Research & publications

Evidence built with community, not just about it

My research and policy work sits where measurement, cultural knowledge and governance meet — strengthening how Aboriginal wellbeing is understood, recorded and acted on.

Doctoral research · in development

PhD — UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

Having completed the competitive Pathways to a PhD (Doing Research for Mob) program in 2026, I am developing my doctoral proposal with a prospective principal advisor at UQ.

The emerging focus: how community-controlled data systems can record the wellbeing, cultural connection and strengths of Aboriginal young people that mainstream systems miss — and how better measurement can keep young people connected to wellbeing, identity and community before they enter the justice system.

Indigenous data sovereigntyWellbeing measurementYouth justice preventionCommunity-controlled research

Policy, scholarship & submissions

Shaping systems and curricula

AMSA · 2022

Medical curriculum policy

Co-author of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the Medical Curriculum policy.

QAIHC · 2020–2023

Queensland health strategy

Contributed to the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy.

Queensland Kids Partnership

Policy positions & submissions

Contributions to QKP policy positions and submissions on children and young people.

With ARACY & QKP

Intergenerational Stewardship Table

Authored a cultural systems critique that informed the narrative for Queensland’s Families Strategy.

Via UQ

Accreditation standards

Contributed to the AMC’s revised accreditation standards for medical schools on Aboriginal health and cultural safety.

Publications & presentations

Selected work

Conference · 2023
Ryan, K. et al. (2023). Aboriginal doctor-led health service delivery in East Arnhem Land. AIDA Conference.
Research report · 2021
Ryan, K. (2021). Indigenising the Curriculum: Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems in Environmental Science Education. The University of Queensland.
Policy · 2022
Co-author — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the Medical Curriculum (AMSA, 2022).

Grants

Funding secured

Queensland Government Engaging Science Grant · 2025

$18,422 — Songlines of Science: Connecting Culture, Country and Curriculum

Delivered at Hymba Yumba Independent School. Led the ideation and write-up of the successful bid, integrating Aboriginal knowledge systems with STEM learning.

Professional memberships & networks

Networks

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) LIME Network Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health