietetics, 66(3), 138-144.
  • Ambrosini, G., Oddy, W., Robinson, M., O'Sullivan, T., Hands, B., De Klerk, N., Silburn, S., Zubrick, S., Kendall, G., Stanley, F., Beilin, L. (2009). Adolescent dietary patterns are associated with lifestyle and family psycho-social factors. Public Health Nutrition, 12(10), 1807-1815.
  • Ambrosini, G., De Klerk, N., O'Sullivan, T., Beilin, L., Oddy, W. (2009). The reliability of a food frequency questionnaire for use among adolescents. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63(10), 1251-1259.
  • O'Sullivan, T., Robinson, M., Kendall, G., Miller, M., Jacoby, P., Silburn, S., Oddy, W. (2009). A good-quality breakfast is associated with better mental health in adolescence.. Public Health Nutrition, 12(2), 249-258.

Research Projects

  • BoneBoost Gelato: development of an innovative nutritional supplement to enhance musculoskeletal health and reduce falls and fractures, Bone Health Foundation, ANZBMS/BHF Innovation Grant, 2025 ‑ 2026, $49,530.
  • Mindful mouthfuls: Developing healthy eating behaviours from infancy, Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation, Springboard Grants, 2023 ‑ 2025, $28,050.
  • Happy Kids Through Connected Parenting, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2024, $118,558.
  • Helping new mums to be better breastfeeders - before their babies are even born, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, New Child Health Research Grant, 2021 ‑ 2023, $67,582.
  • Helping new mums to be better breastfeeders - before their babies are even born, Department of Health WA, Near Miss Merit Awards, 2019 ‑ 2023, $75,000.
  • Embedding E-Health (Pregnancy Lifestyle, Activity, Nutrition (PLAN) into routine clinical practice pathways to provide a healthy start to life, Western Australian Health Translation Network (WAHTN), Rapid Applied Research Translation (RART) grant, 2019 ‑ 2021, $250,000.
  • Investigation of the effects of regular-fat versus reduced-fat dairy products on body fat and cardiometabolic health in young children, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Children's Diabetes Centre PhD Top-Up Scholarship, 2018 ‑ 2020, $15,000.
  • ReFood - The food sharing network, Waste Authority, Community Grant Scheme, 2017 ‑ 2019, $12,798.
  • Regular fat versus reduced fat dairy consumption: a pilot study of effects on cardiometabolic and gut health in young children, Department of Health WA, WA Child Research Fund, 2016 ‑ 2018, $40,493.
  • Regular fat versus low fat dairy consumption: a pilot study of adiposity and cardiometabolic outcomes in young children, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Grant, 2016 ‑ 2017, $20,179.
  • University of Washington Collaboration, Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences Research Collaboration Travel Grant Scheme 2017, 2017, $4,500.
  • Regular vs. reduced fat dairy: a pilot study of effects on cardiometabolic and gut health in children, Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences Research Grant Scheme 2016, 2016, $10,000.
  • Redefining ‘good’ fats: Are regular fat dairy products associated with lower metabolic syndrome risk than low fat products in adolescence?, Dairy Innovation Australia Limited (DIAL), Dairy Innovation Research Grants, 2011 ‑ 2014, $102,654.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Developing a Validated Assessment Tool to Evaluate Engagement in Quality Improvement Among Australian Dietitians
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Hand Expressing in Pregnancy, Breastfeeding Success May be in a Mother’s Hands
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Development of Healthy Eating: Exploring a Respectful Approach to Feeding Infants and Young Children
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Nutrition in Preschool Children with Autistic Behaviours
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Help Us Feed - The Palate Perspective in Neonatal Feeding
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Impact of dairy lipid intake on gut microbiota, and its association with cardiovascular related metabolites in Australian children
  • Doctor of Philosophy, A 'Respectful Approach' to early parenting: The Impact upon parent and child wellbeing

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Evidence for antenatal healthy lifestyle support and comparison with routine care in Western Australia

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Communities of Practice: Transforming education in the health professions

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Comparing the effects of an isocaloric low fat vs Mediterranean diet on hepatic steatosis and cardio-vascular risk factors in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Investigating Cardiometabolic Health and Child-Centred Research in Young Children participating in the Milky Way Study: A Randomised Controlled Dairy Intervention

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Public Health, Doncp: Incorporating the nutrition care process into hospital dietetic practice using an evidence based implementation package
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Developing and evaluating online education for dietitians to enhance learning of the nutrition care process (ncp)

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, An investigation of the associated factors and measurement of food insecurity in Australia
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