Kate Davies

Dr. Kate Davies is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle's School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. A sociologist with a fierce commitment to social justice, her research aims to break the cycle of social disadvantage by empowering and respecting marginalized voices. She works closely with government and non-government partners to ensure translation of research into policy and practice.

Dr. Davies holds a PhD from the University of Newcastle. Her academic journey includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle

Her research focuses on understanding and addressing inequalities that shape people's experiences of health and wellbeing. Dr. Davies explores human services practice within Housing First programs, ethical approaches to trauma-informed lived experience research, placemaking and community housing, family inclusion in child protection, disability and lived experience research, and young people's experiences of debt. She has developed evidence-based models for enhancing participation of people with mental health issues in policymaking and service delivery.

Dr. Davies' recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on social justice issues across multiple domains including child protection systems, disability rights, youth debt, and mental health services. Her work consistently examines power dynamics, knowledge production, and the importance of lived experience in shaping effective human services.

Dr. Davies has received significant research funding totaling over $700,000, with recent grants focusing on:

• Exploring the impacts of research on lived-experience researchers ($4,982, 2023)
• The RYSS Youth Hub as novel local youth service delivery ($40,000, 2022)
• Entrepreneurial debt and young people's investments in their future ($14,000, 2022)
• Together Home practitioners' perspectives on building resilience and relationships ($12,180, 2022)

As an educator and supervisor, Dr. Davies has completed supervision of 3 PhD students and is currently supervising 1 PhD candidate. Her supervision spans multiple disciplines including Law, Sociology & Anthropology, Community Medicine, and Public Health.

Dr. Davies actively collaborates with community organizations and is a board member for Community Disability Alliance Hunter and Nova for Women and Children. Her community involvement extends to foster care and working with the Red Cross Movement throughout the Asia Pacific region.