Rate My Professor Joanne Munn

Dr Joanne Munn is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy within the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University, located at the Coffs Harbour campus. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy (BAppSci(Phty)), Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies (Higher Education) (GradCertEduStud(HigherEd)), Master of Applied Science in Physiotherapy (MAppSci(Phty)), and a PhD, all obtained from the University of Sydney. Joanne has built a long and distinguished career in physiotherapy and higher education. She currently serves as the academic lead for the new Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree, acts as the unit assessor for Introduction to Physiotherapy, and is developing musculoskeletal units of study. Previously, she worked with Southern Cross University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning, where she led curriculum transition efforts and initiatives related to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to support staff and students. Her current focus for Scholarship of Learning and Teaching includes programmatic assessment, GenAI literacies, and embedding cultural capabilities. Joanne has extensive experience in curriculum development and delivery focused on evidence-based approaches to learning and teaching in health sciences.

Joanne’s diverse research profile spans musculoskeletal injuries, strength training, Indigenous tobacco cessation, and higher education. Her current research examines teaching and learning outcomes associated with an intensive, blended delivery model for the physiotherapy curriculum and digital options to support health care delivery. She has supervised and co-supervised numerous honours and postgraduate research students on topics in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation. Joanne is a registered physiotherapist and a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. She supports the community through her involvement with the Coffs Musculoskeletal Network, a professional development initiative for musculoskeletal health practitioners. Her work contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Notable publications include “Evidence of sensorimotor deficits in functional ankle instability” (2010, co-authored with S.J. Sullivan and A.G. Schneiders), “Training with unilateral resistance exercise increases contralateral strength” (2005, co-authored with R.D. Herbert, M.J. Hancock, and S.C. Gandevia), “What is the best way to develop information literacy and critical appraisal skills amongst first year health students?” (2017, co-authored with J. Small), “The academic skill needs and competency of first year health science students” (2016), and recent contributions on GenAI in education such as “Educating students on GenAI use” and “Acknowledging and Referencing Generative Artificial Intelligence.” Joanne regularly promotes the physiotherapy program to provide opportunities for students and the community across the Coffs Coast and Northern Rivers regions.