Centrelink worker to deliver research on learning disorders
Queensland Media Release
Monday, 1 February 2010
A Brisbane Centrelink employee will next week deliver a presentation to some of the nation’s top academics, outlining her research into learning disorders faced by young Indigenous students.
Katherine Williams is a University of Queensland psychology graduate who is 2 years away from completing her Professional Doctorate in Clinical and Clinical Neuro Psychology.
From 8 to 12 February, Katherine will attend Melbourne University's Summer School where she has been invited to reveal her research to other academics.
"I'm nervous about it, but it's such an amazing forum to present my research and I'm looking forward to getting their feedback," Katherine said.
"My passion is to help young Indigenous students overcome learning disorders to improve their chances of getting a better education.
"I've been collecting data from 3 Indigenous schools in Brisbane and it will be good to see if my research sparks any interest.
"It looks at the influence of environmental factors, trauma and family function on Indigenous students.
"I'm hoping it could lead to a collaboration of research with other experts in their field."
Katherine has been employed by Centrelink since 2007 when she entered the organisation as part of its graduate program.
She's currently working within Centrelink’s Human Resources section while she completes her Doctorate.
"Ultimately I'm hoping my research may also be useful in developing a training program for schools to help young Indigenous students overcome learning disabilities," she said.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.