Kimberly Brown

Research Officer
Centre for Mental Health Research and Sustainable Farms

Kimberly is a Research Officer for ANU Sustainable Farms where she examines the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of sustainable farming practices. Her research interests include rural mental health, subjective wellbeing and the mental health impact of farming systems and practices. Kimberly is in the final year of her PhD at the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra. Her thesis explores the social and wellbeing benefits of regenerative farming practices – and how these may promote psychological resilience during times of drought.

Kimberly has worked on various research projects relating to farming practices and wellbeing using data from the Regional Wellbeing Survey – University of Canberra. This research aims to inform the development of agricultural programs and policies that support farmer wellbeing.

Kimberly has expertise in the delivery of health promotion and educational programs within a community development framework. Prior to commencing her PhD, Kimberly worked with drought affected communities in NSW to promote mental health and increase access to rural mental health services. Kimberly has been involved in the delivery of novel projects aiming to address mental health concerns in the rural context – including research as part of her involvement in a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of Natural Resource Management extension programs with partner agencies.