We’re shining a light on Dr. Sjaan Koppel, a member of AAAM since 2003. Sjaan reflects on what led her to join AAAM, “when I started at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), my supervisors, Professor Brian Fildes and Professor Judith Charlton advised me to join AAAM because it was a fantastic, multidisciplinary organization, a great forum for presenting best-practice road safety research, as well as, a great opportunity for networking and knowledge advancement.” She has been an active and involved member, attending conferences and contributing to the overall mission of the organization.
Her first impression of AAAM was when she attended her first conference in Lisbon, Portugal in 2003. “I couldn’t believe my luck! Not only was the conference held in an amazing location, but I also heard about world-leading research which was presented by all the key researchers and professionals whose research I was citing!”
AAAM is uniquely diverse and inclusive, reaching a universal audience. As a member, you have the chance to connect with people from around the globe. Sjaan recalls the highlight of her career which “involved collaborating with amazing researchers and professionals from different disciplines from across the world – many of whom are also AAAM members.”
Her most exciting experience with our organization was in 2016 when she was awarded the AAAM Elaine Wodzin Young Achiever Award during the Annual Conference. What she wishes other people knew about AAAM is that “there is a perception that AAAM is only focused on automotive engineering or automotive medicine research. I wish other people knew that AAAM is a multidisciplinary organization, with world-leading researchers and professionals who are all dedicated to eliminating road traffic deaths and injuries.” Those who are devoted to this mission know that this is the heartbeat of AAAM.
Dr. Sjaan Koppel is a AAAM board member, she was elected to the board in 2017. She works and resides in Clayton Campus, VIC Australia. She is a Senior Research Fellow, Pre-Candidate Graduate Research Coordinator, ISCRR Relationship Manager, Mental Health First Aid Officer, and Wellbeing Champion & LGBTIQ Ally at Monash University Accident Research Centre.