Dr Michelle Kehoe from Monash University and Bayside Health (Alfred Care Group) is a recipient of the 2025 Early and Mid-Career Researcher Award for Excellence in Consumer/Community Engagement. This award recognises early and mid-career researchers for excellence in their field. Michelle spoke to us about her research into improving mental health outcomes for children, adolescents and communities and the significance of this award.
Can you tell us about yourself, your research and career journey to date?
I am a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Monash University and an Evaluation and Research Development Officer with Alfred Health’s Child and Youth Mental Health Service. My research journey began with a PhD in Psychology where I explored social-emotional learning in children using restorative practices. More recently, I completed a Master of Public Health at Monash University, focusing on population epidemiology.
Over the past 15 years, my work has centred on improving mental health outcomes for children, adolescents and our communities. I have a strong interest in evidence-based interventions, recovery-oriented practices and the inclusion of lived-experience voices in service design. My research spans co-design and implementation projects aimed at translating policy into practice, particularly in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Can you tell us about your achievements in the category of Excellence in Consumer/Community Engagement?
My achievement for this Excellence in Consumer/Community Engagement award was leading the co-design of the evaluation framework for the new mental health units at Peninsula University Hospital. This project brought together consumers, carers and staff to collaboratively shape how success is measured and experienced using a codesign approach. This approach not only strengthened trust and engagement but will set a precedent for participatory evaluation in mental health services.
Why is support of early and mid-career researchers so important?
Early and mid-career researchers are the foundation for future innovation in health research. These stages are often marked by high expectations and limited experience therefore making support essential. Providing mentorship, funding opportunities and access to collaborative networks helps EMCRs build confidence, develop independence and translate research into meaningful outcomes.
What kind of support was the most beneficial to you/or you felt you needed as an early and mid-career researcher and what did it mean to you?
Mentorship and collaborative engagement have been pivotal in my professional development. Guidance from experienced academics has facilitated my capacity to undertake complex projects, such as the evaluation of the new Peninsula University Hospital mental health units. These forms of support have not only validated my methodological approach but also created pathways for leadership within the field. I am grateful to Professor Ellie Fossey and Associate Professor Melissa Petrakis, whose mentorship and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth. Their support enabled me to secure a School of Primary and Allied Health Care seeding grant, which has laid the foundation for establishing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Community of Practice. This initiative will continue to shape my research trajectory and reinforce my commitment to collaborative engagement with communities.
Why do you think awards like this are important for Early and Mid-Career Researchers?
Awards like this validate the impact of emerging researchers and raise visibility for their work. They open doors for collaboration, inspire others to pursue bold projects, and help secure future funding and leadership opportunities.
What are your future aspirations for your research/career?
My vision is to advance the work initiated in 2025 by establishing a Mental Health and Wellbeing Community of Practice designed to support academics in curriculum development, pedagogical innovation and research integration. This network will promote shared understanding, dismantle disciplinary silos and facilitate co-created learning experiences that bridge the gap between mental health service users and academic stakeholders. Through these collaborative structures, my aim is to enhance workforce capability within the university while fostering meaningful partnerships with consumers and the communities we serve. Ultimately, my aspiration is to influence policy and practice at both national and international levels, contributing to systemic improvements in mental health outcomes.
