Profiles
Melanie Blackhall
UTAS Home Doctor Melanie Blackhall
Melanie Blackhall
Lecturer in Human Physiology
Room 242-04 (Level 2) , Medical Sciences 2
Ms Blackhall is a researcher and lecturer in Physiology and Nutrition. As a qualified nutritionist, Melanie is engaged in research to expand our knowledge of nutrition in human health and disease prevention. In addition she is working on increasing our understanding of allergy and anaphylaxis in the community.
Biography
Ms Blackhall graduated with a Research Masters degree from University of Queensland in 2005 - following an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Tasmania in 1998. Her Masters research was in the use of antioxidant supplementation in oxidative stress.
Ms Blackhall is currently practicing as a Registered Nutritionist and came to the University of Tasmania in 2008 is a lecturer in Physiology and Nutrition. She coordinates CHP330 Applied Physiology - a third year unit which focuses on the integrative nature of physiology and whole body systems.
Career summary
Qualifications
- MPhil, University of Queensland, Australia, 2005. Thesis: Antioxidant supplementation in renal transplant recipients
- BHM, University of Tasmania, Australia. 1998
Memberships
Professional practice
- Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) (Chair of Tasmanian Chapter and national committee member) – is a group of qualified, practising scientists and educators from diverse disciplines who are brought together by a common interest in the research and application of nutrition. Our focus is mutual scientific support of members and the science of nutrition. Our aim is to be at the hub of Australian nutrition related sciences and industries.
- Eat Well Tasmania Inc (President of the Board) – Eatwell Tasmania is a community organisation that provides support and assistance for activities or projects that promote enjoyable healthy eating.EWTi aims to improve the nutritional wellbeing of all Tasmanians and contribute to the reduction of diet-related health problems, such as cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers, by maximising the impact of nutrition promotion. 'Enjoy healthy eating, support local produce'.
Teaching
Nutrition, Physiology, Functional Foods.
Teaching responsibility
Units Coordinated
Units Taught
View more on Dr Melanie Blackhall in WARP
Expertise
- Functional foods and bioactive food compounds
- Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Allergy/ Anaphylaxis
Research Themes
Melanie's research is well aligned with the University's key theme of Better Health. Her primary research is in the area of bioactive food and nutrition. The primary aim is to understand the impact of bioactive food components, specifically anthocyanins and the impact these compounds have on health and human disease. Melanie is particularly interested in inflammation and how functional foods may impact this. This research is currently being undertaken in partnership with industry.
Melanie's work as part of the allergy and anaphylaxis research group (AARG) aims to build a greater understanding of the presentation of anaphylaxis in the community. How anaphylaxis is managed following diagnosis, how members of the community affected by anaphylaxis are supported, as well as patient and community education, are particular focuses. The overarching aim of the group is to improve current practice by aiding the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for health professionals and members of the wider community responding to anaphylaxis and severe allergy.
Collaboration
- Reid Fruits
- Essential Oils of Tasmania
Current projects
- Allergy & Anaphylaxis
- Nutrition in Human Health
Fields of Research
- Nutritional science (321004)
- Allergy (320401)
- Paramedicine (320219)
- Nephrology and urology (320214)
- Biologically active molecules (340401)
- Nutrition and dietetics (321099)
- Sport and exercise nutrition (321006)
- Public health nutrition (321005)
- Analytical biochemistry (310101)
- Health services and systems (420399)
- Metabolic medicine (320507)
- Respiratory diseases (320103)
- Gastroenterology and hepatology (320209)
- Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (321402)
- Preventative health care (420605)
Research Objectives
- Nutrition (200410)
- Clinical health (200199)
- Pome fruit, pip fruit (260511)
- Other health (209999)
- Expanding knowledge in the health sciences (280112)
- Urgent and critical care, and emergency medicine (200311)
- Efficacy of medications (200102)
- Preventive medicine (200412)
Publications
Melanie is currently a reviewer for Australasian Journal of Paramedicine.
