Rate My Professor Katia Ferrar

Dr. Katia Ferrar is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the College of Health at Adelaide University, holding concurrent roles as Adjunct Senior Lecturer in UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance and Program Coordinator of the Aboriginal Diabetes Study at Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, SAHMRI. A musculoskeletal physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom and Australia, she managed her own physiotherapy practice for seven years. Her academic background includes a PhD, Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Bachelor of Health Science (Honours), and Graduate Certificate in Education. She taught physiotherapy and human movement programs at the University of South Australia and served as the inaugural Research Fellow with The Australian Ballet and La Trobe University for two years, focusing on dancer health and wellbeing through strategic research planning.

Dr. Ferrar's research centers on physical activity and exercise for wellbeing in chronic health conditions, including chronic low back pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, peritoneal dialysis patients, osteoarthritis, and cancer survivors. Her work examines patient outcomes such as symptoms, mood, fatigue, and quality of life in relation to physical activity, with emphasis on special populations, ecological momentary assessment, co-design of interventions, and stakeholder involvement. As a mid-career researcher, she has authored 52 peer-reviewed articles, secured more than AU$250,000 in external research funding, and supervises two PhD students and three masters by research students. Key publications include "A review, evaluation and content mapping study of Australian patient-facing online pancreatobiliary cancer resources" (2026, Supportive Care in Cancer), "Exploring the relationship between allostatic load and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis from the North West Adelaide Health Study" (2025, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open), "Modifiable physical factors that influence physical function for people receiving peritoneal dialysis" (2024, Kidney International Reports), "Chronic stress and arthritis: a scoping review" (2022, Arthritis Care & Research), and "Adolescent Time Use Clusters: A Systematic Review" (2013, Journal of Adolescent Health). Her impact includes founding the Open Door Health Justice Clinic, a pro bono student-led physiotherapy and podiatry service for homeless people, earning the AMP Tomorrow Maker award in 2016. Other honors comprise finalist in the 2018 Unsung Heroes of Science Award (South Australia), 2017 Winnovation Awards, and 2013 Women’s and Children’s Hospital Young Investigator Award (People’s Choice).