Elizabeth Wells is a PhD candidate with the University of South Australia. While working in libraries in central Victoria she noticed a pattern of regular readers struggling with their reading, then abandoning it, in response to undergoing cancer treatment. This pattern and how to address it had not been studied before, so she came to South Australia to undertake research around restoring reading for pleasure and health to people affected by cancer. Early results of the study are promising for increasing the emotional wellbeing of cancer patients and providing a positive experience for family members. Elizabeth holds a BSc in Computer Science and History & Philosophy of Science from The University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) from LaTrobe University, a Graduate Diploma and Master of Library and Information Management from the University of South Australia. Her main area of interest is reading for wellbeing and she looks forward to collaborating with others to get reading programs into cancer centres, hospices and as part of community palliative care programs. Something fun: Elizabeth is a dragon boat paddler. Dragon-boating is recognised worldwide for its role in helping breast cancer survivors. 

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