Dr Connie Henson
Doctor of Philosophy (Health Systems & Populations), 2024
Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
Master of International Public Health, 2008
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Doctor of Philosophy (Counselling Psychology), 1993
University of North Texas, Denton, USA
Master of Science (Counselling Psychology), 1991
University of North Texas, Denton, USA
Master of Science (Rehabilitation Counselling), 1985
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), 1982
University of North Carolina-Wilmington, USA
Professional Registration & Certifications
Registered Psychologist, NSW, Australia
Psychology Board of Australia | Registration No. PS0056762
Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)
I am a Senior Research Fellow at UNSW with PhDs in Psychology and Health Systems & Populations. My research focuses on digital health equity and system change, particularly for priority populations—including older adults, women, and people in underserved and remote communities. I lead and co-lead co-designed studies that explore the use of wearable technology, digital platforms, and inclusive health models to promote access, engagement, and wellbeing.
Over the past two years, I’ve contributed to securing more than $5.4 million in competitive research funding (MRFF, Heart Foundation, philanthropic) and published widely on digital health, social media use in health promotion, and participatory co-design methods. I’ve contributed to the development of evidence-based models that support inclusive research partnerships and foster health system responsiveness to diverse needs and experiences.
With 35 years of experience in behavioural science, I bring a strong background in organisational change, psychological research, and practical implementation across sectors. My work is grounded in values of equity, curiosity, and translational impact—ensuring that research creates real-world benefits for the communities who need it most.
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
2023–2027 | Wearables for Early Detection and Referral in Older Adults (WEAR IT Study)
Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant | CIA | $750K
Investigating feasibility, acceptability, and health outcomes of wearable monitoring in adults 55+.
2023–2027 | How Should Wearable Data Be Integrated in Primary Care (SWiTcH Study)
Heart Foundation | CIF | $600K
Co-design project to examine integration of digital data into culturally appropriate clinical workflows.
2024–2028 | Preventing Progression and Complications of Atrial Fibrillation in Priority Populations (PePP Study)
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) | CIE | $2.3M
National mixed-methods study exploring wearable technologies and early detection models in underserved communities.
2024–2029 | Preventing Indigenous CVD and Diabetes through Exercise (PrIDE Study)
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) | CID | $1.8M
Targeted intervention and implementation study supporting high-risk remote communities.
1. Digital Health Equity in Priority Populations
Co-leading a large community‑engaged mixed‑methods project exploring wearable and mobile health technologies among older adults, women, and remote-community residents. This federally funded (MRFF) study uses citizen-science and participatory co-design methods to examine barriers and enablers of technology acceptance, and to develop evidence-based frameworks for inclusive digital engagement.
2. Co-Designing Capacity-Building Programs with Priority Populations
Leading and co-leading a series of translational research programs—including BEST, WISE, and Peer Bridge—which support social inclusion, health equity, and wellbeing among marginalised populations. These programs are co-designed with priority groups including older women, people experiencing homelessness, and peer mentors for youth transitioning to high school, and are developed in partnership with academic and community collaborators (e.g. the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre’s Newtopian Outreachers). Earlier work in Fiji, as part of a culturally safe suicide prevention initiative, helped build local clinical and research capacity and influenced long-term improvements in service delivery. Collectively, this stream of work focuses on developing and evaluating models that empower communities, strengthen systems, and promote enduring change.
3. Social Media for Health Information Access
Leading collaborations with community-based partners to investigate the use of social media platforms in health promotion and information sharing. Drawing on qualitative interviews, digital ethnography, and data analytics, outputs include practice guidelines for culturally responsive messaging and recommendations for accessible digital outreach.
4. Capacity Building & Evidence Translation
Supervising HDR students and early‑career researchers while partnering with non‑profit, health service, and philanthropic organisations to translate evidence into practical tools and policy. This includes co-designed training modules and workshops focused on health system responsiveness and inclusive research governance.