Personal profile
Biography
Associate Professor Kristy Coxon is a registered occupational therapist with a PhD in Public Health from the University of Sydney. She graduated from the University of Western Sydney Macarthur (UWS) in 1999 with first class honours and the university medal. Since graduation, Kristy has gained 25 years’ experience in clinical practice, education and research. Clinically, Kristy worked in Western Sydney across the health care continuum in acute, rehabilitation and outpatient occupational therapy services. Kristy has been involved in program development, program evaluation, and represented allied health on area wide collaboratives in clinical care.
Kristy began her academic career when she joined Western Sydney University in 2005, and secured a permanent position as lecturer in occupational therapy in 2006. Kristy became the Academic Course Advisor for the occupational therapy program in 2015, and the Director of Academic Program in 2024. Kristy teaches in practice and clinical specialty subjects across the occupational therapy program. She supervises PhD, Masters and honours students in their research. Kristy is a member of the Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University.
Kristy's PhD research evaluated the effectiveness of an individualised program to promote safety and maintain mobility for drivers aged 75 years and older. This research has helped inform policy and practice in the area and brought about important insights into ways to assist older people maintain community mobility regardless of their driving status. Kristy has an ongoing program of research with older drivers including a four-year follow-up study of a large cohort of community-living older drivers and investigation into their use of seat belt and seat accessories. Kristy is also exploring the use of powered two-wheeled motorbikes in children. She has established a strong research profile in the areas of transport, community mobility, safety and injury prevention. Her research is driven by a strong interest in optimising participation and independence while preserving safety in community groups. Kristy has presented papers at conferences both nationally and internationally, and has over 42 peer-reviewed publications and reports.
Related links
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Sydney
Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therap, Western Sydney University
Research keywords
- Driving
- Older Adults
- Participation
- Community Mobility
- Road Safety
- Injury Prevention
- Occupational Therapy
- Pressure Care
- Disability
- Occupational Engagement
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):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Burnout in Australian occupational therapists: A systematic review
Brown, A., Coxon, K. & Thyer, L., Jun 2026, In: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 73, 3, e70099.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Relationship between learning styles, and educational outcomes in nursing and occupational therapy students: a systematic review
Coxon, K., Papas, J., Tulliani, N., Liu, P. Y. & Mills, C., May 2026, In: Journal of Professional Nursing. 64, p. 87-107 21 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
The personal and professional characteristics of students who were successful in occupational therapy practice education: a scoping review
Gebhardt, A., Bye, R. A. & Coxon, K., Apr 2026, In: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 73, 2, 41 p., e70088.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Behind the wheel: examining the long-term effects of a safe transport education program on driving patterns in older adults
Nguyen, H., Brown, J., Keay, L. & Coxon, K., Mar 2025, In: Journal of Transport and Health. 41, 8 p., 101978.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Children's sensory processing in the classroom: a cross-sectional study using teacher rating
Mills, C., Nash, S., Agho, K. E., Hinitt, J. & Coxon, K., Oct 2025, In: Psychology in the Schools. 62, 10, p. 4080-4091 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile11 Downloads (Pure)
Projects
- 3 Finished
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Increasing older drivers' competency and confidence in use of advanced vehicle technologies (AVT)
Coxon, K. (PI), Liu, K. (Investigator), Neville, N. (Investigator), Keay, L. (Investigator), Brown, J. (Investigator), Dixit, V. (Investigator) & Nguyen, H. (Investigator)
1/08/19 → 30/06/21
Project: Research
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Blue Datto Keeping Safe Program for year 10 school students
Liu, K. (PI) & Coxon, K. (Investigator)
1/04/18 → 30/11/18
Project: Research
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Strategies used by caregivers to help people with dementia
Liu, K. (PI), Bye, R. (Investigator), Coxon, K. (Investigator), Amato, C. (Investigator), Burridge, G. (Investigator), Basic, D. (Investigator), Watson, C. (Investigator) & Dath, J.-J. (Investigator)
South Western Sydney Local Health District
3/04/17 → 2/04/18
Project: Research
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Australian Association of Gerontology (Event)
Coxon, K. (Other)
1 Jan 2018 → …Activity: Membership › Association
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SPHERE Musculoskeletal Health Clinical Academic Group (Event)
Coxon, K. (Other)
1 Jan 2017 → …Activity: Membership › Other
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Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) (Event)
Coxon, K. (Other)
1 Jan 2017 → …Activity: Membership › Institute
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SPHERE Age and Ageing Clinical Academic Group (Event)
Coxon, K. (Other)
1 Jan 2017 → …Activity: Membership › Other