Final-year nursing student Chelsey Shearer has transformed her learning experience by volunteering as a Research Cadet with UNE researchers investigating Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease (ARF/RHD). Her cadetship was supported by an NHMRC Ideas Grant awarded to UNE researchers developing innovative screening tests for this critical health condition.
Image: Cover of the handout compiled by Chelsey to champion heart health
ARF/RHD represents a significant global health challenge, affecting 55 million people worldwide and causing approximately 400,000 deaths annually. As the most common acquired heart disease in people under 25, it disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities. In Australia, First Nation populations experience the highest incidence rates in the developed world.
“Rheumatic heart disease is a serious but preventable public health problem,” explains Professor Natkunam Ketheesan one of the research team members. The disease begins as a skin infection or sore throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria, most commonly occurring in childhood. Prevention strategies focus on addressing poverty, improving housing standards, and ensuring prompt treatment following diagnosis.
Under the supervision of Traci Travers from the School of Nursing and Professor Ketheesan from the School of Science & Technology, Chelsey immersed herself observing various experimental techniques and learning about ARF/RHD. Her key achievement was creating an engaging information sheet titled “Keep your heart strong – what you need to know about Rheumatic Heart Disease,” featuring colourful infographics and comprehensive prevention strategies. This resource has been distributed to UNE students and to participants attending the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Midwives and Nurses in Thursday Island.
The cadetship provided Chelsey with valuable insights into how scientific advancements can address health inequities affecting regional and remote Australian communities. “We have been impressed with Chelsey’s commitment in completing this cadetship. She has gained confidence and is able to appreciate the complexities of translating research into practice,” noted her supervisor, Traci Travers.
As part of the program’s focus on enhancing research capacity among future healthcare professionals, Chelsey attended the APNA Festival of Nursing held in July in Brisbane, expanding her professional network and research exposure. The special highlight for Chelsey was the Student Experience Day.
“Participating in the cadetship program was a great and fulfilling experience – I will recommend other students to get involved in projects that will enhance their learning,” Chelsey reflected on her transformative experience.
The program demonstrates UNE’s commitment to building research capacity while addressing critical health challenges facing Australian communities, particularly supporting the development of First Nation health professionals in training.