Ms Dara Sampson
Senior Research Fellow
School of Medicine and Public Health
- Email:dara.sampson@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 40553209
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Dara Sampson has experience working in social work, leadership, and research for 30 years. She worked in direct practice for twelve years as a Senior Social Worker in Centrelink. Dara then moved into senior leaderships roles for eight years as a Business Manager in both Corporate and Business Integrity areas of Centrelink which developed her skills in managing organisational change, strategic planning, policy writing and evaluation. She was a lecturer in Social Work at the University of Newcastle and University of Sydney for over 10 years. She recently completed her PhD, the topic of which is the use of fiction in social work teaching. Dara currently works as Academic Research Manager in the College of Health, Medicine and Well-Being, University of Newcastle. She is the Deputy Director of Healthy Minds Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Social Work, University of Sydney
Keywords
- social work
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 440999 | Social work not elsewhere classified | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow | University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (2 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |
Sampson D, Howard A, Using Language, Fiction, and Story in Social Work Education, Taylor & Francis, London (2023) [A1]
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Nova | ||||||
| 2022 |
Howard A, Rawsthorne M, Joseph P, Terare M, Sampson D, Katrak-Harris M, SOCIAL WORK AND HUMAN SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES IN A TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE: Country, Community and Complexity (2022) This book provides an accessible, research-informed text for students, social workers and other social service workers and community development workers focused on practically lin... [more] This book provides an accessible, research-informed text for students, social workers and other social service workers and community development workers focused on practically linking climate change to social justice. The book is designed for: Those who want to embed an understanding of climate change and its social justice impacts in their everyday practice Those keen to explore the explicit but also often invisible ways we see injustice playing out and exacerbated by climate change Those interested in embarking on research and action which addresses climate change in an inclusive, creative and fair way Utilising existing and current research with organisations, government and communities, it examines key themes and contexts where work has been done and where more work is needed to design and implement inclusive and just action on climate change. With a core position revolving around the idea and practice of justice ¿ for earth and everything that lives here, it draws on First Nations worldviews, critical analysis, community-led approaches and complexity theory, to outline some practical ways to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change as well as a strategy to reshape our life and work for the longer term. It will be required reading for all scholars, students and professionals of social work, social welfare, community development, international development, community health and environmental and community education.
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Chapter (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 |
Kay-Lambkin F, Heinsch M, Sampson D, 'Potential pitfalls and lessons learned', Digital Therapeutics for Mental Health and Addiction: The State of the Science and Vision for the Future 177-189 (2022) Mental health and alcohol/other drug use problems dominate the top 10 causes of disease burden in young people globally and lead to a significant lifetime burden. Services respond... [more] Mental health and alcohol/other drug use problems dominate the top 10 causes of disease burden in young people globally and lead to a significant lifetime burden. Services responding to this burden are beyond the capacity of their financial and human resources. Digital therapeutics hold much potential in responding to this challenge, with rapid advancements occurring in the last decade. So, what have we learned? This chapter outlines the major lessons of the past decade of research and implementation of digital therapeutics in mental health and addiction settings. Increased funding and rapid expansion of different digital tools and strategies make these therapeutics immediately available to the community any time of the day or night. Yet, uptake and engagement are variable, no clear models exist for their integration into clinical care, and service users significantly underutilize digital therapeutics in their clinical practice. The challenges for the next decade are to build capacity and connectivity for digital therapeutics across clinical services, to access evidence-based, world-class care. This chapter provides some suggestions and strategies with which to achieve this.
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Journal article (7 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |
Sampson D, Heinsch M, Geddes J, Velleman R, Velleman G, Teesson M, et al., ''I no longer know that person': Experiences of families living with someone using crystal methamphetamine.', PloS one, 18 e0284156 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2022 |
Heinsch M, Cootes H, Wells H, Tickner C, Sampson D, Kay-Lambkin F, ' It s Hard, but We Could Kind of Laugh About It : Exploring the Role of Humor in Brain Cancer Caregiving', Qualitative Health Research, 32 744-754 (2022) [C1] Research exploring the benefits of humor for caregivers is limited and, to date, no qualitative studies have explored the role of humor in brain cancer caregiving. To address this... [more] Research exploring the benefits of humor for caregivers is limited and, to date, no qualitative studies have explored the role of humor in brain cancer caregiving. To address this gap, we analyzed transcripts from twenty-one in-depth telephone interviews conducted with brain cancer caregivers from a strengths perspective. Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke¿s method revealed that humor functions as (1) an innate element of the self and relationship, (2) an expression of mutual connection and understanding, (3) a way of managing difficult or awkward moments, (4) a form of avoidance or a welcome distraction, and may be (5) helpful, or unhelpful, depending on where someone is in the brain cancer trajectory. Findings suggest that humor represents an important yet complex individual and family strength for health service providers to identify and build upon.
