Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Medical and Health Sciences

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Related Contents

    • Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan
      https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0006/723291/therese-osullivan.jpg
    • Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan

      Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan

  • See Also
  • Google Scholar profile
    https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=C4Xkr_YAAAAJ&view_op=list_works
  • Google Scholar profile
  • ResearchGate profile
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Therese_Osullivan
  • ResearchGate profile
  • ORCID iD
    http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1003-854X
  • ORCID iD

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 an Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics and also leads a program of research investigating the potential health benefits of dairy fat in the diet. She is also involved in research into helping new mums with breastfeeding.

Current Teaching

  • NUT6101 Medical Nutrition Therapy 1
  • NUT6105 Medical Nutrition Therapy 2
  • NUT6104 Food Service and Dietetic Management

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
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association
  • Nutrition Society of Australia
  • International Network for Child and Family Centred Care

Awards and Recognition

National and International Awards

  • Science on the Swan – Award for best poster and accompanying oral presentation (2021)
  • Nutrition Society of Australia Mid-Career Development Award for contribution of research to the field of nutrition (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

Other

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

Research Areas and Interests

The Milky Way Study

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 aim of this unique study is to investigate the effects of regular fat compared with reduced fat dairy intake on children’s adiposity, heart health and gut health.

To do this, we will conduct a three-month, double blind, randomised controlled trial of regular vs reduced fat dairy products in children aged 4-6 years who normally consume regular fat dairy products. We will assess diet, adiposity, heart health and gut health at baseline and at study end to determine whether any differences exist between those children who have changed to reduced fat dairy, and those who remain consumers of regular fat dairy. We also plan to assess changes between the two diet groups for blood markers of dairy fat intake and compare this to health outcomes. Dairy products will be delivered free to participating families.

Child Centered 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 (1998), consulted with parents in focus groups and liaised with a parenting expert. We identified three relevant principles that can be used to guide research with children: use of authentic communication, acknowledging emotions, and inviting participation. We are working on incorporating these principles into research and evaluating outcomes for parents and children.

Expressing of Colostrum inLate Pregnancy

Although we know breastmilk is best for babies, some mums turn to formula because they feel their milk supply isn’t good enough. The old technique of hand expressing of colostrum in the weeks prior to giving birth may help. Anecdotally, mums report a good milk supply and increased confidence in breastfeeding. But the practice is not routinely recommended, as there are no large-scale studies to support its safety and efficacy in the general population. We have developed an online instructional video for antenatal expressing. This video will help support future large-scale studies, which will provide the evidence required to advocate or avoid this practice.

Additional research interests include: gut health, plant based diets, Mediterranean food patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, food security, the Nutrition Care Process and innovation in dietetics.

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

2024

Journal Articles

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. (2023). 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, 2023(Article in press), 16 pages. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344231215074.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2021

Journal Articles

  • 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., 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2019

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2015

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2014

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2013

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. (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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2011

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

2010

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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., 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.

2009

Journal Articles

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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., 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.

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 Trust, 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, Development of Healthy Eating: Exploring a Respectful Approach to Feeding Infants and Young Children
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Help Us Feed - The Palate Perspective in Neonatal Feeding
  • Doctor of Philosophy, A 'Respectful Approach' to early parenting: The Impact upon parent and child wellbeing
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Impact of dairy lipid intake on gut microbiota, and its association with cardiovascular related metabolites in Australian children

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Nutrition in Preschool Children with Autistic Behaviours
  • 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 to achieve change in health profession higher education: A realist approach

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

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

Associate Supervisor

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