PhD Candidate | School of Human Sciences (MHEX) – University of Western Australia
PhD Candidate | The Kids Research Institute Australia
Kai Schweizer is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia and the Kids Research Institute Australia. His research focuses on eating disorders, gender diversity, neurodivergence, and their intersections, with the aim of improving treatment practices and community outcomes. Kai’s PhD project will produce Australian-first best practice guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders in trans and gender diverse people via a series of studies, including a systematic review, cross-sectional survey, and Delphi consensus study.
Their broader research interests include body image, trans embodiment, neurodivergence, chronic pain, and the impact of disordered eating on romantic and sexual relationships. Alongside his academic work, Kai provides a range of services grounded in lived experience, research expertise, and gender and neuro-affirming values.
Can you tell us a little about your work with MHEX?
I started off as a research assistant with MHEX and I’m now a PhD candidate. I’m passionate about supporting trans and neurodivergent people to have healthy, positive relationships with exercise.
What’s the part of your work you enjoy the most? And the most challenging?
Seeing research translate into practice and watching people discover joy in movement. Challenging = Untangling exercise from body image.
What’s one project or piece of work you’re most excited about right now?
I’m excited about a study we are doing looking at the impact of chest binding during exercise. We are about to wrap up a study looking at the acute impact of binder on physical function and then hoping to explore long term impact of chest binding on function and health.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and volunteering with a greyhound adoption group (if I wasn’t a researcher I think I’d have been a vet!).
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or piece of advice that guides you?
“First thought, best thought”
Finally, what would you say to someone interested in starting a career in research?
Definitely go for it! You get to be on the cutting edge of finding answers to questions no one has answered yet.
More MHEX News
The MHEX Team acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, and present.
We are committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination through education and inclusive communities. We welcome all people and are respectful of individual identities.