student ambassadors

Nicole Feast

National Student Co-ordinator 2024-

Contact: nicole.feast@research.uwa.edu.au

Nicole Feast is a clinical neuropsychologist who is passionate about assisting others to better understand and enhance their cognitive (i.e., thinking) abilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and a Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) from The University of Melbourne, and is currently a PhD candidate at The University of Western Australia with funding support from the Forrest Research Foundation. Prior to commencing her PhD in 2023, Nicole worked within a multidisciplinary team of allied health and medical clinicians at the WA Department of Health.

Her PhD research focuses on investigating whether neuropsychological assessment can enhance outcomes for individuals with brain conditions, through high-quality clinical trial research. Neuropsychological assessment involves evaluation of an individual’s cognition (e.g., attention, memory, problem solving) to identify strengths and weaknesses, support accurate diagnosis, and inform treatment planning in a variety of neurological and mental health conditions, including stroke, head injury, dementia, and schizophrenia. Research on the outcomes of neuropsychological assessment is limited, which has impeded efforts to advocate for greater access to clinical neuropsychology services in Australia, whereby adequate assessment and intervention for cognitive impairments remains an area of high unmet need for many individuals. The current clinical trial thus has the potential for real-world impact by informing evidence-based clinical practice and policy related to the management of brain conditions, both in Australia and worldwide.

Feel free to connect with and reach out to Nicole on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-feast-419a99198/

TEAM MELBOURNE

Kimberly Chew

Team Leader 2024-
Clinical Neuropsychology, Monash University

Kimberly is a PhD (Clinical Neuropsychology) candidate at Monash University, supervised by Dr Kate Gould and Professor Jennie Ponsford. Her current research focuses on co-designing and evaluating a cyberscam recovery treatment for people with acquired brain injury. Beyond her PhD, Kimberly is also a research assistant at Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) within co-design and translational ABI research. Kimberly hopes to continue working collaboratively with people with living experience and to work as a clinical neuropsychologist in the brain injury population.

Madeline Gibson

Student Ambassador 2024-
Clinical Neuropsychology, Monash University

Madeline is currently undertaking a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology at Monash University, conducting research under the supervision of Associate Professor Matthew Pase and Dr Stephanie Yiallourou. Madeline is passionate about providing dignity and respect to older adults affected by cognitive impairment, including dementia and stroke. Her research focuses on understanding how distinct changes in blood pressure over the course of the day and night relate to brain health. This research aims to provide further understanding of blood pressure as a potential intervention point for dementia prevention. She hopes to increase awareness of modifiable lifestyle interventions for the prevention of dementia.

Madeline welcomes opportunities to connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-gibson-a8b502172/

Nicholas Cheng

Student Ambassador 2025
Clinical Neuropsychology, Monash University

TEAM SYDNEY

Kylie (Ky) Southwell

Team Leader 2024-
Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney

Ky Southwell is a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Professor Leanne Togher and Dr Melissa Brunner. Her research focuses on developing co-designed cognitive communication interventions for adolescents following a moderate-severe brain injury. Ky is also the project manager of the icare Brain Injury Psychiatry Program (iBIPP) at the Brain and Mind Centre (USYD), as well as a research assistant in the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Communication lab in the Faculty of Medicine and Health (USYD). She holds a Master of Speech Pathology degree from the University of Queensland (QLD), a Graduate Diploma of Science from the University of Southern Queensland and La Trobe University (QLD/VIC), and a Bachelor of Music from the Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University (QLD). Ky is passionate about co-designing tailored, motivating, and inclusive cognitive communication treatment programs and research methodologies in collaboration with people with lived experience of a brain injury.

Alex Manea

Student Ambassador 2024-
Speech Pathology, The University of Sydney

Alex is currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) degree at the University of Sydney (USYD). As a disability support worker and volunteer for youths living with intellectual and physical disabilities, she has a passion for improving the quality of life of people living with an impairment. Alex also possesses a keen interest in research, completing an internship at the Children’s Cancer Research Unit at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and joining an international USYD project regarding therapy for childhood apraxia of speech. Alex hopes to specialise in treating clients with traumatic brain injury and is excited to learn more about the rehabilitation of language impaired individuals following sports-related injuries, such as concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Tanisha Joshi

Student Ambassador 2025
The University of Sydney

Tanisha is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Sydney. As a Neuroscience major, she has a deep interest in research surrounding brain disorders and mental health. Having assisted at the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney, the Dementia Research Centre at Macquarie University as well as the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Tanisha has developed a passion for translational research focused on rehabilitation, palliative care and improved quality of life for those suffering from brain impairment. She hopes to contribute towards fostering increased awareness and knowledge about the condition, while working to enhance research in the area in the near future. 

TEAM NEWCASTLE

Ella Jones

Team Leader 2025-
Criminology & Psychological Science, University of Newcastle

Ella is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Criminology combined with a Bachelor of Psychological Science. She is passionate about the intersection of justice and mental health and aspires to build a career that advances both fields.

