Profiles
Nicola Stephens
Nicola Stephens
Associate Professor of Public Health
Room Ground floor , ABC Building, Medical Science Precinct, 1-7 Liverpool Street, Hobart
+61 3 6226 4229 or 0400 911 312 (phone)
Associate Professor Nicola Stephens is a member of the public health team in the School of Medicine. Nicola coordinates the Graduate Certificate in Health Protection and the research pathway for Master of Public Health students. Nicola is an epidemiologist with a strong background in public health surveillance and management in health departments across three Australian states, with a focus on communicable diseases, environmental health, data linkage and antimicrobial resistance.
Biography
Before joining the University of Tasmania, Nicola spent ten years as a senior public health manager within governments in NSW and Victoria. Her primary focus of work in those roles was communicable disease and environmental health epidemiology, surveillance and control. Nicola worked extensively with stakeholders nationally to ensure high standards of epidemiological and public health surveillance practice, and to ensure the dissemination and translation of research findings into policy and public health response activities. Previously, Nicola held roles as a manager and epidemiologist in the Tasmanian Health Service and research positions in the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in the fields of cancer, cardiovascular disease and haemochromatosis. Nicola’s PhD focussed on improving public health surveillance methods and this applied research resulted in proposed changes to public health legislation. Nicola has a long history of successfully working with research students across a very broad range of topics within both Masters and PhD programs.
In February 2020, Nicola was seconded to the Department of Health in Tasmania as a member of the COVID-19 response team in the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). Nicola initially took on the role of Planning Lead for the PHEOC, and then moved into the role of Epidemiology Lead. Nicola has returned to her position at UTAS but continues to play a crucial role as the strategic lead of the epidemiology team within the PHEOC. The COVID-19 response highlighted a skills gap in Tasmania, and in most Australian states. As a result, Nicola has worked with UTAS colleagues Michelle McPherson and Silvana Bettiol, as well as colleagues from Public Health Services in Tasmania, to provide a Graduate Certificate in Health Protection at UTAS (H59). The Graduate Certificate in Health Protection will develop professional competencies required for effective response to public health incidents in Australia, and globally.
Career summary
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Tasmania, July 2016. Thesis: Chlamydia trachomatis: improving public health surveillance methods to reduce the burden of disease
- MClinEpid, University of Newcastle 2006
- GradCertEd, University of Tasmania 2001
- BA, University of Tasmania 1999
Memberships
Professional practice
- Australasian Epidemiological Association
- Australian Society for Medical Research
- Public Health Association of Australia
Administrative expertise
- Management of large teams of professionals – winner of two Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Excellence in Achievement People Management Awards
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Collaboration
Teaching
Teaching expertise
Experience in supervision of PhD and Master of Philosophy (Applied Epidemiology) research students with broad range of topics primarily in the areas of communicable diseases, environmental health, antimicrobial resistance, data linkage, outbreak control and surveillance evaluation.
Research Appointments
- Member, Research Advisory Group, World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis Epidemiology and Public Health
- Member, Cross-Sectoral Expert Advisory Board, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Honorary Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne
- Adjunct Researcher, Menzies Institute of Medical Research, University of Tasmania
- Member, Master of Public Health Course Advisory Committee, LaTrobe University
Professional appointments
- Epidemiology Planning Lead, COVID-19 Response Team, Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Tasmania
View more on AssocProf Nicola Stephens in WARP
Expertise
- Communicable disease epidemiology and surveillance
- Microbial genomics
- Public health surveillance methods
- Data linkage
- Environmental health
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Sexually transmissible infections
- Viral hepatitis
- TB
Research Themes
Nicola’s research aligns to the University’s research theme of Better Health. Nicola’s research interests include: the use of data linkage to answer key public health questions and evaluate public health programs; translation of microbial genomics for public health surveillance purposes; antimicrobial resistance; viral hepatitis; tuberculosis; sexually transmissible infections; and public health surveillance practices.
