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Bianca Brijnath is a Professor of Health Communication in Society at La Trobe University and a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
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Bianca Brijnath is a Professor of Health Communication in Society at La Trobe University and a Senior Principal Research Fellow at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
With a background in medical anthropology and public health, her research focuses on cultural diversity, dementia, and mental health. Within these areas, she has conducted numerous studies on dementia prevention, awareness, diagnosis, and care, particularly within culturally diverse communities in Australia and internationally.
She has authored over 160 publications and created more than 70 multilingual films, comics, and animations. She has also secured over $26 million in research funding. In recognition of her work, Prof. Brijnath was inducted into the State Government of Victoria’s Multicultural Honour Roll in 2022.
Associate Professor Josefine Antoniades is a researcher at La Trobe University with an academic background spanning public health, psychology, and primary care.
Associate Professor Josefine Antoniades is a researcher at La Trobe University with an academic background spanning public health, psychology, and primary care.
Her work focuses on cultural diversity, dementia, mental health, and meaningful community engagement. She has contributed to numerous national and international studies on dementia awareness and care within multicultural communities, with a strong emphasis on co-design and collaboration to ensure accessible, impactful outcomes. To enhance learning and engagement, she and her team often use storytelling - through films, comics, and other creative formats - to communicate health information in culturally resonant ways.
A/Prof Antoniades currently leads projects funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and the Department of Health and Aged Care, working alongside multicultural Australian communities and key stakeholders to co-develop dementia risk reduction initiatives such as the MindCare program and MindCare4Women. She also holds an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship focused on co-designing an aged care navigation and decision-making tool tailored for South Asian seniors in Australia.
In recognition of her contributions to multicultural health and community engagement, A/Prof Antoniades was inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll in 2024.
Rina Barhoum is the Project Manager for the MindCare and MindCare4Women studies, which aim to reduce dementia risk in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, with a particular focus on Arabic, Greek, Hindi, Punjabi, Vietnamese, and Sub-Saharan African populations.
Rina holds a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours) from Deakin University and has previously studied a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) overseas.
She brings extensive experience in clinical trials and a strong academic and professional background in public health and clinical research, complemented by a solid foundation in medical research grant funding.
With a particular focus on cardiovascular health, Rina is passionate about driving impactful healthcare advancements and is committed to contributing to the evolving landscape of medical research.
Dr Nazgol Karimi is a researcher at La Trobe University with a multidisciplinary background spanning clinical practice, public health, nutrition science, and digital health, both in Australia and internationally.
Her research focuses on the intersection of digital innovation, health equity, and culturally responsive care. She specialises in the design, implementation, and evaluation of digitally delivered, culturally tailored health interventions aimed at empowering communities, particularly those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and underserved backgrounds, to overcome systemic barriers and improve health outcomes.
In recognition of her contributions to diabetes care and community health, Dr Karimi was named Young Dietitian of the Year in 2014 by the Ministry of Health in Iran.
She currently serves as the Project Manager for MindCare Digital, a national dementia prevention initiative funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). In this role, she leads the coordination and co-development of web-based modules tailored for CALD communities, ensuring both accessibility and cultural relevance.
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Yen (Jun) Nguyen is a Communications Officer at La Trobe University with a decade of experience across the international development, non-profit, and private sectors.
Prior to La Trobe, she led communications for the MBHR Asia program at the International Organization for Migration (IOM – UN Migration) in Viet Nam, supporting a regional initiative on migration, business, and human rights across seven countries. Her expertise spans strategic communications, media relations, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on culturally responsive messaging.
Yen holds a Master’s degree in International Journalism from Hong Kong Baptist University and is passionate about translating complex social issues into clear, accessible narratives that drive meaningful community impact.
Dr Elsie Muiyuro is a Bilingual Research Assistant at La Trobe University supporting research within Sub Saharan communities.
She is an overseas trained medical doctor from Kenya, with strong background in patient care, diagnostics and community health having worked in both public and private hospital settings. She brings cultural insights and bilingual communication in English and Swahili.
She is currently pursuing her master’s in digital health at La Trobe university to integrate digital solutions into health care delivery for equitable access of care. She is passionate about bridging gaps in healthcare access and equity, digital innovation and evidence based strategies that strengthen health systems.
Dr. Carol Tra Vu is a Bilingual Research Assistant at La Trobe University supporting studies within the Vietnamese community.
She is an overseas ENT-trained medical doctor with a Master of Public Health (Research) and a strong passion for women’s and mental health.
She also currently works as a Teaching Associate at Monash University. Combining her clinical background with public health research experience, Dr. Vu is dedicated to advancing health equity, promoting culturally sensitive care, and improving wellbeing for women and underserved populations.
Dr Priya Chander is a Bilingual Research Assistant at La Trobe University, supporting research within the Hindi and Punjabi communities. She is a Div-1 registered nurse in Australia and an overseas-trained medical doctor from India, with experience in emergency medicine, general practice, and critical care nursing. Dr Chander is a Clinical Facilitator at Victoria University, where she contributes to the education and development of future healthcare professionals.
As a Director of MIA – Medical Intensive Care at Home Pty Ltd, she applies her expertise in infectious disease prevention and control to provide safe, high-quality home care. Dr Chander is dedicated to improving patient care, promoting health education, supporting vulnerable populations, and advancing clinical research, with a strong interest in women’s health.
Stratos is a Bilingual Research Assistant for the MindCare, MindCare4Women and Culture Care programs. He has extensive lived experience in Dementia care of elderly patients within the Greek community.
Providing dementia resources to help multicultural communities access the support they need.
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