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May 2, 2023

UOW expert commentary (2 May)

UOW academics provide expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing and breaking news stories

World Press Freedom Day – Wednesday 3 May

Dr Shawn Burns is available for interviews about World Press Freedom Day (Wednesday 3 May). This year is the 30^th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.  is a former journalist and news director and is a journalism lecturer in the School of Arts, English and Media.

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Changes to vaping laws

Dr Jody Moller can provide expert commentary on changes to vaping laws in Australia. She says while changes like banning disposables and plain packaging were accepted as pathways to decrease youth vaping, this should be done in concert with increased access for current and ex-smokers.  is a senior lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience.  

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NDIS spending targets

Dr Mona Nikidehaghani can provide commentary on recently announced spending cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).   is an expert in the relationship between accounting and public policies. She is a Lecturer in the School of Business.

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TikTok wellness trend - high cortisol levels in the body

Associate Professor Theresa Larkin can talk about how cortisol levels affect the body. In an article for Associate Professor Larkin and Associate Professor Susan Thomas say you can’t blame all your health issues on high cortisol. They write:

Have you been craving certain foods and gaining weight? Maybe you’re fatigued and can’t concentrate, then wake up in the middle of the night. The latest TikTok wellness trend would have you believe high cortisol levels are to blame.

 It’s true that cortisol affects our weight, energy balance, metabolism and sleep. But so do thyroid hormones, appetite hormones and sex hormones, as well as diet and physical activity.

Associate Professor Larkin is an expert in anatomy and medical science. She is a Senior Lecturer in UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine and was recently named a Superstar of STEM by Science & Technology Australia. 

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Coronation of King Charles III

Professor Greg Melleuish is available to talk about the upcoming coronation of King Charles III. He is a lecturer and researcher with expertise in political theory, Australian politics, ancient history and world history. Professor Melleuish is from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.

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Sudan crisis

Associate Professor Phil Orchard can provide commentary on the current crisis in Sudan and the displacement issues being faced by people trying to flee the country. research and teaching interests focus on international efforts to provide legal and institutional protections to internally displaced persons, refugees, and war-affected civilians. The international relations expert is from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry.

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Thyroid nodules  

Dr Patti Shih is available for interviews about thyroid nodules. says thyroid nodules are very common, with more than half of people scanned showing small nodules. In an article she co-authored for Dr Shih writes:

In recent decades, the dramatic increase in new cases of thyroid cancer has largely been driven by findings of small, low-risk thyroid cancers; found when investigating thyroid nodules. Strong evidence exists overdiagnosis – that is, a correct but unnecessary diagnosis – accounts for a large proportion of thyroid cancer cases.

Dr Shih is sociologist specialising in social and cultural aspects of healthcare and medicine. She is a lecturer in the School of Health and Society and Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence & Values.

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World Congress on Public health

Dr Summer May Finlay is available to talk about the 17th World Congress on Public Health which is underway in Rome, Italy.   is a Yorta Yorta woman who grew up on Awabakal country (West Lake Macquarie) and is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She is a Senior Lecturer of Indigenous Health in the School of Health and Society.

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UOW academics exercise academic freedom by providing expert commentary, opinion and analysis on a range of ongoing social issues and current affairs. This expert commentary reflects the views of those individual academics and does not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½.