Collaboration
Nicola is a Chief Investigator of a NHMRC Partnership Project with the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, aimed at establishing an evidence-based framework for establishing microbial public health genomics in Australia. Nicola is an Associate Investigator on a NHMRC Project Grant, collaborating with researchers at the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Sexual Health Service, using genomics to understand and interrupt transmission of sexually transmitted pathogens. Nicola is a collaborator with Melbourne Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services on a project that aims to prevent liver cancer through linking viral hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Nicola is also a collaborator on a project with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Epidemiology Unit, Victorian Infectious Diseases References Laboratory, the Doherty Institute, that aims to identify the total number and proportion of duplicate hepatitis B and C cases reported at a national level and within and between jurisdictions and assess the effect of duplication on epidemiological trends and monitoring and evaluation indicators from National Hepatitis B and C strategies.
Current projects
Nicola is a Chief Investigator of a NHMRC Partnership Project with the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, aimed at establishing an evidence-based framework for establishing microbial public health genomics in Australia. Nicola is an Associate Investigator on a NHMRC Project Grant, collaborating with researchers at the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Sexual Health Service, using genomics to understand and interrupt transmission of sexually transmitted pathogens. Nicola is a collaborator with Melbourne Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services on a project that aims to prevent liver cancer through linking viral hepatitis diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Nicola is also a collaborator on a project with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Epidemiology Unit, Victorian Infectious Diseases References Laboratory, the Doherty Institute, that aims to identify the total number and proportion of duplicate hepatitis B and C cases reported at a national level and within and between jurisdictions and assess the effect of duplication on epidemiological trends and monitoring and evaluation indicators from National Hepatitis B and C strategies.
Fields of Research
- Epidemiology (420299)
- Health services and systems (420399)
- Public health (420699)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing (450417)
- Cellular immunology (320404)
- Genomics (310509)
- Behavioural epidemiology (420201)
- Primary health care (420319)
- Oncology and carcinogenesis (321199)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and disability (450401)
- Health economics (380108)
- Health promotion (420603)
- Infectious diseases (320211)
- Community child health (420601)
- Disease surveillance (420202)
- Continuing and community education (390301)
- Health and community services (420305)
Research Objectives
- Disease distribution and transmission (incl. surveillance and response) (200404)
- Public health (excl. specific population health) (200499)
- Behaviour and health (200401)
- Clinical health (200199)
- Other health (209999)
- Diagnosis of human diseases and conditions (200101)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health (210399)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health system performance (210303)
- Health protection and disaster response (200406)
- Neonatal and child health (200506)
- Expanding knowledge in creative arts and writing studies (280122)
- Social structure and health (200207)
Publications
Nicola has published in the areas of sexually transmissible infections, foodborne disease, communicable disease epidemiology, microbial genomics, tuberculosis, public health policy, antibiotic resistance, disease surveillance methods, molecular epidemiology, One Health, epidemic forecasting, and vaccination.
(note publication list available via WARP)
Total publications
57
Journal Article
(56 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dyke H, Lodo K, Stephens N, Carver S, 'The first confirmed outbreak of Barmah Forest virus in Tasmania - 2019', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 47, (2) pp. 1-3. ISSN 1753-6405 (2023) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Dyke H; Carver S | |
| 2023 | McPherson M, Stephens N, Smith KJ, Marfori MT, Sheel M, et al., 'Serology study of healthcare workers following a hospital-based outbreak of COVID-19 in North West Tasmania, Australia, 2020', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 47 pp. 1-11. ISSN 2209-6051 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2023.47.6 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: McPherson M; Smith KJ; Marfori MT; Cooley L; Veitch M; Johnston FH | |
| 2022 | McPherson M, Bettiol S, Stephens N, 'Communicable diseases intelligence : upskilling the public health workforce in communicable disease control', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 46 pp. 1-3. ISSN 2209-6051 (2022) [Letter or Note in Journal] DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2022.46.74 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: McPherson M; Bettiol S | |
