Qualifications
- PhD (Sociology/Anthropology), University of Newcastle, 2007
- Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), University of Newcastle, 1999
- Bachelor of Social Science, University of Newcastle, 1995
Research
Research keywords
- Cultural Identity
- Intercountry adoption
- Intercultural Families
- Race relations
Research expertise
Dr Kim Gray has been conducting sociological research in the areas of intercountry adoption, intercultural families and issues about cultural belonging and racial difference since the late 1990s. She conducted research on adoptive families' experiences of the adoption process in Australia as part of her Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) degree (1999), receiving the Faculty of Arts Deans Award for this research and the University Medal for her excellent undergraduate record. In 2001, Dr Gray received an Australian Postgraduate Award to conduct PhD research on intercountry adoptees' experiences of cultural belonging and issues of racial difference growing up in Australia. Her PhD research was published in 2009 in the book, ('Bananas, Bastards, and Victims'?:Hybrid Reflections on Cultural belonging in Intercountry adoptee narratives). Dr Gray's research work has also been included in a number of collaborative book projects in America, Canada and Australia.
Dr Gray's expertise in this field has led to invitations to review and assess scholarly research for the journals, Journal of Australian Studies and Australian Journal of Adoption.
Other research projects she has been involved with include working as a Research Consultant with the Family Action Centre (2009), as a Research Assistant on the collaborative project with Home-Start Inc and the University of Newcastle (2004-5) and as a Research Assistant with the Hunter Division of General Practice (1996).
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 160104 | Social And Cultural Anthropology | 50 |
| 160899 | Sociology Not Elsewhere Classified | 50 |
Memberships
Body relevant to professional practice.
- Member - Australian Journal of Adoption
Awards
Recognition.
| 1999 |
University Medal
University of Newcastle N.S.W (Australia) In recognition of excellence in Bachelor of Social Science (Honours Class 1) |
|---|---|
| 1999 |
Faculty of Arts Deans Award
University of Newcastle N.S.W (Australia) Excellence in Bachelor of Social Science (Honours Class 1) |
Research Award.
| 2001 |
Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)
University of Newcastle N.S.W (Australia) PhD scholarship |
|---|---|
| 1995 |
The Excellence in Research Methods Prize
University of Newcastle N.S.W (Australia) Outstanding performance in 'Research Methods' course as part of Bachelor of Social Science |
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Constructions of Childhood and the Family
- Social Enquiry, Open Foundation, ELFS
- Society and Culture
Teaching expertise
Dr Gray has been teaching in sociology at the University of Newcastle since 2001. In recent years (from 2009), she has been lecturing and tutoring in enabling education, 'Social Enquiry', Open Foundation, English Language and Foundation Studies Centre. She has taught in a number of courses in the School of Humanities and Social Science including 'Society and Culture' SOCA1010, 'Constructions of Childhood, the Family and Society' SOCA1040 and 'The Sociology of Food' SOCA3350.
