H₂R: The Outdoors Catalyst

Rachael worked for over 15 years in a variety of child-related fields including child protection, juvenile justice (forensics), disability, advocacy and genetic research. Rachael’s PhD research proposed new clinical guidelines to prevent cognitive impairments caused by a genetic disorder, phenylketonuria (PKU), and has been cited in the American College of Genetics and Genomics Practice Guidelines. In 2002, successfully lobbied the Queensland Health Minister to invest in expanded newborn screening. This has prevented the unnecessary death or disability caused by genetic disorders if left undetected and untreated. Rachael remains committed to research that ensures children have the best possible chance to meet their full potential and her current interests include: diet-mental health relationships; children’s play opportunities; child protection issues including sexual abuse and trafficking; adolescent arson and self-harm; transitions from education to the workplace. Rachael is an enthusiastic and engaging public speaker and is regularly seen in the media, including newspapers (e.g., Sunshine Coast Daily, The Courier-Mail, Herald Sun), magazines, internet (ABC news, SBS news, The Conversation), radio (ABC and commercial), and commercial television (e.g., the news and the Project). Research publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rachael_Sharman?ev=hdr_xprf

Most of what we read is nothing like we would have expected . . . There is a sense that an amiable and eloquent uncle is telling us everything piquant he knows about theology and culture and land use and the beasts and flora and families of the bush.” -Thomas Keneally, Weekend Australian