Dr Fernandes brings an interdisciplinary profile with expertise in sport, exercise, and physical activity within public health/health promotion.
Current interests: Sport, Policy, Cultural and Contextual Determinants, Population Health & Wellbeing.
2026
- Type
Policy Study
(Peer‑Reviewed Published Article)
- Published Journal
Health Promotion Journal of Australia - Location
Australia
Fostering Equity in and Through Sport: A Content Analysis of Sports Policies for Migrants in Australia
Published Citation: Fernandes, S., & Holroyd, E. (2026). Fostering Equity in and Through Sport: A Content Analysis of Sports Policies for Migrants in Australia. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 37(4), e70229.
Pre-print Version:
Cite this Preprint Version:
Fernandes, S., & Holroyd, E. (2026). Fostering Equity in and Through Sport: A Content Analysis of Sports Policies for Migrants in Australia. Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals, 37(4), e70229 [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.70229
2025
- Type
Thesis (Original Research Project)
- Published
AUT Repository - Location
Australia
Exploring Contexts and Experiences of Sport, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behaviour Among Asian Indian Migrants in Australia: Bridging Research and Policy
2023
- Type
Peer-reviewed research article
- Published
Journal of Physical Activity and Health - Location
Australia
Qualitative Insights on the Importance of Sociocultural Contexts on Asian Indian Migrant Participation in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
2021
- Type
Conference Presentation
- Published ISBNPA
- Location
International
When culture speaks: Indian immigrant families’ participation in sport and physical activity in New Zealand
This presentation shows the emerging evidence from the first research study undertaken on Asian Indian populations in New Zealand. The reseach draws insights into the distinct neighbourhoods design and social behaviours between India and New Zealand. Further highlighting how multicultural societies may benefit and challenge Asian Indians to engage in SPA. Egalitarian norms and shifts in infrastructure may partly influence their beliefs being shaped on sport and physical activity as Indian parents and children reside in Aoatearoa.
Citation:
Fernandes, S. (2017). When culture speaks: Indian immigrant families’ participation in sport and physical activity in New Zealand [Conference Paper]. The International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) 16th Meeting, Victoria, BC, Canada.
2021
- Type
Original Research Study
- Published BMC Public Health
- Location
Australia
A Qualitative Exploration of Perspectives of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Among Indian Migrants in Melbourne, Australia: How Are They Defined and What Can We Learn?
This peer-reviewed publication describes how physical activity and sedentary behaviours are defined, and how cultural background and migration shape these definitions.
Citation:
Fernandes, S., Caperchione, C. M., Thornton, L. E., & Timperio, A. (2021). A qualitative exploration of perspectives of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Indian migrants in Melbourne, Australia: how are they defined and what can we learn?. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 2085.
2021
- Type
Report
- Organisation
Sport New Zealand - Audience: Policymakers, Health-promotion practitioners, Advocates
- Target Population: Indian – Adults, Children, and Families.
- Location
New Zealand
2021
- Type
Article
- Keywords
Brain-body, Plasticity, Health.
Dissecting the Mind Through Dance: A Holistic Exploration of Movement and Mental States
This conceptual essay explores the relationship between dance, cognitive processes and emotional expression, considering the connection between movement and mental states.
2017
- Original Research
Thesis
- Published
Auckland University of Technology - Location
New Zealand
When Culture Speaks: Indian Immigrant Participation in Sport and Physical Activity
The first research study investigating the participation experiences of Asian Indian immigrants in sport and physical activity in New Zealand.
Citation:
Fernandes, S. et al., (2017). When Culture Speaks: Indian Immigrant Families’ Participation in Sport and Physical Activity [Masters Thesis, Auckland University of Technology]. https://hdl.handle.net/10292/11033
Research & Industry Collaboration
I welcome opportunities for research collaboration, presentations, community health projects and policy development. For professional enquiries, please get in touch.