Background

I am the Orthopaedic Research Coordinator within the Barwon Centre for Orthopaedic Research and Education (B-CORE). I have worked extensively as a clinical and sports dietitian, and subsequently completed my PhD investigating mechanisms of hyperinsulinemia in healthy young adults. Additionally, I work in academia, lecturing within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University.

 

Research Focus

My research background is in cardiometabolic health, supported by clinical experience in nutrition and dietetics. At B-CORE, I am able to integrate this expertise into orthopaedics, where meaningful overlap exists between these fields. I am particularly interested in optimising quality of life and in how targeted interventions can improve patient outcomes and long-term health.

About me....

Pets:

 

 Boss the Border Collie
Footy team:

 

 Carlton
Signature dish:

 

 can’t choose one, love to cook!
Coffee order:

 

 Magic

Awards & Achievements

  • 2023: Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society annual scientific conference – Best of the Early Career Researchers Basic Science Stream oral presentation
  • 2021: Invited presenter to the 10th Lau Teng Chuan Physical Education and Sports Science Virtual Symposium
  • 2021: Deakin University Honours Publication award

Feature Publications

  • Kuriel V, Betik AC, Connor T, Hamley S, Ang T, Kloosterman D, Mason SA, Morales-Scholz MG, Howlett KF, Dao GM, Kowalski GM, Bruce CR, Shaw CS. A Snapshot of Cardiometabolic Health in Young Adults without Obesity Reveals High Rates of Dysglycemia. Diabetes Metab J. 2025;49(6):1334-1337. https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2025.0649
  • Giang M. Dao, Chistopher S. Shaw, Andrew C. Betik, Vicky Kuriel, Clinton R. Bruce, Greg M. Kowalski; Mechanistic Insights Into Postprandial Insulin–Glucagon Interactions and Their Impact on Glucose Flux After Protein–Glucose co-ingestion in Humans. Diabetes 2025; db250395. https://doi.org/10.2337/db25-0395
  • Huschtscha Z, Silver J, Gerhardy M, Urwin CS, Kenney N, Le VH, Fyfe JJ, Feros SA, Betik AC, Shaw CS, Main LC, Abbott G, Tan S, May A, Smith CM, Kuriel V, Barnard J, Hamilton DL. The Effect of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, and Power in Response to Resistance Training in Healthy Active Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial. Sports Med Open. 2024 Jun 7;10(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s40798-024-00732-6. PMID: 38844675; PMCID: PMC11156829.

How you can help

Donate

Research requires ongoing investment and there are several ways to support our work. You can make a donation today and contribute to an item on our research group’s wish list, consider a bequest in your will, or establish a lasting legacy fund in your name. No matter what size, your philanthropic support will deliver an immediate impact to this important work. To donate now or for more information, please contact the Barwon Health Foundation.

Page last updated: February 3, 2026