Dr Kai Wheeler

Senior Lecturer & Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy

School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences

Affiliate Lecturer of Mater Research Institute-UQ

Mater Research Institute-UQ

Affiliate of Centre for Sport and Society

Centre for Sport and Society

Affiliate of Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation

Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation

+61 7 336 56453

kwheeler@uq.edu.au

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Researcher biography

Dr Wheeler is a proud Ngarabal person and Accredited Exercise Scientist (ESSA). Dr Wheeler specilises in implementation science in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Dr Wheeler was the first Aboriginal person to graduate with a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Wheeler's research examines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can co-design programs that build community capacity and engage children and young peoples in a broad range of development areas. Dr Wheeler's research strengths consist co-designing physical movement-based programs, ensuring a trauma informed and culturally-responsive approach towards community engagement and empowerment.

Dr Wheeler has led high performing teams working on education programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through a strength-based and holistic framework. Extending this work, Dr Wheeler's research focuses on developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better address the complex health needs of community. Dr Wheeler has provided FIrst Nations leadership to a range of projects that have catered for the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and through this experience has partnered to deliver diverse governance solutions and educational engagement frameworks.

Dr Wheeler also specialises in biomechanics, sport analytics and performance analysis as well as strength and conditioning research. Dr Wheeler works currently with a range of sporting organisations to implement best-practice sport servicing, testing and athlete management to achieve excellence. Dr Wheeler is the lead researcher in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia. Dr Wheeler has worked with a variety of professional sporting organisations and teams such as the Wallabies, Brumbies Rugby and World Rugby as well as the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Raiders, Canberra Comets, Canberra Meteors and GWS Giants. Dr Wheeler co-design training programs to promote optimal performance in a range of sports. Dr Wheeler is a passionate about how sport and exercise can be used to enrich community as well as health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Dr Wheeler is the Chair of the ESSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Working Group for Exercise and Sport Science Australia.

Dr Wheeler is the Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.

Dr Wheeler is the Program Convenor for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences, the University of Queensland.

Dr Wheeler was named in the top 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people changing the world from COSMOS.

Awards

2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award from the Australian Academy of Science

2022 LSQ Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award from Life Sciences Queensland

2020 Accredited Exercise Scientist of the Year Award from Exercise and Sport Science Australia

2021 Science Peoples Choice Award from National Science Week

2021 Outreach Award from National Science Week

2020 Science Leadership Excellence Award from National Science Week

2017 NAIDOC Award from Fraser Coast NAIDOC Committee

Featured projects	Duration
The 360-Kids Community network to support children with neurodevelopmental challenges The University of Queensland
Design of a First Nations Community Impact Framework for Athletics Australia Athletics Australia
Yarrabah Community, Identity and Pride: A History of Yarrabah Sport UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund

Publications

Book (1)

Journal Articles (18)

Conference Papers (21)

Research Reports (9)

Video Documents (3)

Generic Documents (4)

Book

Lee, James, Wheeler, Keane and James, Daniel A. (2019). Wearable sensors in sport : a practical guide to usage and implementation. Singapore: Springer Singapore. doi: 10.1007/978-981-13-3777-2

Journal Articles

Krishnamoorthy, Govind, Harrison, Ellisa, Ayre, Kay, Forooshani, Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi, Berger, Emily, Rees, Bronwyn, Wheeler, Keane, Eiby, Nathan, Ong, Sabrina, Dallinger, Vicki and Ulhaq, Anwaar (2024). The impact of trauma-informed practices on academic outcomes of First Nations children: a pilot study of culturally responsive supports in Australia. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11 (1) 1385. doi: 10.1057/s41599-024-03892-8

Barratt, Jaime, Dudley, Dean, Stylianou, Michalis, Thomas, George, Wheeler, Kai and Cairney, John (2024). Construct validity and reliability of the effective early childhood physical literacy pedagogue (ECE-PLP) self-report instrument. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/1091367x.2024.2422309

Martin, Karen, Dobson, Madeleine, Fitzgerald, Kate, Ford, Madeleine, Lund, Stephan, Egeberg, Helen, Walker, Rebecca, Milroy, Helen, Wheeler, Keane, Kasten-Lee, Amanda, Bayly, Lisa, Gazey, Angela, Falconer, Sarah, Platell, Monique and Berger, Emily (2024). International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51 (4), 1445-1468. doi: 10.1007/s13384-023-00648-2

Dick, Sarah, Wheeler, Kai and Keating, Shelley E. (2024). Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 48 (2) 100138, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100138

