Michelle Bissett

Associate Professor Michelle Bissett

PhD(UWS)

Associate Professor Michelle Bissett is an occupational therapist, researcher and academic leader in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of Allied Health, Midwifery and Community and Course Coordinator for Occupational Therapy. Michelle's leadership experience spans higher education, professional governance, accreditation and curriculum innovation.

Michelle's research focuses on healthy ageing, social prescribing, occupational engagement and supportive environments for older adults, as well as scholarship related to student success and health professions education. She has attracted competitive funding, supervises higher degree research candidates, and has an established national reputation in occupational therapy education and research.

Beyond the University, Michelle served as a Board Director of Occupational Therapy Australia and is a Program Assessor with the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand), contributing to professional standards and accreditation across the sector.

Michelle is passionate about creating opportunities for staff and students to thrive, strengthening partnerships between universities and communities, and ensuring higher education delivers meaningful outcomes for the professions and communities it serves. She brings to University Council experience in academic leadership, governance, risk and quality assurance, strategic planning, and workforce development.