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 under one platform. My work integrates research, practice, and lived experience to advance health and wellbeing. 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 shape my work and personal ethics.

MY JOURNEY

My ‘journey’ started in India, through New Zealand, and into Australia. At each transition, I briefly capture this journey, built around themes of sport, Indian classical dance, and elite Olympic participation. This page also embeds 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

My publications page holds journal articles, reports, and related outputs from the original research projects I led in collaboration on sport, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. These research projects specifically focused on the Indian population. I share that information to make it easily available in formats accessible for fellow academics, policymakers, and those interested in promoting migrant health and sport engagement in New Zealand and Australia.

COACHING SERVICES

Serving as an accredited exercise practitioner for nearly 15 years has been my most fulfilling contribution to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across New Zealand and Australia. It’s where I bridge theoretical evidence with practical solutions, helping you cultivate positive health and wellbeing habits – something I’m passionate about.

The exercise and health coaching page includes a booking form and space to send any questions. And for those curious, I share testimonials to reflect the impact of such work on individuals across New Zealand and Australia.

Featured by AUSActive (2025): Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector: View Feature

WRITINGS

Occasionally, 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. I allow my readers the option to share their journeys and experiences by posting a comment and stay connected through new articles.

Work with me

If my work resonates with you, I welcome opportunities to connect and collaborate. I engage in:

  • Research collaboration in areas directly related or adjacent to health promotion through sport, exercise, health, and migrant wellbeing.
  • Individualised (1:1) functional movement and fitness coaching


Use the contact button below to connect.

News

I’m honoured to be part of the judging panel for the 2026 AUSactive Awards. 

There are incredible people and businesses in our industry who are making a real impact, often without even realising it.

If you have created positive change, supported your community, grown your business, inspired others or achieved something you are proud of this year,  consider entering. Your story deserves to be recognised and celebrated. 

Entries are now open and close on 1 May 2026.

You can enter here: https://ausactive.awardsplatform.com/

Thank you for stopping by to discover some of my work.

CONTACT