Claire Blair

Claire completed her Bachelor of Health Science degree at Charles Sturt University in 2020, specialising in nutrition and physiology. Throughout her academic journey, she was awarded a summer scholarship position in a research team  developing Heavy Vitamin B12 derivatives for the assessment of vitamin B12 deficiency, with Dr Peter Anderson. This opportunity allowed her to gain valuable research experience and expand her knowledge in the field. Claire was also the recipient of two Dean's awards for Academic Excellence.  After completing her final year during the Covid Pandemic, Claire was honoured to be asked by her faculty to deliver the Vote of Thanks speech at her graduation ceremony. 

During her studies in Health Science, Claire developed a keen interest in the gut-brain connection, metabolic conditions, food security and environmental health. She also expanded her evidence-based knowledge in the use of remedial massage therapies in enhancing quality of life for patients experiencing adverse side-effects of cancer treatment. She also has a developing interest in First Nations People's health, especially surrounding connection to Country and traditional Indigenous diet and medicine practices. 

After graduating and following a 20-year career running a successful Remedial Massage business, Claire commenced her journey in academia with the School of Rural Medicine in their Research and Evaluation team, where an integral part of her role is dedicated to co-supervising student MD research projects. Having grown up on farmlands in Central NSW, she maintains deep connection to her rural past and is passionate about being involved in educating future medical practitioners to help improve the health outcomes unique to rural and remote communities.