
Doctor of Philosophy (University of Western Australia, 2021) Thesis Title- “Thriving Families: Improving physical literacy outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental, emotional and/or behavioural problems”
Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching (University of Western Australia, 2018)
Master’s Preliminary by Research (University of Western Australia, 2012)
BSc. Exercise Rehabilitation (University of Western Australia, 2011)
BSc. Exercise & Health (University of Western Australia, 2010)
Dr Kemi Wright is a Senior Lecturer and the Program Authority for Exercise Physiology in the School of Health Sciences. Her research and clinical interests are focused on the role and implementation of exercise for the physiological and/or psychological benefit in special populations including children and youth, mental illness, and chronic disease. She completed her PhD at The University of Western Australia which focused on creation and implementation of a family-based community intervention study to improve the physical literacy and health of children with emotional, behavioural and/or neurodevelopmental problems. Alongside her own research, she supervises doctoral and research students in the field of paediatrics, exercise and mental health. Her previous appointment with the South Metropolitan Health Service saw her lead the establishment of the first clinical exercise service pathway in Western Australia for in-patient and outpatient mental health consumers to improve their physical and mental health outcomes. Outside her professional role, she is the Director of Thriving – “Building Strong and Healthy Young People through Exercise” which is an established exercise charity that utilises exercise to improve the health outcomes of children and young people. In this role she has established and maintained numerous community partnerships including collaborations with Telethon7, WA Drug and Alcohol Service (Mental Health Commission) and community health providers.
2022: Healthway- Physical activity for trans and gender diverse young people ($ 96000; Service and Research)
2013– 2022: Telethon7 Trust Grants (confidential amount), including Thriving: Building strong and healthy young people through exercise (service & research grants), Auditory processing and rhythmic exercise (ResearchGrant), Thriving Mental Health First Aid Training (Service), Mental Health Movement Program (Service)
2020: Youth Engagement Grant ($9,500), Department of Communities
2017: Commonwealth Bank Community Grant ($27,900) “Thriving – Drug & Alcohol Youth Services Exercise Collaboration”
2016: Evaluating physical activity outcomes of children following a physical literacy intervention utilising parent coaches. ESSA Clinical Exercise Physiology Grant, AU$16,000
2018- Winner – Thriving DAYS Exercise Program, WA Alcohol and Other Drug Excellence Awards – Youth
2012- Robin Moss Prize – University of New South Wales
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