| 2022 | Moody R, Sonda S, Johnston FH, Smith KJ, Stephens N, et al., 'Antibodies against Spike protein correlate with broad autoantigen recognition 8 months post SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and anti-calprotectin autoantibodies associated with better clinical outcomes', Frontiers in Immunology, 13 Article 152108. ISSN 1664-3224 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.945021 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Sonda S; Johnston FH; Smith KJ; McPherson M; Flanagan KL; Plebanski M | |
| 2022 | Pereira Bajard M, Stephens N, Eidman J, Warren KT, Molinaro P, et al., 'Serving the vulnerable: the World Health Organization's scaled support to countries during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic', Frontiers in Public Health, 10 Article 837504. ISSN 2296-2565 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.837504 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2022 | Rowe SL, Leder K, Dyson K, Sundaresan L, Wollersheim D, et al., 'Associations between COVID-19 and hospitalisation with respiratory and non-respiratory conditions: a record linkage study', Medical Journal of Australia pp. 1-7. ISSN 1326-5377 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51778 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 | |
| 2022 | Ziou M, Tham R, Wheeler AJ, Zosky GR, Stephens N, et al., 'Outdoor particulate matter exposure and upper respiratory tract infections in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Environmental Research, 210 Article 112969. ISSN 0013-9351 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112969 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Ziou M; Wheeler AJ; Zosky GR; Johnston FH | |
| 2021 | Johnston FH, Anderson T, Harlock M, Castree N, Parry L, et al., 'Lessons learnt from the first large outbreak of COVID-19 in health-care settings in Tasmania, Australia', Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal, 12, (4) pp. 1-7. ISSN 2094-7321 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2021.12.4.884 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Johnston FH; Marfori T; McPherson M; Smith KJ | |
| 2021 | Lane CR, Sherry NL, Porter AF, Duchene S, Horan K, et al., 'Genomics-informed responses in the elimination of COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia: an observational, genomic epidemiological study', The Lancet Public Health pp. 1-10. ISSN 2468-2667 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00133-X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 28Web of Science - 31 Co-authors: Cooley L | |
| 2021 | Rowe SL, Leder K, Perrett KP, Romero N, Nolan TM, et al., 'Maternal vaccination and infant influenza and pertussis', Pediatrics, 148, (3) Article e2021051076. ISSN 0031-4005 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051076 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 | |
| 2021 | Stephens N, McPherson M, Cooley L, Vanhaeften R, Wilmot M, et al., 'COVID-19: Integrating genomic and epidemiological data to inform public health interventions and policy in Tasmania, Australia', Western Pacific Surveillance and Response Journal, 12, (4) pp. 1-9. ISSN 2094-7321 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2021.12.4.878 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: McPherson M; Cooley L; Veitch M; Johnston F | |
| 2020 | Lane CR, Bret J, Schultz M, Gorrie CL, Stevens K, et al., 'Search and contain: Impact of an integrated genomic and epidemiological surveillance and response program for control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales', Clinical Infectious Diseases ISSN 1058-4838 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa972 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 1 | |
| 2019 | Ingle DJ, Easton M, Valcanis M, Seemann T, Kwong JC, et al., 'Co-circulation of multidrug-resistant Shigella among men who have sex with men in Australia', Clinical Infectious Diseases pp. 1-10. ISSN 1058-4838 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz005 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 55 | |
| 2019 | MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Higgins N, Coutts R, Chan R, et al., 'Epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B and C in Victoria, Australia: insights and impacts from enhanced surveillance', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health pp. 1-6. ISSN 1326-0200 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12934 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 4 | |
| 2019 | Rowe SL, Perrett KP, Morey R, Stephens N, Cowie BC, et al., 'Influenza and pertussis vaccination of women during pregnancy in Victoria, 2015-2017', Medical Journal of Australia, 210, (10) pp. 454-462. ISSN 0025-729X (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50125 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 32Web of Science - 26 | |
| 2019 | Rowe SL, Stephens N, Cowie BC, Nolan T, Leder K, et al., 'Use of data linkage to improve communicable disease surveillance and control in Australia: Existing practices, barriers and enablers', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 43, (1) pp. 33-40. ISSN 1753-6405 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12846 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4 | |