Total publications
42
Journal Article
(4 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Blackhall ML, Berry R, Davies NW, Walls JT, 'Optimized extraction of anthocyanins from Reid Fruits' Prunus avium Lapins' cherries', Food Chemistry, 256 pp. 280-285. ISSN 0308-8146 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.02.137 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 42Web of Science - 38 Co-authors: Berry R; Davies NW; Walls JT | |
| 2016 | Edwards D, Blackhall M, Berry R, 'Community presentations of anaphylaxis in Tasmania: Who is administering the adrenaline?', Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 13, (1) pp. 1-7. ISSN 2202-7270 (2016) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Edwards D; Berry R | |
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, Edwards D, 'Incidence and patient demographics of pre-hospital anaphylaxis in Tasmania, Australia', Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 12, (3) Article 1. ISSN 2202-7270 (2015) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Edwards D | |
| 2005 | Blackhall ML, Fassett RG, Sharman JE, Geraghty DP, Coombes JS, 'Effects of antioxidant supplementation on blood cyclosporine A and glomerular filtration rate in renal transplant recipients', Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, 20, (9) pp. 1970-1975. ISSN 0931-0509 (2005) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfh875 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 33Web of Science - 28 Co-authors: Fassett RG; Sharman JE; Geraghty DP; Coombes JS |
Review
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Blackhall ML, Coombes JS, Fassett RG, 'The relationship between antioxidant supplements and oxidative stress in renal transplant recipients; a review', ASAIO Journal, 50, (5) pp. 451-457. ISSN 1058-2916 (2004) [Substantial Review] Co-authors: Coombes JS; Fassett RG |
Conference Publication
(12 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Berry R, Edwards D, Blackhall M, 'Anaphylaxis recognition: Is there consistency in Paramedic and Emergency Department diagnoses?', 999 EMS Research Forum, 4 March 2020, Brighton, United Kingdom (2020) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Berry R; Edwards D | |
| 2019 | Berry R, Edwards D, Blackhall M, 'Anaphylaxis recognition: Is there consistency in Paramedic and Emergency Department diagnoses?', Paramedics Australasia International Conference (PAIC) 2019, 28 - 30 November 2019, Hobart, Tasmania (2019) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Edwards D | |
| 2019 | Blackhall M, 'Invited keynote speech for the Early Career Masterclass', National Society of Australia 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting, 2 December 2019, Newcastle, Australia (2019) [Keynote Presentation] | |
| 2019 | Blackhall M, Berry R, Ahuja K, Geraghty DP, Walls JT, 'Bioactive compounds in sweet cherries: 24 months post-harvest, is there anything left?', Nutritional Advances in the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease, 25-27 September 2019, Barcelona (2019) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Ahuja K; Geraghty DP; Walls JT | |
| 2018 | Blackhall ML, Berry R, Ahuja KDK, Geraghty DP, Walls JT, 'In vitro investigation of sweet cherry extract', Nutrition Society of Australia 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting, 27-30 November 2018, Canberra, Australia (2018) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Ahuja KDK; Geraghty DP; Walls JT | |
| 2017 | Blackhall M, 'Anthocyanins derived from sweet cherries reduce obesity markers in high fat fed mice', 10th Asia Pacific Conference on Clinical Nutrition, 26-29 November 2017, Adelaide (2017) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2016 | Blackhall ML, Berry R, Walls JT, 'The impact of storage conditions and growing season on the anthocyanin content of sweet cherry varieties', Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, 29 November - 2 December, 2016, Melbourne, Australia (2016) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Walls JT | |
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, Berry R, Walls JT, 'Ripe for the picking: anthocyanin content of waste fruit versus first grade fruit in Australian sweet cherries', 39th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia in conjunction with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, 1-4 December, 2015, Wellington, New Zealand (2015) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Walls JT | |
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, Berry R, Walls JT, ''Physiological' temperature found to be prime for extracting sweet cherry anthocyanins', 39th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia in conjunction with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand, 1-4 December, 2015, Wellington, New Zealand (2015) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Berry R; Walls JT | |
| 2015 | Edwards DG, Blackhall ML, Berry R, 'Anaphylaxis and Allergy Research (AARG)', Paramedics Australasia, Tasmania Chapter, State Conference, 21 November, 2015, Hobart, Tasmania (2015) [Plenary Presentation] Co-authors: Edwards DG; Berry R | |
| 2013 | Blackhall ML, 'Clinical Trials in Tasmania: Health Benefits of Anthocyanins', 2013 FGT Annual May Conference, 23 - 25 May 2013, Hobart, Tasmania (2013) [Plenary Presentation] | |
| 2012 | Blackhall ML, Parker K, Sainter D, Fisher P, Walls JT, 'Patient demographics, disease severity and compliance of individuals seeking advice from the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania', Respirology 17 (Suppl 1), 30 Mar - 4 Apr, Canberra, pp. 9 (AP-14). ISSN 1323-7799 (2012) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Parker K; Walls JT |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, 'A contribution to Melanie Blackhall's PhD 'The physiological benefits of anthocyanins (flavonoids) as a functional food', Fruit Growers Tasmania (2015) [Contract Report] |
Thesis