Through academic study, professional experience, and personal insight, Ella has developed a deep awareness of the challenges individuals face in accessing effective mental health support. She is particularly interested in how understanding brain function can inform more compassionate, evidence-based approaches to care. Ella is committed to promoting mental health awareness and contributing to meaningful change in the way society supports those with brain-related conditions.

Sarah Haskard

Student Ambassador 2024-
Psychological Science, University of Newcastle

Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2022. She is currently pursuing a PhD focused on dementia risk reduction in Australia, with her research aimed at developing an educational intervention to improve public understanding of dementia. Sarah has both worked and volunteered with individuals affected by acquired brain injury (ABI), mental illness, and disability. These experiences deepened her interest in neuropsychology and fueled her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations, and how to keep our brains healthy as we age. She is passionate about empowering individuals, promoting inclusion, and continually developing her professional skills.

Emma Gifford

Student Ambassador 2024-
Psychological Science, University of Newcastle

Emma is currently completing her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. She is an aspiring Clinical Neuropsychologist, which is grounded in her love for psychology, neuroscience, and the ability to help others.

Throughout her studies, Emma has accumulated numerous experiences that have shone a light on the fears and frustrations experienced by people who have cognitive concerns. Her experiences are based in the fields of: acquired brain injury, sports concussion, older adults, and mental illness. As such, Emma is passionate about raising awareness, as well as her own professional growth, so that she may assist those experiencing cognitive challenges to achieve their goals and live more meaningful lives.

TEAM BRISBANE

Yi Wang

Team Leader 2025
Queensland University of Technology

Yi Wang is a PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology, specialising in fear conditioning and its implications for anxiety-related disorders. Her research focuses on understanding the neural and psychological mechanisms underlying fear learning, with the aim of developing more effective treatments for anxiety. She has published several papers in academic journals, contributing to the field’s understanding of how fear processes influence mental health. Yi is passionate about supporting individuals with brain conditions and is dedicated to using her research to improve therapeutic approaches for those affected by anxiety and related disorders. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, accessible treatments. She is committed to advancing knowledge in the field while promoting greater awareness of mental health challenges and their impact on individuals' lives.

Aiden Tso

Student Ambassador 2025
University of Queensland

Aiden is a dedicated Physiotherapy student at the University of Queensland, with a strong interest in brain impairments and their impact on individuals. He is actively involved in the physiotherapy community, serving as a Student Committee member for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). He has also participated in research programs focused on advancing knowledge in the field of rehabilitation sciences.

Passionate about raising awareness of neurological conditions, Aiden aims to contribute to research and support individuals affected by brain impairments, fostering greater understanding within both academic and clinical settings.

Carla dos Reis

Student Ambassador 2025
University of Queensland

Carla is a registered occupational therapist with over 19 years of professional work experience.  She has worked in a variety of fields including neurorehabilitation, mental health, case management, and occupational rehabilitation. Carla is currently completing a PhD at the University of Queensland in the field of traumatic brain injury. She is interested in developing sustainable return to work programs for people with traumatic brain injury and other complex conditions.

Sebastián Gallegos Berrios

Student Ambassador 2025
University of Queensland

Sebastián is a Chilean occupational therapist with experience across the lifespan, working in various settings, including neurological rehabilitation and paediatrics. He holds a Master’s in Neuroscience and is currently a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland. His doctoral research focuses on decision-making processes among professionals working with individuals post-acquired brain injury (ABI).

Beyond his PhD, Sebastián is a technical advisor for the World Health Organization (WHO) in assistive technology, contributing to global strategies for improving access to assistive products. He is also actively involved in research and academic initiatives, particularly interested in neurological rehabilitation, evidence-based practice, and professional decision-making in complex cases.

Sebastián is committed to bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, aiming to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with brain injuries. He looks forward to collaborating with professionals and researchers to advance occupational therapy and neurorehabilitation worldwide.

Yi-Jen Su

Student Ambassador 2025
University of Queensland

Yi-Jen is currently completing her final year in the Bachelor of Speech Pathology Program (Honours) at the University of Queensland. As part of her progression through the degree, she has first-hand experience working with individuals with communicative and swallowing difficulties following acquired brain injury. Through this, Yi-Jen has developed a passion to continue expanding her knowledge in understanding the impacts and lived experiences of individuals with brain conditions as part of her development as a professional.

In addition, Yi-Jen has been involved in several research projects across the field of allied health as a student scholar at the University of Queensland and hopes to further her pursuit in research through her honour’s thesis.

TEAM CANBERRA

Salma Adam

Team Leader 2025
Psychology, University of Canberra

Salma is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra with a breadth major in Forensic and Legal Psychology. Her background in working with children with disabilities has exposed her to the challenges faced by people with brain conditions, fostering a strong desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Salma is particularly interested in understanding how individuals with brain conditions are represented in the legal system and hopes to one day work in the Australian legal system to advocate for and support those affected by brain conditions.