| 2018 | Rowe SL, Tay EL, Franklin LJ, Stephens N, Ware RS, et al., 'Effectiveness of parental cocooning as a vaccination strategy to prevent pertussis infection in infants: A case-control study', Vaccine, 36, (15) pp. 2012-2019. ISSN 0264-410X (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.02.094 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 20Web of Science - 18 | |
| 2017 | Ampt FH, El Hayek C, Agius PA, Bowring AL, Bartnik N, et al., 'Anorectal swabs as a marker of male-to-male sexual exposure in STI surveillance systems', Epidemiology and Infection, 145, (12) pp. 2530-2535. ISSN 1469-4409 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S095026881700098X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 | |
| 2017 | Moss R, Fielding JE, Franklin LJ, Stephens N, McVernon J, et al., 'Epidemic forecasts as a tool for public health: interpretation and (re)calibration', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 42, (1) pp. 69-76. ISSN 1753-6405 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12750 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 13 | |
| 2017 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw K, O'Sullivan M, McGregor A, et al., 'Chlamydia retesting and retest positivity rates: results from a state-wide laboratory data linkage study in Tasmania, 2012-13', Sexual Health, 14, (3) pp. 261-267. ISSN 1449-8987 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/SH16137 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Venn A | |
| 2017 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw K, Sullivan MO, McGregor A, et al., 'Testing for chlamydial infection: Are we meeting clinical guidelines? Evidence from a state-level laboratory data linkage analysis for 15- to 29-year-olds', Sexual Health, 14, (6) pp. 507-513. ISSN 1449-8987 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/SH16146 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Venn A | |
| 2017 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw K, Venn A, 'Geographical differences in Chlamydia trachomatis testing in 15-29 year-olds in Tasmania: Findings from a statewide laboratory data linkage study', Australian Journal of Rural Health, 25, (3) pp. 182-184. ISSN 1038-5282 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12316 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Venn A | |
| 2017 | de Gooyer T, Savage R, Stephens N, 'What risks do herbal products pose to the Australian community?', Medical Journal of Australia, 206, (2) pp. 134. ISSN 0025-729X (2017) [Letter or Note in Journal] DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00614 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 49Web of Science - 39 | |
| 2017 | de Gooyer TE, Gregory J, Easton M, Stephens N, Fearnley E, et al., 'Waterparks are high risk for cryptosporidiosis: A case-control study in Victoria, 2015', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 41, (2) pp. E142-E149. ISSN 1447-4514 (2017) [Professional, Refereed Article] | |
| 2016 | Gibney KB, Franklin LJ, Stephens N, 'Infectious diseases notification practices, Victoria 2013', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 40, (3) pp. E317-E325. ISSN 1447-4514 (2016) [Professional, Refereed Article] | |
| 2016 | Heywood AE, Zwar N, Forssman BL, Seale H, Stephens N, et al., 'The contribution of travellers visiting friends and relatives to notified infectious diseases in Australia: state-based enhanced surveillance', Epidemiology and Infection, 144, (16) pp. 3554-3563. ISSN 0950-2688 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S0950268816001734 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 19Web of Science - 17 | |
| 2016 | Lane CR, Sutton B, Valcanis M, Kirk M, Walker C, et al., 'Travel destinations and sexual behavior as indicators of antibiotic resistant Shigella strains - Victoria, Australia', Clinical Infectious Diseases, 62, (6) pp. 722-729. ISSN 1058-4838 (2016) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ1018 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 24 | |
| 2015 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw K, O'Sullivan M, Vally H, et al., 'Exploration of testing practices and population characteristics support an increase in chlamydia positivity in Tasmania between 2001 and 2010', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 40, (4) pp. 362-367. ISSN 1753-6405 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12502 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Venn A | |
| 2015 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw KA, O'Sullivan M, Venn A, 'Improving public health surveillance of chlamydia: analysis of population-level positivity trends', Sexual Health, 12, (4) pp. 369-371. ISSN 1448-5028 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/SH14201 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Venn A | |
| 2014 | Bagherirad M, Trevan P, Globan M, Tay E, Stephens N, et al., 'Transmission of tuberculosis infection in a commercial office', Medical Journal of Australia, 200, (3) pp. 177-179. ISSN 0025-729X (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.5694/mja12.11750 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 | |
