Dr Rachael Sharman never set out to be an academic – in fact, she considers herself an "accidental academic."
Little did she know, way back when she was working on her Honours project, which explored brain development in children with a rare genetic disorder, it would spark a career-defining journey.
A lifelong fascination with the brain’s complexity
For Rachael, the human brain is awe-inspiring.
"I’ve always been captivated by its potential to do both good and evil," she reflects.
Early experiences in child protection work may have fuelled this fascination with the brain’s malleability.
Rachael is particularly intrigued by how early experiences shape a child’s brain, a passion that has informed much of her research and teaching.
Research with global reach and personal reward
One of her most notable research achievements began with her Honours and PhD studies, where she pioneered a new approach to monitoring blood biochemistry in children with genetic disorders.
This work has led to global changes in assessing and treating these vulnerable children, preventing unnecessary brain damage and improving lives worldwide.
But beyond this landmark study, there are moments of personal connection that drive Rachael’s work.
A particularly proud memory involves a former student who, using tools learned in Rachael’s class, quit smoking and remained smoke-free for years. "I may have saved her life," she says.
Shaping the next generation at UniSC
Rachael brings this same commitment to her role as an educator, where she thrives on discovering students who share a deep-seated curiosity.
“Nothing is better than stumbling across that rare individual who isn’t invested in what the answer is—they’re just intrigued by the problem that needs solving!”
At UniSC, Rachael makes education both personal and transformative, creating unorthodox assessments for her students.
One example includes asking her students to undertake a behavioural analysis of their own unwanted behaviours, and proposing a treatment to resolve this.
Balancing family, research, and a changing world
As a parent of five, Rachael has firsthand experience with the evolving landscape of childhood and adolescent development.
This personal insight has greatly influenced her research focus on topics like screen time, social media, and their impacts on young minds.
A sought-after expert in her field, Rachael regularly contributes to media commentary on these topics.
Her insights help bridge the gap between complex research and practical understanding, providing the public with valuable knowledge on issues that impact daily life and society at large.
She currently supervises a PhD project examining these influences on adolescents diagnosed with ASD/ADHD, while also working with the Dolphins NRL on the effects of early elite athletic success on developing athletes.
Looking to the future
The rapid evolution of culture and technology continues to inspire Rachel’s research. With current projects on adolescent sexual development, screen time impacts, and sports psychology, she remains committed to uncovering insights that can guide positive change.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au