Dr Mascha Friderichs

Lecturer in Public Health

Qualifications:

PhD, Menzies School or Health Research/Charles Darwin University, 2019; Master of Science: Social and Cultural Science, Radboud University Nijmegen (the Netherlands), 2012; Graduate Certificate of University Learning and Teaching, Charles Darwin University, (currently studying); Bachelor of Science: Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen (the Netherlands) 2008; Bachelor of Health: Physiotherapy, HAN University Nijmegen (the Netherlands), 2006

Approved level of HDR supervision at Charles Darwin University:

Associate to supervise PhD and Masters by Research students

Location:

Darwin – CDU Red 9

Since 2019, I have served as a Lecturer in Public Health at Menzies School of Health Research, contributing to the development and delivery of various public health programs. Before transitioning into this role, I was a PhD student at Menzies. My PhD research focused on medical anthropology and public health, specifically the health of Indigenous young women in Katherine, NT. This work aligns closely with Menzies' mission to address health disparities in Indigenous populations and provides invaluable insights that have shaped my teaching.

My diverse background allows me to teach across a wide range of subjects within public health, from anthropological perspectives on health, to health policy and global health challenges. This adaptability is critical in a multidisciplinary field like public health, where education must evolve with the changing landscape of healthcare needs and student demographics.

My teaching practice at Menzies is deeply rooted in a commitment to fostering an inclusive, engaging, and dynamic learning environment. By integrating interdisciplinary knowledge, supporting non-traditional students, and continuously innovating through the use of digital technologies and authentic assessments, I strive to equip students with the skills they need to succeed both academically and professionally. I place great emphasis on creating learning experiences that are relevant to the evolving public health landscape, and I ensure that my teaching reflects both current global challenges and local cultural considerations.
My work extends beyond the classroom through active involvement in curriculum development, supervision of postgraduate research, and collaboration across disciplines. I am dedicated to fostering a culturally informed understanding of health, particularly through my emphasis on Indigenous perspectives in public health education.