Katie Thurber

Katie Thurber is an Associate Professor at the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University (ANU). She leads research within the Mayi Kuwayu Study team, focusing on community-identified health priorities including discrimination, social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), and family safety. Her work employs mixed-methods approaches emphasizing community engagement and strengths-based frameworks.

Education:

• BA in Psychology & Global Health
• MPhil in Epidemiology
• PhD in Epidemiology

Research Interests: Her primary areas include health equity, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing, social epidemiology, and longitudinal studies. She examines how systemic racism and social determinants impact health outcomes, contributing to policy-relevant knowledge through large-scale studies like Mayi Kuwayu.

Research Trends: Recent publications address tobacco-related mortality in Australia, youth smoking surveillance methods, and culturally grounded wellbeing metrics. Her work bridges epidemiological analysis with advocacy for Indigenous health equity.

Advising & Grants: Supervises research students and leads major projects including the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing, which informs health policy. Collaborates on initiatives like the Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program evaluation.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Mayi Kuwayu Study team, a national collaboration advancing Indigenous health research through community partnerships.