Western Sydney University | Australia
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📚 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Fung Kuen Koo’s academic journey is marked by distinguished qualifications in health and education. She earned her Ph.D. in 2005 from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education & Social Work, presenting a thesis on the health beliefs and behaviors of older Hong Kong Chinese people in Australia. Prior to this, she completed a Master of Education in Health Education at the same institution in 1999, investigating barriers to health promotion participation among older Chinese-speaking individuals in New South Wales. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Wollongong (1997), a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing from the University of Western Sydney (1995), and a Diploma of General Nursing from Caritas Medical Centre in Hong Kong (1993).
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Koo’s professional career is extensive and impactful. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus since July 2022. Before this, she held various significant positions, including Senior Lecturer/Lead for Pre-Registration Master in Nursing at Charles Darwin University, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. Her earlier roles include Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Clinical Instructor at the University of Hong Kong, and Registered Nurse at multiple prestigious institutions including Royal North Shore Hospital and Mater Hospital in Sydney.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Koo’s research contributions are vast and varied. Her work spans several critical areas, including preventive health, health education, and the integration of cultural perspectives into healthcare. Notable projects include the development of community cancer screening programs for Chinese-Australian women and studies on the willingness of young adults to provide dementia care. Her research on cultural influences and vitamin D status among South East Asian women highlights her commitment to addressing health disparities through culturally informed interventions.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Koo’s excellence in research and education has been recognized through various grants and awards. She has received funding from esteemed organizations like the Australian Association of Gerontology, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and the Cancer Institute NSW. Her projects have been pivotal in advancing community health initiatives and educational programs, earning her a reputable position in the field of health education.
🌟 Impact and Influence
Dr. Koo’s impact on the field of nursing and health education is profound. Her work has influenced health promotion practices, particularly among Chinese-speaking communities in Australia. Through her innovative research and dedicated teaching, she has shaped the perspectives of countless students and healthcare professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of culturally competent care.
🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Koo’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. She continues to inspire future generations of nurses and educators with her pioneering research and commitment to community health. Her ongoing projects and future endeavors promise to further enhance the integration of cultural perspectives into health education and practice, ensuring her lasting influence on the field.
Publications 🖋️
📝Evaluating pre-and post-oral health literacy of undergraduate nursing students on an oral-systemic health learning intervention
Authors: Fung Kuen Koo BHS(Nsg), MPH, MEd, PhD, Rebecca Chen BOH, MIntPH, Judith Fethney BA (Hons), BTeach, Jay Balante BSN, MAN (Adult Health Nsg), GradCertClinEd, MACN, Grace Wong RDT, BHM, BTrngDev, MHlthProm, GradCert, HPEd, PhD
Journal: Journal of Dental Education
Year: 2024
📝Nursing students' experiences of using flipcharts as a learning tool during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Balante, J., Candelaria, D., Perez, D., Koo, F.
Journal: Nurse Education Today
Year: 2023
📝A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature on health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants
Authors: Li, J., Lowres, N., Koo, F.K., Gallagher, R.
Journal: International Journal of Nursing Practice
Year: 2021
📝Assessing oral health literacy of university nursing students: A cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Wong, G., Koo, T.F., Fethney, J., Chen, R.
Journal: Nurse Education in Practice
Year: 2021
📝Understanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach
Authors: Jin, K., Neubeck, L., Koo, F., Ding, D., Gullick, J.
Journal: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Year: 2020