Dr Carla Kennedy is a lecturer and researcher with the Institute of Education, Arts and Community at Federation University Australia. Carla is currently teaching sociology to social work, psychology, education and community health students. She is also unit coordinating professional experience units to students in early childhood, primary and secondary education.  

Before joining Federation, Carla held the position of Lecturer in Health and Society in the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, teaching public health units to undergraduate and postgraduate students.  

Carla’s research in critical reflection has been a pivotal interest in considering how communities can incorporate a compassionate stance in relation to taboo subjects such as death, dying and bereavement. Her current research using a critical social lens focuses on how people through their storytelling and their connection to spirituality and nature can transform their grief. Importantly, research on transformational and awakening experiences during or after bereavement and grief, such as Shared Death Experiences (SDEs) or Transformative Experiences (TEs) with subsequent health benefits are of particular interest.