Rachel Houweling

Dr Rachel Houweling is a Researcher in the Behavioural Sciences Unit at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), focusing on mental health, inequality, and family care. Her interdisciplinary work bridges oncology, paediatrics, adolescent health, and allied health, with a particular emphasis on supporting carers and families of children, adolescents, and young adults with serious illnesses.

• Education:
  • BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, 2:1, University of Southampton (1998)
  • Master of Public Health, Distinction, University of Newcastle (2018)
  • MSc Social Research Methods, 1st class, University of Southampton (2019)
  • PhD in Geography, University of Southampton (2023)

Rachel's research explores the intersection of mental health, family dynamics, and social inequality, particularly for parents and carers. She investigates how psychosocial factors impact families navigating serious illnesses, such as cancer, during critical life stages. Her work at UNSW's Mental Health and Relationships team focuses on improving outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults with serious illnesses and their families through psycho-social research.

Rachel's expertise spans occupational therapy, public health, and social research methods. She has contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in mental health and oncology, integrating allied health perspectives into family-centered care models. Her current projects aim to address systemic inequalities and enhance support systems for carers and families.

At UNSW, Rachel operates within the Behavioural Sciences Unit, a multidisciplinary hub for health research. She has also worked as a part-time occupational therapy lecturer at the University of Southampton during her PhD studies.