PROFILE
Dr Bonnie Furzer
PhD, Accredited Exercise Physiologist
My research allows me to work every day with people to improve their exercise experiences, improve their physical and mental health, and support their goals - plus through teaching I get to share this knowledge with future generations of allied health professionals for greater community impact.Dr. Bonnie Furzer
Dr Bonnie Furzer is a teaching and research academic within the School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science) at The University of Western Australia. Dr Furzer is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with a clinical role within the Mental Health Service at Fremantle Hospital. Further to her teaching and clinical roles, she is the founding Director of Thriving, a not for profit organisation providing clinical and educational services to build strong, happy and healthy young people through exercise.
Dr Furzer's area of expertise and the work she is involved in explores the role and implementation of exercise to improve or support the physical and mental health of populations with unique needs (i.e., children and young people, people living with mental illness and/or chronic disease, older adults). This is the area in which she conducts research, with a particular focus on translation into practice, this also aligns with her clinical work and teaching.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching
- BA/BSc (Hons)
- Accredited Exercise Scientist / Accredited Exercise Physiologist
External Positions
- Senior Exercise Physiologist, Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Service
- Director, not for profit Thriving Exercise Rehabilitation Inc.
2021 Fellow Higher Education Academy
2021 UWA Rising Star
2020 Exercise & Sport Science Australia - Practice of the Year (Thriving Exercise Rehabilitation Inc.)
2018 WA Alcohol and Other Drug Excellence Award - Youth
2017 UWA Faculty of Science Excellence Award for External Engagement
Chair - National Exercise Physiology Advisory Group (ESSA)
10+ year partnership with Telethon 7 to provide exercise for WA kids with unique needs
I am a strong believer in learn by doing, and of course being allowed to make mistakes and learn from them in a supported way. As students and health practitioners, I think we should always question or challenge ourselves, and always ask ourselves 'why'. Not just what to do or how to do it, but the 'why' or clinical reasoning behind it all. If you understand the 'why' you are more equipped and adaptable for all the complexity that comes with human health and behaviour.”
Dr Bonnie Furzer
Research
The main areas of research currently underway include broad projects looking at:
- Mental Health & Exercise Research Group (MHEX) - exploring the role of exercise in the management of physical and mental health outcomes for those living with, or at risk of, mental ill health. This includes projects within hospital based mental health services through to student health on campus.
- Building Healthy & Strong Young People through Exercise
- Musculoskeletal Function & Health in Older Adults - exploring the role of exercise in maintaining and improving physical function and health outcomes in community dwelling older adults.
Funding
- 10+ year partnership with Telethon 7 to provide exercise for WA kids with unique needs (2011-ongoing)
- Thriving DAYS Exercise Program (2016-2019) - Commonwealth Bank Community Grant ($39,600)
Teaching
Dr Furzer is the course coordinator for the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and currently teaches:
- SSEH5646– Chronic & Complex Conditions
- SSEH5647 - Brain & Behaviour
- SSEH5691/92/93 – Work Integrated Learning & Clinical Practice
- SSEH3389/4489 – Exercise Rehabilitation
- SSEH5644 – Neurological Rehabilitation
- Mental Health First Aid Educator.
Teaching commendations:
- Director of Educator - Exercise & Sport Science (UWA)
- 2021 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- 2020 UWA Student Guild's Students' Choice Awards
Media
Articles
- Life-changing research to be showcased at Telethon Family Festival 2021
- UWA and Telethon Making a Difference for Child Health
- 2021 Female Leader in Exercise & Sport Science (ESSA)
- ESSA congratulates 2020 industry award winners
- New tool reduces exercise risks for kids
- New exercise program tackles student mental health issues
