Dr Nisreen Aouira works as a Program Manager at the University of Sunshine Coast, Thompson Institute. As a team member of the Let’s Yarn about Sleep group at UniSC, Dr Aouira supports the delivery of research programs ensuring that programs are delivered responsibly and in ways that are both culturally respectful and evidence-informed.
Dr Aouira has obtained a PhD degree in pharmacy (2021) and a Masters in Medical Research. Her academic work has focused on improving the safe use of antipsychotic medications in youth mental health, and she has continued to apply this foundation through research and program coordination roles in the higher education sector.
Dr Aouira has contributed to academic outputs including peer-reviewed publications, research reports, and conference presentations. She has also supported student supervision and research capacity-building. Her work often focuses on translating complex research into accessible, meaningful outcomes for communities.
Dr Aouira is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and contributes to related university initiatives. She values strong relationships and works closely with First Nations communities, researchers, and healthcare professionals to ensure that research and health initiatives are grounded in respect, collaboration, and shared understanding. Dr Aouira brings a reflective, consultative approach to her work and remains committed to ongoing learning and community engagement.
- Aouira, N., Khan, S., Heussler, H., Haywood, A., Karaksha, A. and Bor, W., 2023. Understanding the perspective of youths on undergoing metabolic monitoring while on second-generation antipsychotics: challenges, insight, and implications. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 33(7), pp.279-286.
- Aouira, N., Khan, S., Heussler, H., Haywood, A., Karaksha, A. and Bor, W., 2022. Practitioners' Perspective on Metabolic Monitoring of Second-Generation Antipsychotics: Existing Gaps in Knowledge, Barriers to Monitoring, and Strategies. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 32(5), pp.296-303.
- Aouira, N., Khan, S., McDermott, B., Heussler, H., Haywood, A., Karaksha, A. and Bor, W., 2020. Paper based vs. electronic records for clinical audit: Evidence of documentation of medication safety monitoring in youth prescribed antipsychotics. Children and Youth Services Review, 109, p.104666.
- McIntosh, H.A., Borgas, A.J., Aouira, N., Mitchell, B.L., Crouse, J.J., Medland, S.E., Hickie, I.B., Wray, N.R., Martin, N.G., Middeldorp, C.M. and Byrne, E.M., 2025. Caffeine Consumption, Psychological Distress, and Insomnia in a Cohort of Individuals with Depression. Complex Psychiatry, 11(1), pp.37-49.
- Galligan, D.E., Payne, L., Sullivan, D.P., Lokeshappa, M.B., Ziser, L., Nunn, L., Wallace, L.M., Andersen, I., Howarth, S., Kato, A. and Karunanithi, M., 2025. Improving Outcomes in Mental Health (IOMH)—an Australian longitudinal clinical study of families with children with neurodevelopmental problems: cohort profile. BMJ open, 15(3), p.e091676.