Kate Freire

Kate Freire is a Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University's Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health. Her research examines pelvic health in military populations, heat stress impacts on healthcare workers, rural health equity, and community-based physical activity interventions.

Research interests include gender-specific health challenges in occupational settings (particularly military), rural health service delivery models, environmental impacts on healthcare workers, and co-design methodologies for community health resources. Work emphasizes practical solutions for underserved populations.

Recent articles (2023-2025) focus on pelvic health in servicewomen, heat stress mitigation strategies, rural pain management equity, and participatory design of physical activity programs. Studies employ scoping reviews, community-based participatory research, and policy analysis to address health disparities.

Awards:

• 2023 Charles Sturt Excellence Award for Research (team recipient)

Professional Focus: Research integrates clinical, occupational, and public health perspectives to improve health outcomes in rural and military contexts.