Academic Excellence Postgraduate Research award

With an exceptional academic record in her physiotherapy studies at home in Sri Lanka, Nishadi was awarded a scholarship to study for an MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine in the United Kingdom. 

Winning multiple awards during her MSc, Nishadi is now pursuing her PhD in Medicine via a joint program with the University of Nottingham and the University of Adelaide, making her educational journey truly global. 

Nishadi’s research focuses on age-associated brain and muscle function declines and explores various neuroplasticity interventions to delay deterioration. Nishadi’s career path was inspired by her mother, whose dedicated work as a nurse significantly improved the quality of life for her patients. Witnessing her mother’s commitment led to Nishadi’s interest in exercise medicine and research in healthy aging.  

Nishadi worked as a teaching assistant and has achieved seven full-article publications. Nishadi’s research aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice and deliver real-world benefits to a rapidly aging population.