David Betts

Dr. David Betts is a Senior Lecturer in the Social Work program at the University of Newcastle's School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. He coordinates undergraduate courses in mental health, disability, grief/loss, and ethics, and holds service roles including Deputy Program Convenor and Research Ethics Advisor. His clinical background includes social work in New Zealand health settings.

Education includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Canterbury
• Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), University of Canterbury

Dr. Betts's research examines gerontology, queer studies, and social work practice, focusing on LGBTQ+ aging, queer space development, and social policy impacts. His work highlights experiences of older sexual/gender minorities, revealing how legislative changes coexist with persistent discrimination. Current projects investigate marriage equality consequences and underrepresented LGBTQIA+ subgroups.

His publications demonstrate strong focus on:

• Social work education innovations (AI simulations, telehealth)
• Qualitative methodologies development
• LGBTQ+ aging experiences across Australasia
• Literature's role in identity formation

Honors include:

• College Excellence Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (2023)
• Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2022)
• Faculty Excellence Award for Equity & Diversity (2020)
• Teaching Excellence Award (2023)

Dr. Betts supervises PhD candidates researching dementia ethics, blended families, male grief patterns, and conversion therapy history. He has secured $778,685 in research funding, including:

• $465,458 MRFF grant for youth mental health determinants
• $126,000 telehealth accessibility study
• $100,000 suicide prevention trial for older Australians

He collaborates with Hunter Medical Research Institute and leads projects examining disaster impacts on gender-diverse communities and LGBTQ+ spatial safety.