| 2013 | Charlesworth KE, Vogelnest L, Stephens N, Marks GB, 'Bug Breakfast in the Bulletin: Diagnosis, investigation and management of tuberculosis at an Australian zoo', NSW Public Health Bulletin, 24, (1) pp. 49. ISSN 2204-2091 (2013) [Contribution to Refereed Journal] DOI: 10.1071/NB13003 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 | |
| 2013 | Massey PD, Durrheim DN, Stephens N, Christensen A, 'Local level epidemiological analysis of TB in people from a high incidence country of birth', BMC Public Health, 13 pp. 62. ISSN 1471-2458 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-62 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 7 | |
| 2013 | Stephens N, Vogelnest L, Lowbridge C, Christensen A, Marks GB, et al., 'Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) to a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and humans in an Australian zoo', Epidemiology and Infection, 141, (7) pp. 1488-1497. ISSN 0950-2688 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S095026881300068X [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 31Web of Science - 31 | |
| 2012 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'Monitoring the incidence and causes of diseases potentially transmitted by food in Australia: Annual Report of the OzFoodNet Network, 2010', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 36, (3) pp. E213-E241. ISSN 1447-4514 (2012) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2012 | Najjar Z, Furlong C, Stephens N, Shadbolt C, Maywood P, et al., 'An outbreak of Salmonella Infantis gastroenteritis in a residential aged care facility associated with thickened fluids', Epidemiology & Infection, 140, (12) pp. 2264-2272. ISSN 0950-2688 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1017/S0950268812000180 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 12 | |
| 2011 | Shaw K, Coleman D, O'Sullivan M, Stephens N, 'Public health policies and management strategies for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection', Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 4 pp. 57-65. ISSN 1179-1594 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S12710 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 22 Co-authors: Shaw K | |
| 2011 | Waldron LS, Ferrari BC, Cheung-Kwok-Sang C, Beggs PJ, Stephens N, et al., 'Molecular epidemiology and spatial distribution of a waterborne Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Australia', Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77, (21) pp. 7766-7771. ISSN 0099-2240 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1128/AEM.00616-11 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 57Web of Science - 55 | |
| 2010 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'Monitoring the incidence and causes of diseases potentially transmitted by food in Australia: Annual Report of the OzFoodNet Network, 2009', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 34, (4) pp. 396-426. ISSN 1447-4514 (2010) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2010 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet Quarterly Report, 1 October to 31 December 2009', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 34, (1) pp. 59-67. ISSN 1447-4514 (2010) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2010 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet Quarterly Report, 1 January to 31 March 2010', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 34, (2) pp. 127-136. ISSN 1447-4514 (2010) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2010 | Stephens N, O'Sullivan M, Coleman D, Shaw K, 'Chlamydia trachomatis in Tasmania 2001-2007: rising notification trends', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 34, (2) pp. 120-125. ISSN 1326-0200 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00494.x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 13 | |
| 2010 | Thomas NE, Kricker A, From L, Busam K, Millikan RC, et al., 'Associations of cumulative sun exposure and phenotypic characteristics with histologic solar elastosis', Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 19, (11) pp. 2932-2941. ISSN 1055-9965 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0686 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 40Web of Science - 35 | |
| 2009 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet Quarterly Report, 1 April to 30 June 2009', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 33, (3) pp. 341-347. ISSN 1447-4514 (2009) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2009 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet Quarterly Report, 1 July to 30 September 2009', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 33, (4) pp. 426-432. ISSN 1447-4514 (2009) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2009 | McKercher CM, Stephens N, 'Monitoring the incidence and causes of diseases potentially transmitted by food in Australia: Annual Report of the OzFoodNet Network, 2008', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 33, (4) pp. 389-413. ISSN 1447-4514 (2009) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: McKercher CM | |
