Dr Siona Fernandes OLY
Interdisciplinary Professional
Olympian • PhD (Sport, Exercise & Health) • Accredited Exercise Professional
I work at the intersection of sport, exercise, and health
This is a space where the fragments of my journey are progressively being pieced together on one platform, my website. Together with my web design skills, this platform is a work in progress, and as my story continues to evolve, this website will evolve with it.
I integrate research, practice, and lived experience to advance health, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. My work is shaped by my experiences as a professional Bharatanatyam artist (BA Performing Arts), elite Olympic boxer, and academic scholar in India (MSc Psychology), New Zealand (MSc Sport & Exercise), and Australia.
MY JOURNEY
My ‘journey’ starts in India, through New Zealand, and into Australia. Built around themes of sport, classical Indian dance, and elite Olympic participation, I briefly capture that journey at each transition, and embed some media highlights at the end for those who may be interested. An image gallery is a likely future addition.
RESEARCH PROJECTS: INDIAN MIGRANT HEALTH, SPORT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
I also use this website as a platform to share my original research publications from research projects in sport, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, specifically on the Indian population. I aim to make journal articles, reports, and related outputs easily available and in accessible formats to fellow academics, policymakers, and those promoting migrant health and sport engagement in New Zealand and Australia.
EXERCISE AND HEALTH COACHING SERVICES
Coaching adults and youth is one way I bridge theoretical evidence with practical solutions to support the health and wellbeing of individuals – something I am passionate about. Serving as an accredited exercise practitioner remains my most fulfilling contribution to the health and wellbeing of people and places. I share testimonials to reflect some of these experiences across New Zealand and Australia. I work directly with adults and youth, supporting women and men from all backgrounds, including beginners, recreational movers, and sporting individuals.
WRITINGS
From time to time, I share reflections from the in‑between places: the transitions, the questions, the lessons that come from (re)building a life across continents and countries shaped by years in sport, study, and the ongoing work of becoming myself. I write slowly, but with intention, and everything shared in this space comes from a place of learning, failing, growing; the lived experience. Some pieces appear as blog posts, others as interview transcripts, and accompanying images help tell the story. Posting comments allows my readers to share their journeys and experiences and stay connected through new articles.
Thank you for stopping by to discover some of my work.
Recently Featured by AUSActive: Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector: View Feature