Researcher

Dr Rachel Evelyn Ward

Field of Research (FoR)

Biography

Rachel is currently Program Director for the UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Physiology. She is a Senior Lecturer in the UNSW School of Medical Sciences, where her primary areas of teaching include biomechanics, motor learning and skill acquisition. Rachel is a former professional dancer, and currently a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. In addition to her role as a tertiary educator and researcher, she teaches classical ballet and...view more

Rachel is currently Program Director for the UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Physiology. She is a Senior Lecturer in the UNSW School of Medical Sciences, where her primary areas of teaching include biomechanics, motor learning and skill acquisition. Rachel is a former professional dancer, and currently a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. In addition to her role as a tertiary educator and researcher, she teaches classical ballet and contemporary dance for children and adults at various locations across Sydney. Rachel has a strong interest in exploring the physical and therapeutic benefits of dance for all ages.

My Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, UNSW

Master of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW

Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, UNSW

Bachelor of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney

Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method, UTS

Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD)

Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

My Awards

2018 UNSW Medicine Faculty Teaching Award: Teaching Excellence

2018 UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Community Engagement

2016 UNSW Vice Chancellor’s Award: Teaching Excellence - Contributions to Student Learning

2016 UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Teacher of the Year

2015 UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Contribution to the Student Experience

My Research Activities

Rachel's research activity relates to analysis of human movement, with an aim to contribute to the development of guidelines for therapeutic exercise prescription, injury prevention, and assessment of methods for effective motor skill acquisition. Her scope of research ranges from analysis of basic therapeutic exercise for clinical populations, to assessment of motor skill development in paediatric populations, through to detailed analysis of the highly skilled movement of dancers and athletes. Rachel is very interested in investigating the therapeutic benefits of recreational dance, and promoting safe dance techniques amongst elite dancers.

Broad Research Areas:

Biomechanics, Movement Analysis, Motor Learning, Motor Skill Aquisition

Specific Research Keywords:

Biomechanics, Human Movement Analysis, Motor Skill Aquisition, Exercise Prescription