Phillips, Murray G., Wheeler, Kai W. and Osmond, Gary (2024). The Double Folds of Racism and History: Silences, Concussion, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Athletes. Journal of Sport History, 51 (2), 102-118. doi: 10.5406/21558450.51.2.09

Phillips, Murray G., Osmond, Gary and Wheeler, Keane (2023). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sport: sporting literacy, attenuated agency, and survivance. The International Journal of the History of Sport, 40 (8), 699-718. doi: 10.1080/09523367.2023.2245765

Rynne, Steven B., Dittman, Cassandra K., Wheeler, Keane W., Mallett, Cliff J. and Sanders, Matthew R. (2023). Experiences of Aboriginal parents in the context of junior rugby league. Leisure Studies, 42 (5), 751-768. doi: 10.1080/02614367.2022.2143875

May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z

Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14

Zanetti, Sara, Pumpa, Kate L., Wheeler, Keane W. and Pyne, David B. (2014). Validity of the SenseWear armband to assess energy expenditure during intermittent exercise and recovery in rugby union players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28 (4), 1090-1095. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000243

Wheeler, Keane, Mills, David, Lyons, Keith and Harrinton, Warrick (2013). Effective defensive strategies at the ruck contest in rugby union. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 8 (3), 481-491. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.8.3.481

Wheeler, Keane, Kefford, Tamara, Mosler, Andrea, Lebedew, Alexis and Lyons, Keith (2013). The volume of goal shooting during training can predict shoulder soreness in elite female water polo players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 16 (3), 255-258. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.06.006

Mara, Jocelyn K., Wheeler, Keane W. and Lyons, Keith (2012). Attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in high level women's football. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 7 (3), 565-577. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.7.3.565

Ball, Nick, Nolan, Emily and Wheeler, Keane (2011). Anthropometrical, physiological, and tracked power profiles of elite taekwondo athletes 9 weeks before the olympic competition phase. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25 (10), 2752-2763. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31820d9f3f

Wheeler, Keane and Sayers, Mark (2011). Rugby union contact skills alter evasive agility performance during attacking ball carries. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 6 (3), 419-432. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.6.3.419

Wheeler, Keane W., Wiseman, Rachael and Lyons, Keith (2011). Tactical and technical factors associated with effective ball offloading strategies during the tackle in rugby league. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 11 (2), 392-409. doi: 10.1080/24748668.2011.11868558

Wheeler, Keane W. and Sayers, Mark G.L. (2010). Modification of agility running technique in reaction to a defender in rugby union. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 9 (3), 445-451.

Wheeler, Keane W., Askew, Christopher D. and Sayers, Mark G. (2010). Effective attacking strategies in rugby union. European Journal of Sport Science, 10 (4), 237-242. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2010.482595

Conference Papers

Osmond, Gary, Phillips, Murray G. and Wheeler, Kai (2024). Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design. 2024 NASSH Pre-Conference Workshop: "Sport Studies as a Public Service: Popular Scholarship, Histories, and Activism", Denver, CO, United States, 23-24 May 2024.

Phillips, Murray G., Wheeler, Keane and Osmond, Gary (2023). The double folds of racism and history: silences, concussion and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sportspeople. Remembering the Injured Brain in Sport History’ (North American Society for Sport History (NASSH) pre-conference workshop, Washington, DC, United States, 25 May 2023.

Lee, Jim, Willis, Charlene, Wheeler, Keanne, Parker, Jeff, White, Peter and James, Daniel A. (2021). Multistakeholder analysis of a novel STEM intervention using physical activity and play. 9th Research in Engineering Education Symposium and 32nd Australasian Association for Engineering Education Conference (REES AAEE 2021), Perth, WA, Australia, 5-8 December 2021. Red Hook, NY, United States: Research in Engineering Education Network. doi: 10.52202/066488-0113

Lee, J., Willis, C., Parker, J., Wheeler, K. and James, D. (2020). Engaging the disengaged: A literature driven, retrospective reflection, of a successful student centric STEM intervention. Australasian Association for Engineering Education Annual Conference 2020, Online, December 2020 .

Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.

Betts, S., Wheeler, K. and Lee, J. (2020). The use of wearable technology in the evaluation of gait patterns of soldiers during weighted locomotion. Defence Human Sciences Symposium 2020, Online, 7-9 December 2020 .

Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis, C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations.. Indigenous Allied Health Australia National Conference, Online , 1-3 December 2020.

Louth, S., Wheeler, K., Bonner, J. and Vea Vea, H. (2016). Where are the Ghundus? A retrospective exploration of the long-term impact of and Indigenous educational aspirations program on participants. Australia Association for Research in Education Conference 2016, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 27 November - 1 December 2016.

Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .

Ipponsugi, H. and Wheeler, K. (2012). Attacking effectiveness of Japanese fast paced rugby in 2011. International Conference on Sports and Exercise Science, Bangkok, Thailand, September 2012 .

Wheeler, K. (2012). Changes to agility running technique during reactive performance conditions. 30th Annual Conference of Biomechanics in Sports, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 2012.

Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). Breaking the tackle in rugby union. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Donaldson, S. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Fending in elite rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Wiseman, R. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Attacking phases in rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane. , Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Wheeler, K. (2009). Ruck play in rugby union. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009.

Hynes, A. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Elite serve in tennis: right vs left hand players. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Ibbott, P. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Tackle height and the influence on tackle outcome in rugby league. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Francis, J. and Wheeler, K. (2009). Factors influencing scoring efficiency in the Australian Football League. 3rd Evolution of the Athlete Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, November 2009 .

Wheeler, K. (2009). The importance of expertise when analysing sport. International Symposium on Computer Science in Sport, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT, Australia, September 2009 .

Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). Agility Skill Execution in Rugby Union. Asian Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, Christchurch, New Zealand , 14-17 April 2009.

Wheeler, K., Askew, C. and Sayers, M. (2009). The use of notational analysis to examine agility skill execution in Rugby Union. 13th International Association of Sport Information World Congress, Canberra, ACT Australia, 11-13 March 2009.

Research Reports

Smith, Davina, Ahmed, Salma M., Massi, Luciana, Weatherall, Loretta, Wheeler, Kai, Dorey, Emily, Friday, Rhiannon, Thorogood, Mieka, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree and Rae, Kym M. (2025). The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Townsville 2024. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/a166664

Wheeler, Kai, Weatherall, Loretta, Smith, Davina, Massi, Luciana, Thorogood, Mieka, Ahmed, Salma M, Friday, Rhiannon, Dorey, Emily, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree and Rae, Kym M (2024). The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Palm Island 2024. South Brisbane: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/e2f5589

Wheeler, Kai, Hall, Emily, Griffiths, Kealey, Boyd-Ford, Stella, Carle, Maleah, Richard, Veronique, Beckman, Emma and Cairney, John (2023). Design of the Athletics Australia First Nations Community Impact Framework. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.

Kai Wheeler and Emily Hall (2023). Stakeholder feedback of Indigenous Basketball Australia Pathways and Community Impact through Phase 1 Yarning. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.

Pfitzner, N., Berger, E., McCook, S., Stonehouse, C., Allen, K., Ollis, D., Harris, B., Lambert, K., McGowan, J., Sanjakdar, F., Wheeler, K., Stewart, R. and Fitz-Gibbon, K. (2023). Preliminary draft national respectful relationships education framework. Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Monash University.

Boyle, F. M., Boyd, R. N., Burgess, A., Cairney, J., Carle, M., Dean, J., Lohan, A., Luke, C., Vlack, S. and Wheeler, K. (2023). Scoping and gap analysis of tools, resources and training for primary health care professionals, and tools and resources for parents and carers, on early detection of disability or developmental concerns in young children - Final Report. Brisbane: The University of Queensland.

Shlager, Emma J., Cairney, John and Wheeler, Keane (2022). Evaluating the Curious Communities Early Learning Program implemented in the Logan region. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.

Mann, Navjeet, Wheeler, Keane and Cairney, John (2022). Exploring the success of the Community Active Partnerships Strategy in the Logan region: evaluation report. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.

Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. Brisbane, QLD Australia:

Video Documents

Wheeler, K., Lee, J. and Willis, C. (2020). Sport can be STEM too: follow your passion, become a sport scientist.

Willis, C., Lee, J. and Wheeler, K. (2020). Biology of the body: understanding the biology of your body for sport.

Lee, J., Wheeler, K. and Willis, C. (2020). Moving to learn: wearable technology is a sport science lab on your wrist.

Generic Documents

Gutchen, Hannah, Ghidella, Katrina, Wheeler, Keane, Lelievre, Matthew, Lawrence, Alex, Sheehan, Beth and Frazer-Allen, Janette (2018). Reflect reconciliation action plan (2019-2020). Exercise and Sport Science Australia .

Various and Wheeler, Keane (2016). Reconciliation action plan 2017 – 2019. University of the Sunshine Coast .

Wheeler, K. (2011). Impact of the International Rugby Board Strategic initiative investments. International Rugby Board .