Melanie Hoyle

Dr. Melanie Hoyle serves as a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland, part of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. She obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in Occupational Therapy in 2022 and Master of Occupational Therapy Studies in 2004 from The University of Queensland. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from The University of Queensland, a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Women's Health) from Queensland University of Technology, and a Postgraduate Diploma from Central Queensland University. Prior to her academic career, Hoyle practiced occupational therapy in a broad range of clinical areas with diverse population groups. She joined The University of Queensland as a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy in early 2021, advancing to Senior Lecturer, and currently chairs the Clinical Education Strategy Committee in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her professional approach emphasizes partnering with individuals to support engagement in meaningful occupations and enhance life satisfaction, irrespective of their health conditions.

Hoyle's research specializations focus on factors influencing participation in community activities, particularly for individuals post-stroke, assistive technology, home modifications, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and leisure opportunities for people with disabilities. Her PhD thesis, 'Personal factors post-stroke: Implications for participation and life satisfaction' (2022), explored these dynamics qualitatively. Key publications include 'Associations between participation and personal factors in community-dwelling adults post-stroke' (Brain Impairment, 2023), 'Personal factors, participation, and satisfaction post-stroke: a qualitative exploration' (Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2023), 'Exploring the meaning of community for older Australians' (Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 2016), 'Australian university students’ experience of animal-assisted education: An exploratory study' (Animals, 2024), and 'The mental health outcomes of driving cessation for older people: A systematic review' (International Psychogeriatrics, 2024). She co-authored multiple chapters in 'Occupational therapist's guide to home modification practice' (Slack, 2019), such as 'Sourcing and evaluating products and designs' (pp. 225-246), 'Evaluating outcomes' (pp. 283-311), 'Developing and tailoring interventions' (pp. 195-223), and 'Evaluating clients' home modification needs and priorities' (pp. 111-144). Additionally, contributions appear in 'Assistive technology assessment handbook' (2017). Hoyle leads projects including CARE-SCI (2023-2026), co-designing actionable recommendations for older adults with spinal cord injury, and international evaluations of online clinical skills teaching during COVID-19.