Celebrating Indigenous Research Leadership: Welcoming New MDHS Postdoctoral Fellows and Honouring Fellowship Contributions
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) is proud to welcome the successful recipients of the Peeneeyt Thanampool (Strong Women) Aunty Joan Vickery and Aunty Angela Clarke MDHS Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellowship, recognising the appointment of emerging Indigenous research leaders who will help shape the future of health research and Indigenous excellence.
In 2026, MDHS will welcome Tahlia Eastman and Tileah Drahm as the newest Fellows. Both will be based within the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, contributing to the Faculty’s growing Indigenous research community and advancing Indigenous-led approaches to health research.
Their appointments mark an important milestone in creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers to thrive in academia while supporting research that contributes to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous communities.
The Peeneeyt Thanampool (Strong Women) Aunty Joan Vickery and Aunty Angela Clarke MDHS Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellowship provides Indigenous researchers with the opportunity to build research capability, develop academic leadership skills, and contribute meaningful knowledge to health and wellbeing. Through dedicated support, mentorship, and connection with the broader research community, Fellows are empowered to undertake research that creates lasting impact for Indigenous communities and the future of healthcare.
Tahlia and Tileah represent the strength, diversity, and future of Indigenous research leadership. Their work will expand Indigenous knowledge, strengthen research capability, and support health outcomes informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Tahlia Eastman, MDHS Postdoctoral Fellow
Tilea Drahm, MDHS Postdoctoral Fellow
MDHS also acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of previous Fellows Tui Crumpen, Rachel Joyce, and Raylene Nixon, who concluded their Fellowships in early 2026. Their work, leadership, and commitment to Indigenous research have contributed meaningfully to the MDHS research community. We wish Tui, Rachel, and Raylene every success in their future endeavours and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work.
The MDHS Indigenous Development Portfolio looks forward to supporting Tahlia and Tileah throughout their Fellowship journeys and celebrating the contributions they will make to research, education, and Indigenous health advancement locally, nationally, and globally.