Janelle Windus commenced working in consumer research in 1995, specialising in sensory evaluation research with fast-moving consumer goods. Equipped with a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics from Griffith University in 2005, Janelle worked as a clinical Dietitian at Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast for seven years in acute medical, rehabilitation, eating disorders, palliative, renal, diabetes and weight management.

For four years, Janelle also ran a private dietetic practice based in a medical clinic. During this time, Janelle was also involved in university-based research on pregnancy and infant nutrition community programs and resource development, including the production of a pregnancy diary with dietary and physical activity messages.

In 2012, Janelle and her family moved to Cambodia’s north-west, where she gained cross-cultural experience in community development, focusing on sport and health initiatives with youth in Siem Reap province. While in Cambodia, Janelle became involved as a cross-cultural research dietitian on the University of Newcastle’s VISIDA project, validating novel technology of image-voice-based dietary assessment methods with Cambodian women and children.

Janelle returned to Australia in 2019 and is working towards a PhD with the University of Newcastle on reviewing and enhancing the Cambodian diet. This has involved assessing the adequacy of nutrient intakes of Cambodian women and children under five years, assessing traditional Khmer recipes, and qualitatively exploring effective strategies to promote healthy behaviour changes through community and stakeholder consultations.