Dr Michelle Fitts

Senior Research Fellow

Qualifications:

PhD, Queensland University of Technology, 2015 Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology, The University Melbourne, 2008 Graduate Diploma in Criminology, The University of Melbourne, 2007 Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Deakin University, 2005

Location:

Alice Springs

Biography:

Michelle is a Senior Research Fellow at Menzies School of Health Research, who lives and works in Mparntwe Alice Springs. She is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University and James Cook University. Michelle started her career in alcohol research in Far North Queensland in 2010.  Since 2015, Michelle has committed her research energy to traumatic brain injury, with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery for women after traumatic brain injury from violence. Michelle has previously held an ARC DECRA Fellowship (2021-24) focused on understanding the needs and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living with traumatic brain injury from family violence.  

Michelle and her colleagues are currently working with First Nations communities in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Canada to co-design, pilot and implement violence-related traumatic brain injury training modules and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, families and frontline services. The team’s program of work with First Nations women living with traumatic brain injury from family violence, their families and the services who support them seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice and help inform the service delivery of disability, prison, legal, health and family violence services.  Michelle’s work has attracted national and international attention, with her publications leading to policy changes in clinical guidelines and informing government reviews. As Chief Investigator, Michelle has played a key role in grants totalling >$10m, including $3m as CIA.