| 2009 | Shaw KAM, Stephens N, Coleman D, O'Sullivan M, 'Role of the general practitioner in testing for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: An analysis of enhanced surveillance data', Sexual Health, 6, (3) pp. 208-212. ISSN 1448-5028 (2009) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/SH09010 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 12 Co-authors: Shaw KAM | |
| 2009 | Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 October to 31 December 2008', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 33, (1) pp. 53-58. ISSN 1447-4514 (2009) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2009 | Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 January to 31 March 2009', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 33, (2) pp. 232-238. ISSN 1447-4514 (2009) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2008 | Sault C, Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 October to 31 December 2007', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 32, (1) pp. 99-103. ISSN 1447-4514 (2008) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: Sault C | |
| 2008 | Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 April to 30 June 2008', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 32, (3) pp. 335-340. ISSN 1447-4514 (2008) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2008 | Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 January to 31 March 2008', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 32, (2) pp. 267-271. ISSN 1447-4514 (2008) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2008 | Stephens N, 'OzFoodNet quarterly report, 1 July to 30 September 2008', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 32, (4) pp. 469-472. ISSN 1447-4514 (2008) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2008 | Stephens N, Coleman D, Shaw K, 'Recurring outbreaks of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 135 associated with the consumption of products containing raw egg in Tasmania', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 32, (4) pp. 466-468. ISSN 1447-4514 (2008) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2007 | Fitzgerald K, Stephens N, Newman LA, Venn A, 'Inaccuracies in self-reported histories of non-melanoma skin cancer', Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 31, (7) pp. 87. ISSN 1326-0200 (2007) [Letter or Note in Journal] Co-authors: Fitzgerald K; Newman LA; Venn A | |
| 2007 | Stephens N, Sault C, Firestone SM, Lightfoot D, Bell C, 'Large outbreaks of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 135 infections associated with the consumption of products containing raw egg in Tasmania', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 31, (1) pp. 118-124. ISSN 1447-4514 (2007) [Professional, Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2006 | McPherson ME, Fielding JE, Telfer B, Stephens N, Combs BG, et al., 'A multi-jurisdiction outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 135 associated with purchasing chicken meat from a supermarket chain', Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report, 30, (4) pp. 449-455. ISSN 1447-4514 (2006) [Professional, Refereed Article] |
Conference Publication
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ayton J, Bennett-Daly G, Nguyen A, Bills H, Bullock P, et al., 'Antenatal HIV screening in regional Tasmania', Rural Medicine Australia national Conference, 12-15 October 2022, Canberra (2022) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Ayton J; Bennett-Daly G; Nguyen A; Owen LM |
Grants & Funding
Chief Investigator, NHMRC Partnership Project – An Evidence-Based Framework for Establishment Microbial Public Health Genomics in Australia (2018-2022). (AUD$1,413,093). University of Melbourne.
Associate Investigator, NHMRC Project Grant – Using Genomics to Understand and Interrupt Transmission of Sexually Transmitted Pathogens in Australia (2018-2020). (AUD$798,714). University of Melbourne.
Funding Summary
Number of grants
3
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- The burden of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Australia is increasing, with an estimated 450,000 people living with chronic viral hepatitis, representing 2% of the population (1, 2). Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of primary liver cancer, which is now the fastest increasing cause of cancer death of Australians (3-6). Tasmania has fallen behind all other states and territories in meeting targets set out in national strategies. The National Hepatitis B Strategy1 targets for 2022 include 80% of people living with CHB will be diagnosed and 50% will be engaged in care. In 2020 (latest data available), 53% of Tasmanians had been diagnosed, and just 17% were receiving care2. For CHC, approximately 1% of the Tasmanian population is estimated to be living with this condition, however only 47% have received curative treatment2. The current National Hepatitis C Strategy3 has set the target of 65% of people having received treatment by 2022. The World Health Organization will be publishing updated CHB and CHC targets in the coming months. Based on these, the Australian Department of Health will set new targets for 2023-2030. In this context, it is timely for increased focus on viral hepatitis in Tasmania.
