Pymble Alumni, Amelia Trippas, public health researcher

Pymble Alumni, Amelia Trippas, public health researcher

The Pymble Institute is passionate about supporting women in their research careers and we’re #pymbleproud to take this opportunity to share news of a research project which one of our Alumni is managing.

Amelia Trippas (2018) is the Research Lead with the George Institute for Global Health at the University of New South Wales. Her team are conducting a study into the relationship between older adults (65+) and pre-school aged children, in a 20-week intergenerational program under the “INTEGRITY” research trial. The program pairs the children with older adults for fun and meaningful activities, aimed at enhancing health and wellbeing for all participants.  It is similar to the playgroup seen on the ABC Program ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’.  The program runs for 20 weeks with 2-hour weekly sessions.

Pymble Institute Director, Dr Sarah Loch, asked Amelia about her current work and how she came to be part of the INTEGRITY project.

Can you tell us about one of your favourite memories of your final year of school?

  • One of my favourite memories from my final year was the last week of school with all the various celebration events (final assemblies, final chapel, the val dinner etc). It gave us time to come together to reflect, celebrate our growth and thank the people who had shared the journey with us.

What was your first step after finishing school? What course did you study?

  • After finishing school, I moved to Canberra to complete my Bachelor of Science at the Australian National University. I saw this course as a good first step into the field of health and science, providing the foundational skills and knowledge that could be applied in the future.

What led you to study a Master of Public Health (MPH)?

  • While finishing my undergraduate degree, I was working in the field of allied health care with clients. I realised that while clinical work is critical, addressing the social determinants of health and implementing systemic changes could lead to sustainable improvements for entire populations. The MPH gave me the knowledge and tools to work on public health challenges globally.

What specialities did you explore in this degree?

  • During my Master of Public Health, I explored several specialities including global health, health policy and analysis. These areas allowed me to explore the intersection of research, policy and implementation, providing unique insights and skills essential for a career in public health.

What inspired your interest in public health?

  • My interest in public health was inspired by a combination of personal experiences and academic exposure. These sparked a desire to make a meaningful, high-level impact on health systems and policy, with downstream effects on community health and wellbeing. Additionally, recognising the potential tangible benefits of effective public health initiatives on individuals, communities and populations reinforced my commitment to this field.

Can you tell us about The George Institute and the research project you’re working on?

  • The George Institute is a leading global health research institute focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide. Currently, I am working on a research project that aims to determine whether intergenerational programs can improve health benefits for older adults and developmental skills for young children. This project is particularly exciting because it has the potential to reduce the onset or severity of frailty, which is critical in our ever-ageing society. The immediate impact of the program is the social connectedness it brings to communities.

What advice would you give for others interested in this type of career?

  • For those interested in a career in public health research, my advice would be to stay curious and passionate about learning, as well as have patience and resilience. Health research is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field, so it’s important to be open to new ideas and approaches. Additionally, gaining practical experience and mentorship through internships or volunteer work can be incredibly valuable in building your skills and understanding the real-world applications of public health principles. Most importantly, stay dedicated to making a positive impact, and remember that setbacks, such as not securing funding or achieving desired outcomes, are part of the journey.

We wish Amelia and her team all the best for their important research.