Naomi Ferstera began her career in the health and fitness industry in 2000 as a personal trainer with Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs while completing a dual degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Education. After graduating, she spent several years teaching before launching her first business in 2011 during maternity leave with her twins.

In 2018, Naomi completed postgraduate studies in nutrition through Deakin University, strengthening her multidisciplinary expertise across exercise, nutrition and health behaviour. She is now an Associate Lecturer at the University of Queensland and a doctoral candidate (PhD) in Exercise Science, contributing to the landmark BRAIN Training Trial. Her research examines the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and high-intensity power training on cognitive outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Her broader research interests include:

• The role of neurotrophic and exercise-induced biomarkers in exercise-induced cognitive improvements

• The legacy effect—how long cognitive benefits persist after exercise interventions

• The predictive value of neuromuscular fitness for future cognitive decline

• The comparative impacts of HIIT and high-intensity power training on body composition, neuromuscular fitness and cognition in adults with MCI

Beyond academia, Naomi is the founder of The Healthy Ageing Project, a growing community dedicated to helping midlife adults reduce their long-term risk of cognitive decline through practical, evidence-based education. Building on this work, she also created reMYnd, an upcoming lifestyle-based cognitive-health program designed to help individuals proactively build brain resilience through structured exercise, nutrition, sleep, cognitive stimulation and connection.

In 2022, Naomi founded Powered by The Lab, an exercise physiology clinic and training facility in Ipswich, Queensland. The centre was designed to bring clinical best practice into a supportive community setting, delivering evidence-based programs for individuals with chronic and complex conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia. Naomi has since sold her share in the business to focus on her research, teaching and the development of reMYnd and The Healthy Ageing Project.

Outside of her professional work, Naomi enjoys spending time with her family, playing netball and cheering on her children at their many (many) sporting activities.