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2022 |
Heinsch M, Wells H, Sampson D, Wootten A, Cupples M, Sutton C, Kay-Lambkin F, 'Protective factors for mental and psychological wellbeing in Australian adults: A review', Mental Health and Prevention, 25 (2022) [C1] There is a need to better understand protective factors for mental and psychological wellbeing beyond the absence of disease. The current review sought to synthesise empirical (qu... [more] There is a need to better understand protective factors for mental and psychological wellbeing beyond the absence of disease. The current review sought to synthesise empirical (qualitative and quantitative) evidence on this topic to inform the development of future mental health and wellbeing interventions for Australian adults. Systematic searches of health and behavioural science databases were conducted to identify studies on protective factors for mental and psychological wellbeing in Australian adults. A total of 38 studies were included based on the following criteria: studies conducted in Australia from 2009 to present; articles written in English; articles which reported on empirical research, articles that were peer-reviewed, and research where study participants were Australian adults (>18 years). Data extraction was conducted using Covidence, and design quality was assessed according to the Levels of Evidence hierarchy. There was consistent evidence that components of social capital, physical and other lifestyle factors, individual attributes and creative arts constitute protective factors for mental and psychological wellbeing in Australian adults. The high prevalence of cross-sectional and self-report studies suggests more randomised and longitudinal research is needed. Additional qualitative research would facilitate a more detailed understanding of participants¿ lived experiences and perspectives. Existing evidence indicates a significant, positive relationship between social capital, physical and other lifestyle factors, individual attributes and creative arts engagement, and mental and psychological wellbeing among particular groups of Australian adults. Implications are considered for the development of interventions that promote mental health and wellbeing across a wide range of Australian regions and populations.
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2020 |
Heinsch M, Agllias K, Sampson D, Howard A, Blakemore T, Cootes H, 'Peer connectedness during the transition to secondary school: a collaborative opportunity for education and social work', Australian Educational Researcher, 47 339-356 (2020) [C1] The Creating Meaningful Connections project is a longitudinal study that resulted from a partnership between social work academics at the University of Newcastle and educators at ... [more] The Creating Meaningful Connections project is a longitudinal study that resulted from a partnership between social work academics at the University of Newcastle and educators at a regional secondary school in NSW, Australia. It seeks to better understand the relationship between school connectedness and youth mental health. In stage 1, focus groups were conducted with 99 students 9¿months after their transition to secondary school. The shift to secondary school created a range of social and academic challenges for young people. It often resulted in limited¿or no¿contact with friends from primary school, requiring the negotiation of new friendships. While this process was relatively trouble-free for many students, others described it as risky and challenging. Positive peer relationships appeared to increase happiness, feelings of safety, offer support during difficult periods and facilitate secondary school adjustment. This paper offers a unique perspective by capturing student voice and commentary about the nature and importance of peer relationships during transition. It also highlights the potential for social work and education to work collaboratively to enhance peer relationships, mental health and school connectedness during transition.
