Chrissy Freer

Dr Freer is an Early Career Researcher, Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) and health author with more than 20 years of experience in the nutrition and health sector. Her work spans clinical trials, dietary interventions, and innovative approaches to improving physical and mental health across the lifespan. Chrissys research focuses on muscle health (sarcopenia), chronic disease prevention and the role of diet and exercise in optimising body composition, cardiometabolic health, and healthy ageing. She has a particular interest in anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet, and the relationship between nutrition and mental health. Her recent clinical trial investigated a remotely delivered diet and resistance training program (high plant protein intake) for older adults with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Chrissy is currently the Clinical Trial Research Fellow at Southern Cross University on the Healing Climate Related Trauma (HEART) clinical trial. In this role, she has expanded her research program to include emerging trauma treatments such as compassion focused group interventions and MDMA-assisted therapy. She continues to build a multidisciplinary research program that integrates nutrition, healthy aging and mental health.

Her current role on the HEART trial has enabled Chrissy to develop advanced clinical trial competencies, including working within complex regulatory environments. Combined with her experience running a remote telehealth nutrition and exercise trial, she has methodological expertise in conducting quantitative research and additional skills in qualitative methods such as thematic analysis.