Dr Shona Papalia

• Qualifications
• Biography
• Research
• Selected Publications
• Current Projects
• Teaching Interests

Qualifications

BSc; PG Dip ED; MSc; PhD

Biography

Dr Shona Papalia joined University of Western Sydney (UWS) in 1995 as a full time lecturer in sport and exercise science. Following a six year period as Head of Program for Sports Studies, Sport & Exercise Science and Sport Management ending in 2007, Shona is now a senior lecturer teaching in the areas of Exercise Biochemistry, Exercise & Sports Physiology, and Exercise Prescription along with curriculum development. She also supervises research degree students and the UWS Talented Athlete Assessment Centre. 

Shona's first qualifications of Bachelor of Science and Postgraduate Diploma of Education are in the area of Chemistry and Physics. Her career started in teaching High School Certificate equivalent Chemistry, Physics and Human Biology in public and private high schools, including time as a senior master (head teacher) and deputy principal. During her time as a high school teacher Shona was also involved in teacher education. Whilst teaching she was a competitive middle distance runner and coach. 

In the 1980's a career change beckoned to combine her interests in sport and science. Shona returned to university studies to complete post graduate studies in Analytical/Instrumental Chemistry and Physics, followed by a Masters and PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. Her PhD studies were combined with additional studies in Biochemistry and Pharmacology.

Prior to accepting the position at UWS Shona was a lecturer at the University of Western Australia in Exercise Physiology and Cadaver Anatomy and at TAFE in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics.
 

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Research

Dance and Sports Science
 - fitness for and from dance and sport
 - prevention of dance and sports injuries
 - optimising training and recovery

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Selected Publications

Kerr, D., Papalia, S., Morton, A., Dick, I., Dhaliwal, S., and Prince, R. (2007). Bone mass in young women is dependent on lean body mass. Journal of Clinical Densiometry, Vol 10, No 3, pp 319 -326.

Hornery, D., Papalia, S., Mukika, I., and Hahn, A. (2005). Physiological and performance benefits of half time cooling. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp 15-25. 

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Current projects

• DOMs and adaptation to training
• Injuries in surfing (with Masters student)

Teaching Interests

Sport and Exercise Biochemistry and Physiology.

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