Catie Lai © 2025 Catie Lai. Copyright in this photograph is owned by Catie Lai. This image is provided for WSU's staff profile only.

Doctor Catie Lai

Accepting HDR Candidates

Available HDR projects

- Food supplement intake (e.g., probiotics)
- Dietary patterns, especially those rich in fruits and vegetables

Calculated based on number of publications stored in Pure and citations from Scopus
20242025

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

I am an Associate Lecturer in Psychological Science at Western Sydney University. Prior to this, I worked as a casual academic and research officer at Macquarie University, where I also completed my Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. My teaching experience spans a variety of Psychology subjects, including Introduction to Psychology I & II, Principles of Psychological Assessment, and Personality and Its Disorders.

My teaching philosophy is grounded in fostering student success by cultivating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I am committed to developing innovative, student-centred materials that promote practical skills and critical thinking.

Research interests

My research explores how everyday choices and decisions influence physical and mental health, with a particular focus on the psychological, neurobiological, and physiological mechanisms involved, such as the gut-brain axis. I also have a strong interest in health data analytics to uncover insights that can drive more efficient and effective healthcare, alongside promoting healthy aging.

Current research projects include investigating the effects of:

  • Food supplement intake (e.g., probiotics)
  • Dietary patterns, especially those rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Sleep quality and circadian rhythms
  • Physical activity and sedentary behaviour

I am also engaged in research that informs health interventions and policies. I actively advocate for public health initiatives that encourage healthy eating, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity.

Research student supervision

I have supervised undergraduate, Honours, and Master’s students on a variety of research projects and welcome opportunities to support new students in their academic journeys.

Previous positions

Previously, at Macquarie University, I co-led the Mentoring Program and managed social media for the Early Career Researcher network. I also served as a coach for the Graduate Research Coaching Program before my appointment as an Associate Lecturer at Western Sydney University.

Current community engagement

I contribute to the academic community as a reviewer for journals such as the Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Health Psychology.

I also serve as a member for different working parties such as the Equity and Diversity Working Party and the Cultural Competence Working Party at Western Sydney University.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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