Cathryn Josif

Cathryn Josif is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle Campus. She is actively involved in teaching and research with a strong commitment to improving health outcomes in Aboriginal, rural, and remote communities. Her academic roles are grounded in extensive clinical and research experience across diverse Indigenous settings.

Education:

• Diploma of Nursing, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH)
• Bachelor of Nursing, Edith Cowan University (ECU)
• Graduate Certificate in Child & Family Health, Curtin University
• Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, Charles Darwin University (CDU)
• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
• Bob & June Prickett Churchill Fellowship

Cathryn's research interests center on Aboriginal Health, Rural and Remote Health, Global Health, Maternal and Infant Health, and Participatory Action Research. She emphasizes community-led, culturally safe methodologies and has led significant research projects that have been recognized nationally. Her work often integrates qualitative and mixed methods to understand health service delivery and improve outcomes for marginalized populations.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in Indigenous maternal health, dementia care, aged care during crises like the pandemic, and innovative educational approaches such as photovoice. The research spans disciplines including public health, gerontology, nursing, and health services, with a consistent focus on equity, community engagement, and service improvement in remote Australia.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Bob and June Prickett Churchill Fellowship (2016) – for improving dementia services in remote Aboriginal communities
• NHMRC '10 of the Best' Research Projects (2014 and 2022) – for impactful health research
• Best Conference Presentation Prize (2004) – Australian Paediatric Child Health Nurse Conference

Cathryn has co-supervised a Master’s student to completion and is currently supervising a PhD candidate and another Master’s student. She has received research grants through NHMRC and other bodies supporting projects on carer wellbeing, maternal health, and aged care. Her community engagement includes invited keynotes, such as at the 22nd Chronic Disease Network Conference in Alice Springs (2019).

She is a member of the Australian College of Nursing and has contributed to government reports and policy-relevant research, particularly through evaluations of midwifery group practices and remote health service models.