- Funding
- Donation via Menzies Institute for Medical Research ($11,025)
- Scheme
- Donation - Individual
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- de Graaff B; Nguyen AL; Stephens N
- Year
- 2022
- Description
- Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic across Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory (NT), with prevalence between 2-5%. Of this group, up to 25% will die from decompensated cirrhosis or liver cancer without care and treatment. In turn, liver disease is the third leading factor contributing to the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.In 2017 the NHMRC funded the Hep B PAST Partnership Project (GNT1151837), which aims to eliminate CHB from NT Indigenous Australians. This is being achieved through two mechanisms: improvement of CHB health literacy amongst participating Indigenous communities and healthcare providers; and transition of CHB care to a primary healthcare based, co-ordinated chronic disease model supported by the establishment of a CHB clinical register.The preliminary results of the Hep B PAST Project have demonstrated a highly effective model of care to increase rates of CHB diagnosis, treatment and community education. The Hep B PAST Project will be completed in mid-2023. To successfully eliminate hepatitis B, it is now critically important to transition this care model Territory-wide. Health economic evidence is now required by government to support this. We have developed five studies to generate this evidence:1: Quantify costs of the Hep B PAST model of care and the status quo approach to CHB care;2: Quantify quality of life/health state utility values for hepatitis B health states;3. Develop and validate a health economic disease simulation model for hepatitis B forIndigenous communities;4: Project clinical outcomes of the Hep B PAST model of care and the status quo up to 2035;5: Assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing the Hep B PAST model of care as standardpractice across the NT.We will develop the first Indigenous-specific health economic model that will be made available to support rapid, robust evaluations to introduce Hep B PAST into other states/territories.
- Funding
- National Health & Medical Research Council ($750,738)
- Scheme
- Grant-Ideas
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- de Graaff B; Cowie Ben; Campbell JA; Wills KE; Stephens N; Palmer AJ
- Period
- 2022 - 2025
- Grant Reference
- 2012285
- Description
- This project will develop, test and implement a new national infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance pathogen genomics surveillance and control system, to improve the quality of public health infectious diseases control for the Australian population.
- Funding
- Medical Research Future Fund ($9,999,499)
- Scheme
- Grant-Genomics Health Futures Mission Pathogens
- Administered By
- Medical Research Future Fund
- Research Team
- Howden B; Kirk M; Lan R; Sintchenko V; Darling A; Beatson S; Currie B; Stephens N; Jennison A
- Period
- 2021 - 2024
Research Supervision
Current
PhD – The use of data linkage to inform communicable disease surveillance and control
PhD – Public health surveillance of antimicrobial resistant pathogens
PhD – Health impacts of environmental exposures in early life
PhD – Leadership development: Understanding the missing link in Health and Human Services workforce development
Completed
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) – Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Victoria, 2018
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) – Mycobacterial infections, surveillance and control, Victoria, 2018.
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) – Applied epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases, Victoria, 2016-2017
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) - Applied epidemiology in communicable diseases and environmental health, Victoria, 2015-2016
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) - Applied Epidemiology in Victoria, 2014-2015
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) - Investigating diseases of public health importance, Victoria, 2013-2014
MPhil (Applied Epidemiology) - Applied Epidemiology, Victoria, 2012-2013
MPH research - Establishment of reporting on sexually transmissible infections in Victorian sex workers, 2012
MPH research - Investigation of relationships between Shigella biotypes with specific antibiotic resistance patterns and the location and mode of transmission, 2012
MPH research - Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C notifications among residents of the Victorian Prison System: a retrospective review of existing data 2008-2012, 2013
Current
5
Completed
1
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Leadership Development: Understanding the missing link in Health and Human Services workforce capacity | 2020 |
| PhD | Eliminating hepatitis B in remote Indigenous settings: generating health economic evidence | 2023 |
| PhD | VIBRANT study | 2023 |
| PhD | Antenatal STI and BBV testing | 2024 |
| PhD | Improving listeriosis risk communication | 2024 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Childhood Health Outcomes Associated with Air Pollution in Early Life: Investigating the role of exposure intensity and duration Candidate: Myriam Ziou | 2023 |