Dr Kemi Wright

Dr Wright is a Senior Lecturer and Program Lead for exercise physiology within the School of Health Sciences at the University of New South Wales. Her research and clinical interests are focused on the role and implementation of exercise for the physiological and/or psychological benefit in special populations including children and youth, mental illness, and chronic disease.

Her doctoral studies culminated in a family-based community intervention study to improve the physical literacy and health of children. She remains highly active in the translation and dissemination of research into clinical practice with regular presentations at international and national research conferences, in addition to service and community forums.

Alongside her own research, she supervises doctoral and research students in the field of mental health, exercise, and paediatrics. Her previous appointment with the South Metropolitan Health Service saw her lead the establishment of the first clinical exercise service pathway in Western Australia for in-patient and outpatient mental health consumers to improve their physical and mental health outcomes.

Outside her professional role she is the Director of Thriving – “Building Strong and Healthy Young People through Exercise” which is an established physical activity charity that utilises exercise to improve the health outcomes of children and young people. In this role she has established and maintained numerous community partnerships including collaborations with Telethon7, WA Drug and Alcohol Service (Mental Health Commission) and community health providers.