Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Lyra Egan’s academic journey began with a commitment to understanding complex social and psychological issues. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish & Latin American Studies and Germanic Studies at the University of Sydney. Her studies in psychology laid a solid foundation for her understanding of human behavior and mental health, while her language studies enhanced her ability to engage with diverse populations. A notable academic experience during this period was her semester exchange at Maastricht University, where she expanded her global perspective and academic prowess.
Professional Endeavors 🌟
Egan’s professional trajectory is marked by a strong focus on mental health and substance use research. She is currently a PhD Candidate and Research Assistant at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney. Her role involves leading innovative research aimed at mitigating poor dietary habits, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents in low socioeconomic and remote areas. This research is conducted through eHealth interventions, underscoring her commitment to applying technology for public health improvements.
In her role as a Research Assistant, Egan has worked on several key projects, including the OurFutures and OurFutures Vaping trial. Her responsibilities include conducting focus groups and interviews, particularly in Spanish, to adapt the OurFutures Alcohol Module for the Colombian context. Additionally, Egan has contributed to the StepUp for Dementia Research project, focusing on improving dementia care through strategic research.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Egan’s research is driven by a desire to prevent substance abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among adolescents. Her PhD thesis explores eHealth interventions aimed at preventing poor diet, alcohol use, tobacco smoking, and vaping among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds. This research is particularly impactful as it addresses health disparities and aims to develop scalable solutions for diverse communities.
Egan’s projects include adapting existing interventions like Health4Life to better suit the needs of adolescents in Australia’s remote and low socioeconomic areas. Her work involves both national and international dimensions, reflecting her dedication to global health challenges. By co-designing interventions and conducting pilot studies, Egan is making significant strides toward creating effective and sustainable public health solutions.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Lyra Egan has earned recognition through various grants and scholarships, reflecting her research excellence and dedication. She is a recipient of the Paul Ramsay Foundation PhD Scholarship, which supports her groundbreaking work on eHealth interventions. Additionally, Egan has secured multiple grants, including the Matilda Centre PhD Support Scheme and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Postgraduate Research Support Scheme.
Her contributions have also been recognized through travel awards for presenting her research at prominent conferences, such as the ISRII Annual Meeting and the SMHR Conference. These accolades highlight her commitment to advancing the field and sharing her insights with the global research community.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Egan’s research has the potential to significantly impact public health policies and practices. Her work in adapting interventions for diverse populations, including those in low socioeconomic and geographically remote areas, is crucial for addressing health inequalities. By focusing on eHealth solutions, Egan is contributing to a growing body of research that leverages technology to improve health outcomes.
Her involvement in international projects, such as adapting the OurFutures module for Colombia, demonstrates her ability to influence global health strategies. Egan’s approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also seeks to create long-term, sustainable change.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀
Looking ahead, Lyra Egan aims to continue her impactful work by disseminating her research findings and scaling interventions across Australia and beyond. Her future projects include co-designing and piloting the adapted Health4Life program, which will target adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds with tailored eHealth solutions.
Egan’s legacy will be defined by her commitment to creating evidence-based interventions that address health disparities and inspire policy changes. Her ongoing efforts to enhance the efficacy of health interventions and her dedication to improving public health will leave a lasting mark on the field.
Through her research, Lyra Egan is setting a precedent for how innovative, technology-driven solutions can address complex health issues and improve lives. Her contributions are paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future, demonstrating her dedication to both local and global health advancement.
Publications