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Blackhall ML, 'Are Tasmanian sweet cherries effective functional foods?' (2019) [PhD] | |
| 2005 | Blackhall ML, 'Effects of Antioxidant Supplementation in Renal transplant Recipients' (2005) [Masters Research] |
Other Public Output
(22 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Blackhall ML, 'How to get more vegetables on your plate - interview with Paul MacIntyre', ABC Radio 936 Hobart (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Blackhall ML, 'Hobart research funding epi pens', Soundcloud (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Blackhall ML, 'Research bid to save lives', The Examiner, Australia, Feb 24, 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Blackhall ML, 'Cherry treatment value to be tested', The Australian, 6 April, 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Blackhall ML, 'Can cherries help alleviate obesity related inflammation?', ABC News Online, 6 April, 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, 'Get ready to take the Veg Pledge as part of Eat Well Tasmania's latest campaign', The Mercury, The Mercury, Tasmania, Australia, February 18, 2015 (2015) [Media Interview] | |
| 2015 | Blackhall ML, 'The University od Tasmania is kicking off a crowd sourcing campaign for a study into EpiPens', WIN Hobart, WIN News (2015) [Media Interview] | |
| 2012 | Blackhall ML, 'Can energy drinks for kids: experts', The Examiner (2012) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2012 | Blackhall ML, 'Sports nutrition part 2: Foundation nutrition and fuelling', Active Education, pp. 39-40. (2012) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2012 | Blackhall ML, 'How to give yourself a health check', Australian Business Solutions, p. 93. (2012) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Sports nutrition Part 1: Foundation and fuelling', Active Education, pp. 51-52. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'The benefits of breakfast', Active Education, pp. 49-50. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Teaching children why junk food is junk', Active Education, pp. 37-38. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'What you need to know about coffee', Australian Business Solutions (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Food from nine to five: healthy ideas from breakfast and lunch in the office', Australian Business Solutions, p. 102. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Boost your wellness: motivation tips to get you started', Australian Business Solutions, p. 98. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'The truth about superfoods', Australian Business Solutions, p. 96. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Food on the go: the lesser of two evils', Australian Business Solutions, p. 100. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2011 | Blackhall ML, 'Large lunch versus large dinner: the science behind the debate', Australian Business Solutions, p. 91. (2011) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2010 | Blackhall ML, 'A healthy diet - getting back to basics', Active Education, pp. 53-54. (2010) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2010 | Blackhall ML, 'Cooking with kids', Active Education, pp. 47-48. (2010) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2009 | Blackhall ML, 'Energy Drinks', Stateline, ABC TV (2009) [Media Interview] |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
4
Total funding
$232,472
Projects
Impact of cherry anthocyanins on gout and inflammation (2017 - 2018)$55,955
- Description
- This project funds are to assess attenuation of inflammation and disease symptoms through two different models. One is to identify the impact of sweet cherry anthocyanins on markers of gout. The second is to investigate the effect of sweet cherry anthocyanins on acute, exercise-induced inflammation in humans.
- Funding
- Reid Fruits ($55,955)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Blackhall ML; Walls JT; Berry R; Ahuja KDK
- Period
- 2017 - 2018
Bioactive Food and Nutrition Research PHASE 2 (mouse trial and cycling trial) (2016 - 2017)$98,296
- Description
- Utilising the optimised cherry extract from Phase 1 of the project, an animal model (mice) will be used to investigate the impact on inflammatory markers through a standard 28-day supplementation protocol. Blood samples will be obtained and prepared to enable serum analysis of inflammatory markers utilising Luminex xMap technology. The supplementation protocol will entail animals fed in two stages: - Firstly, the animals will be fed cherry extract (to determine impact as a preventative treatment); - Secondly, the animals will be fed cherry extract once inflammation already exists (to determine effect as reversal treatment)
- Funding
- Department of Industry, Innovation and Science ($49,148); Essential Oils of Tasmania ($49,148)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Blackhall ML; Berry R; Walls JT
- Period
- 2016 - 2017
The bioactivity of Reid Fruits cherries and their potential as functional foods (2015)$70,721
- Description
- This project will test Reid Fruits cherries to characterize the bioactive food compounds, specifically anthocyanins, and determine the impact these may have on health. The project will also involve the development of novel protocols for optimising nutrient extraction.
- Funding
- Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources ($32,076); Essential Oils of Tasmania ($38,645)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Blackhall ML; Walls JT
- Year
- 2015
The physiological benefits of anthocyanins as a functional food (2013)$7,500
- Description
- The overall aim of this project is to investigate the impact and to contribute to the evidence base for anthocyanins as a functional food.
- Funding
- Fruit Growers Tasmania Inc ($7,500)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Walls JT; Geraghty DP; Keske MAV; Blackhall ML
- Year
- 2013