Associate Professor Melinda Hutchesson is a dietitian and public health researcher with a unique focus on the health and wellbeing of university students. Her research examines how contemporary university environments shape students’ wellbeing and works with universities, researchers and students to develop evidence-informed solutions that support healthier and more equitable university experiences across Australia.

Associate Profesor Hutchesson is passionate about working collaboratively with researchers and university stakeholders to drive positive change across the higher education sector. In 2022, she established and now chairs the Psychological wellbeing and Lifestyle in University Students (PLUS) Network, bringing together more than 180 individuals from 31 universities across Australia with a shared interest in supporting student health and wellbeing.

She also plays a key role in strengthening research capacity and leadership in allied health. As Deputy Head of School, Research and Research Training in the School of Health Sciences, and Chair of the Talent and Development Core of the Hunter Medical Research Institute Nutrition and Metabolic Health Program, she supports the development of early- and mid-career researchers and contributes to building a strong and collaborative research workforce.