Irene Ikafa

Dr. Irene Ikafa is a Lecturer in the School of Health at the University of New England (UNE), Australia, where she has been contributing since July 2016. She brings over 30 years of combined clinical and academic experience in mental health nursing, having previously served at Murdoch University and held various clinical leadership roles in Western Australia and Zambia.

• Institution: University of New England
• School: School of Health
• Academic Rank: Lecturer
• Email: iikafa@une.edu.au

Her educational background includes a PhD and MSc from Curtin University, a BSc, and professional registration as a Registered Nurse and Registered Mental Health Nurse.

• PhD, Curtin University
• MSc, Curtin University
• BSc, Curtin University
• RN, RMHN

Irene's research is deeply rooted in mental health nursing, with a strong focus on migration and acculturation, nurse education, grief and loss, and therapeutic communication. She is passionate about social justice and advocates for marginalized populations, particularly migrants and individuals with mental illness or disabilities.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent thematic focus on the mental health challenges faced by African migrants in Australia. Using frameworks like Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations, her work explores how faith, family, and therapeutic relationships support coping and resilience. The research spans interdisciplinary areas including nursing, social work, migration studies, and public health.

She has been recognized for her teaching excellence with two nominations for the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award at Murdoch University and received the Best Nurse All Round Award in Zambia in 1990.

• Nominated for Vice Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2009, 2010)
• Best Nurse All Round Award, Lusaka School of Nursing, Zambia (1990)

Irene is actively involved in research and teaching, supervising student projects related to clinical confidence in nursing students and migrant resettlement. She serves on the University of New England Human Research Ethics Committee and the School of Health Research Committee. Her work emphasizes community engagement, ethical research, and the integration of theory into practice to promote mental well-being and equity in healthcare.