Kate Murray

Kate Murray

U.S. Fulbright Postgraduate Scholar

Media Profile

“In 2004 the world had 19.2 million refugees, asylum-seekers and other persons of concern, according to UNHCR statistics. This issue clearly demands our attention.”

Kate Murray a postdoctoral candidate in clinical psychology at Arizona State University has won a Fulbright Postgraduate Award to undertake research at the University of Queensland in 2007. Kate Murray graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in Psychology from DePauw University, Indiana and received her Masters from Arizona State University before starting her PhD. Her project will enhance current understanding of the critical components of resettlement programs and individual characteristics and experiences that help refugees adapt to their new country and promote well-being.

Kate will undertake this work in collaboration with Dr Michael Cuthill and Ms Sue Scull and other members of the research team from the University of Queensland Boilerhouse Community Engagement Centre, who will provide guidance on the project and facilitate her connection with the Brisbane refugee community.

“By strengthening our understanding of successful refugee integration, we can improve existing programs, enhance resources, minimise risks, and foster well-being even amongst those who have suffered the most horrific atrocities. I hope to be able to use sound research methodologies in a way that enables effective change and growth in the resettlement experience.”

Kate’s research will involve a comparative study of capacity and adaptation among refugees who have faced considerable life stressors, focussing on the effects of resettlement programs and individual experiences of outcomes among refugees in Brisbane, Australia and Phoenix, Arizona. Although both countries resettle the largest numbers of refugees annually they offer different models in resettlement policies, providing a useful base for comparative research. While the primary goal of U.S. resettlement policy is to encourage early financial independence for refugees when resettling five times more refugees than any other country in the world, refugee resettlement in Australia emphasises process and service provision: the countries’ political climes also offer a useful point of comparison.

The study will focus on the coping abilities of refugees in two main areas: firstly, how well they are able to recover from their previous traumas and, secondly, their ability to maintain well-being in the face of adversity. Kate will examine these responses at the individual, family, and community levels with the aim of improving resettlement and prevention programming.

Following completion of her PhD, Kate plans to remain active and involved in international policy and programming for refugees.