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2020 |
Heinsch M, Sampson D, Huens V, Handley T, Hanstock T, Harris K, Kay-Lambkin F, 'Understanding ambivalence in help-seeking for suicidal people with comorbid depression and alcohol misuse.', PloS one, 15 e0231647 (2020) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2020 |
Heinsch M, Agllias K, Tickner C, Wells H, Cootes H, Sampson D, Kay-Lambkin F, ' Speaking with them, not about them : engaging undergraduate social work students in research with young people', Social Work Education, 39 111-125 (2020) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
| 2019 |
Heinsch M, Geddes J, Sampson D, Brosnan C, Hunt S, Wells H, Kay-Lambkin F, 'Disclosure of suicidal thoughts during an e-mental health intervention: relational ethics meets actor-network theory', ETHICS & BEHAVIOR, 31 151-170 (2019) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
| Show 4 more journal articles | |||||||||||
Conference (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 |
Blakemore TJ, hART D, Heinsch L, Howard A, Sampson D, 'Reflections on Praxis: Contemplating Experience Based Learning Models in Contemporary Contexts.', University of Auckland Epsom Campus, Auckland, New Zealand, (2017)
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Preprint (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Sampson D, Heinsch M, Geddes J, Velleman R, Velleman G, Teesson M, et al., ' I no longer know that person : Grief and loss in families living with someone using crystal methamphetamine (2020)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 9 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $821,755 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $40,000
DAP+ Mental Health$40,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Ms Dara Sampson, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Doctor Jane Rich, Dr Louise Thornton |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | G2301411 |
| Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
| Category | 3300 |
| UON | Y |
20223 grants / $114,640
Expanding access to addiction medicine specialist care in non-metropolitan regions of New South Wales: The HUB project evaluation$51,640
Funding body: St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Ltd
| Funding body | St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Ltd |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Ms Dara Sampson |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | G2200442 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
Words and Images: a mixed method study$41,000
Funding body: Hunter New England Local Health District
| Funding body | Hunter New England Local Health District |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Ms Dara Sampson, Ms HANNAH Cootes, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Doctor Campbell Tickner, Miss Hannah Wells |
| Scheme | Everymind Research Project |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | G2200308 |
| Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
| Category | 2300 |
| UON | Y |
Promoting and Sustaining MHF Brain Cancer Care Coordination$22,000
Funding body: Mark Hughes Foundation
| Funding body | Mark Hughes Foundation |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Ms HANNAH Cootes, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Ms Dara Sampson, Miss Hannah Wells, Doctor Campbell Tickner, Miss Bronte Speirs, Mrs Jessica Wilson, Miss Caitlin Bray |
| Scheme | Research Funding |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | G2200731 |
| Type Of Funding | Scheme excluded from IGS |
| Category | EXCL |
| UON | Y |
20211 grants / $27,000
Evaluation of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Family and Friends Support Program: A pilot study to assess acceptability and effectiveness in 50 families$27,000
Funding body: Alcohol and Drug Foundation Incorporated
| Funding body | Alcohol and Drug Foundation Incorporated |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Catherine Chapman, Dr Stephanie Kershaw, Ms Dara Sampson |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2021 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | G2101126 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
20203 grants / $588,848
Cracks in the Ice - 4-EK8S7TK$229,777
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
| Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Ms Dara Sampson, Ms Jenny Geddes, Miss Hannah Wells, Miss Lauren Rogers |
| Scheme | Drug and Alcohol Program - Alcohol and Other Drug Research Grant Opportunity |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | G2000962 |
| Type Of Funding | C2100 - Aust Commonwealth – Own Purpose |
| Category | 2100 |
| UON | Y |
COVID-19 - AOD - 4-EM735DV$203,616
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
| Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Ms Dara Sampson, Ms Jenny Geddes, Mr Luke Tomlins, Ms HANNAH Cootes |
| Scheme | Drug and Alcohol Program - Alcohol and Other Drug Research Grant Opportunity |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | G2000963 |
| Type Of Funding | C2100 - Aust Commonwealth – Own Purpose |
| Category | 2100 |
| UON | Y |
Supporting families with a loved one diagnosed with Brain Cancer$155,455
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Ms Jenny Geddes, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Ms Dara Sampson, Professor Maree Teesson |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | G1901579 |
| Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
| Category | 3300 |
| UON | Y |
20181 grants / $51,267
Building Healthy Habits for Healthy Minds – Evaluating the impact of the Smiling Mind app in adult Australians$51,267
Funding body: nib Foundation
| Funding body | nib Foundation |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Ms Dara Sampson, Dr Matt Sunderland, Dr Mark Larsen |
| Scheme | Research Funding |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | G1801120 |
| Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
| Category | 3100 |
| UON | Y |
Ms Dara Sampson
Position
Senior Research Fellow
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
| dara.sampson@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | (02) 40553209 |