Bridie Kean

Dr. Bridie Kean is a Lecturer in Public Health and Program Lead of the Master of Health Promotion at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). She teaches foundational courses in public health and research, focusing on equitable opportunities in sport for people with disabilities. Her research explores environmental factors influencing participation in para-sports and student-athlete well-being. Bridie chairs the Sunshine Coast Council Legacy Plan Community Reference Group, guiding the region's Paralympic Games legacy vision. She holds a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast, an MPH from Queensland, and a BSc from Illinois.

Research Interests: Bridie’s work centers on disability inclusion in sports, environmental influences on para-athletes, and student-athlete health. She collaborates with organizations like Paralympics Australia and the Queensland Academy of Sport. Key projects include advancing access to sport for people with disabilities and optimizing para-sport systems through cognitive work analysis.

Awards & Grants: Bridie has led grants totaling over $248,000 from the Queensland Academy of Sport and Basketball Australia. Her research has been published in journals such as Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly and Psychology of Sport and Exercise.

Teaching & Advising: She oversees postgraduate health promotion programs and mentors students in fully online learning environments. Current research projects include the impact of the 2032 Paralympic Games on disability health and inclusive school sports.

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with UniSport Australia, Queensland Academy of Sport, and Paralympics Australia to design equitable sport systems and support dual student-athlete pathways.