Sofia Goncharova

Student Ambassador 2025
Psychological Science/ Health Science, University of Canberra

Sofia is a third-year student at the University of Canberra, currently pursuing a double degree in Psychology and Health Science. With a professional foundation in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and specialised training in dyslexia tutoring, Sofia has extensive experience working with both primary and high school students, many of whom have specific learning difficulties. Sofia has also supported university students from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of the University of Canberra’s student equity program. She is particularly passionate about advocating for individuals with brain conditions, which has led her to serve as a student ambassador for the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI). This passion stems from her academic interests in both neuropsychology and health science, as well as her hands-on experience working with individuals who face cognitive and learning challenges. Through her role as a student ambassador, Sofia aims to raise awareness, support inclusive education, and contribute to a better understanding of brain health and recovery.

Riley Fernandes

Student Ambassador 2025
Psychology/Health Science, University of Canberra

Riley Fernandes is a University of Canberra student pursuing a double degree in Psychology and Health Science. Her passion for psychology emerged during her teenage years and deepened following her brother's diagnosis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 (SCA-7) in 2014.

As a student ambassador for ASSBI, Riley aspires to advocate for enhanced understanding of neurological disorders while continuing her academic journey. Riley also serves as the undergraduate representative for the Faculty of Health Board on the Student Representative Council, demonstrating a commitment to supporting her peers in all health professions.

Though the road ahead is long, Riley aims to pursue a PhD focused on brain impairment research, with particular emphasis on genetically inherited neurological conditions and effective rehabilitation strategies for those living with brain injuries. Her personal connection to neurological disorders drives her unwavering determination to make meaningful contributions to this critical field.

TEAM PERTH

Brooke Lebihan

Team Leader 2025
Murdoch University

Brooke is a PhD candidate at Murdoch University, specialising in non-invasive brain stimulation (NiBS) research. Their work explores the therapeutic potential of combining NiBS and yoga to treat cognitive symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). With a strong interest in translational and community-driven research, they aim to develop innovative and accessible interventions to support individuals affected by TBI.

Through their research, Brooke has developed a passion for harnessing the strengths of the human brain through NiBS. Their long-term goal is to contribute to advancing the therapeutic application of NiBS to enhance neurorehabilitation and cognitive health in ageing and TBI populations.

Nisha Rameish

Student Ambassador 2025
Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology), Curtin University

Nisha is currently completing her fourth year of Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) at Curtin University. As an autism mentor at Curtin and a dedicated clinician on placement, she is passionate about improving the quality of life for individuals living with impairments. Her strong interest in brain impairment has led her to undertake an honours project on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), where she explores assessment and treatment approaches within allied health.

Throughout her clinical placements, Nisha has gained valuable experience working with individuals with acquired communication disorders, including aphasia and dysarthria. She has supported clients in outpatient rehabilitation settings, focusing on improving speech, language, and functional communication skills. These experiences have deepened her commitment to neurorehabilitation and strengthened her clinical skills in working with individuals with complex communication needs.

Nisha hopes to continue her work by advocating for person-centred care and evidence-based practices to support individuals with neurological impairments in achieving meaningful outcomes.

Nishu Tyagi

Student Ambassador 2025
Edith Cowan University

Nishu Tyagi is an Occupational Therapist, Telerehabilitation Specialist, and Public Health Researcher passionate about rehabilitation and community-driven healthcare solutions. Currently, a Forrest Scholar and PhD Candidate at Edith Cowan University (ECU), Perth, Australia, her research investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-driven eccentric resistance training in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) on muscle mass, physical health, and quality of life.

With over nine years of experience in neurological rehabilitation, she pioneered India’s first telerehabilitation department at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, delivering over 3,000 personalised rehabilitation videos. She received a $50,000 grant from the Rick Hansen Institute (Canada-India SCI Innovation Award, 2018) to address home care challenges after SCI and has worked on national public health policies, including India’s National Injury Prevention and Drowning Prevention Strategy.

An Associate Editor of Spinal Cord Series and Cases, she also serves on the editorial boards of the Asian Spine Journal and WORK Journal. She has collaborated with Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi on virtual reality rehabilitation solutions. Through interdisciplinary research, she aims to transform evidence into real-world impact, driving meaningful change in rehabilitation science, policy, and global healthcare systems to ensure greater accessibility, innovation, and sustainability in neurological rehabilitation worldwide.

Jaye Wainwright

Student Ambassador 2025
Masters of Speech Pathology, Curtin University

Jaye is currently undertaking a Masters of Speech Pathology at Curtin University and is keen to increase awareness and advocacy for people with acquired brain injuries. Jaye is particularly interested in the rebuilding of positive self-identity for people with chronic conditions following brain injury, and how the multi-disciplinary team approach can be optimised to reduce barriers to independence and community participation. Jaye is passionate about languages and, after graduating, hopes to grow her knowledge in assessment and therapy for multilingual clients. With four children, a grandchild, and her Master's studies, Jaye dreams of having spare time... but does manage to indulge in her passion for cooking and trying out new recipes on a regular basis.

THERE IS NO TEAM ADELAIDE

THERE IS NO TEAM TASMANIA FOR 2024

THERE IS NO TEAM GOLD COAST FOR 2024