Dr Leila Heckel has more than 10 years experience in managing ARC and NHMRC funded research projects. Leila has a strong interest in improving health and wellbeing in the Australian population and her research experience extends across various disciplines including Childhood disorders, Sleep Medicine, Psycho-Oncology, Transfusion Medicine, and Tourism & Leisure Management. During her career, she has supervised honours and PhD students and has taught various subjects in Psychology as well as Nursing and Midwifery.
After having completed her Master of Social Work in Germany and worked as a social worker for several years, Leila came to Australia to undertake her PhD in Psychology at the University of Wollongong in 2004, investigating childhood behavioural disorders. Following the completion of her PhD she undertook a Post-doc position at The University of Melbourne, Sleep Laboratory, where she conducted sleep experiments to investigate upper airway muscle activity in relation to sleep apnea. In 2013, Leila joined Deakin University and spent six years managing randomized controlled trials in the field of Psycho-Oncology. At present, her research role at UniSA focuses on managing an ARC funded project, investigating health and wellbeing outcomes in the Sports and Leisure industry.