Rate My Professor Lisa Couzens

Lisa Couzens serves as a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy within the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Western Sydney (UWS), a Bachelor of Primary Education Studies from Charles Sturt University (CSU), and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Currently pursuing a PhD at Southern Cross University, her doctoral research examines microclimate responses to high-needs wheelchair cushions, with a focus on pressure injury management. Couzens transitioned to academia in 2019 after over 20 years of clinical practice as an occupational therapist, during which she worked across diverse areas with a primary specialization in wheelchair prescription. In her teaching role, she imparts clinical knowledge and experiences to occupational therapy students.

Her research specializations center on pressure injury prevention for wheelchair users, wheelchair seating and cushion prescription, the microclimate at the cushion-user interface, and innovative pedagogical approaches in occupational therapy education. Notable publications include 'The effect of wheelchair cushion properties on the microclimate at the cushion-user interface: A systematic review and meta-analysis,' published in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal in 2024, which demonstrated that foam-gel cushions were superior in managing temperature compared to air and foam cushions, while foam cushions excelled in moisture control. Another key work is 'The effect of wheelchair cushions with different properties on skin temperature, moisture, and thermal perception during passive sitting in a warm environment,' published in 2026. She has also co-authored preprints such as 'Innovative Teaching in Occupational Therapy: Reflections on using 3D Bathroom Simulation for Practice Education' and contributions to work-integrated learning units. Couzens' research provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians to optimize wheelchair cushion selection, particularly in warm climates, to mitigate risks of temperature elevation, sweating, and pressure injuries for wheelchair users.