Dr Evans is a post-doctoral research associate in the Sydney Medical School working on a MRFF-funded research project, developing a culturally-based social, emotional and wellbeing program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (18-24 years) in prison. Her current interests are understanding the complexities of health behaviour change, organisational change, and health promotion initiatives. More specifically, some of her current work explores the use of culture and arts in therapy to improve a person’s health and wellbeing.

A classically-trained musician,Dr Evans has expertise in music performance, specialising in bassoon and chamber music. Her doctoral studies focused on performing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) in musicians, in particular stress velopharyngeal insufficiency that can affect woodwind and brass instrumentalists. As a result, her research has increased awareness among the music and health-care professions to recognize potential risk factors and symptoms or this lesser-known PRMD. As an educator, Dr Evans is passionate about applying music pedagogy and health research, to make changes to teaching and learning processes. Her commitment to this field is driven by wanting to help other musicians minimise their risk of experiencing playing-related pain or injury. Dr Evans’ current research aims to implement health policy frameworks into music training institutions and professional music associations to ensure music students’ training includes fundamental health knowledge required for optimal music performance and minimising occupational risk factors that lead to playing-related injuries.

Dr Evans is also co-artistic director of the Sydney-based, Sirius Chamber Ensemble, who collaborate with Australian contemporary classical composers, regularly performing recital programs of chamber music for winds, strings and piano in Sydney and regional New South Wales.