Dr Catherine Keniry is a senior academic researcher and research leader at Charles Sturt University’s School of Rural Medicine, with extensive experience across molecular genetics, healthcare innovation, and rural health research. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Genetics) with First Class Honours from the University of Sydney and a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology from the University of Cambridge, where she was supported by a Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholarship.

Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Dr Keniry returned to Australia and commenced her career in the healthcare sector, specialising in genetic testing and molecular diagnostics. Over more than 15 years, she held senior leadership roles within global healthcare organisations, including Roche Diagnostics and Sonic Healthcare, where she contributed to the implementation and expansion of molecular diagnostic services across infectious disease and clinical genetics.

In 2017, Dr Keniry relocated to Orange, NSW, and has since developed a strong professional and personal commitment to improving health outcomes for people living in rural and remote communities. She joined the Charles Sturt University School of Rural Medicine in 2022 and is currently Associate Head of School, Research, Evaluation and Graduate Studies. In this role, she provides strategic leadership to the School’s research and evaluation portfolio, supporting high‑quality, impactful research aligned with regional and community health priorities.

Dr Keniry plays a key role in teaching and research training within the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Charles Sturt University. She provides leadership for the MD student research program, supporting medical students to design, conduct, and disseminate research that addresses real‑world issues in rural and remote health contexts.

She supervises MD research projects, higher degree by research students, and medical registrars, with a focus on building research capability among emerging clinicians. Dr Keniry is committed to fostering a supportive research culture that values ethical practice, community engagement, and translation of evidence into practice.

Dr Keniry’s research interests are focused on improving health equity, service delivery, and health outcomes for rural and remote populations. Her areas of interest include:

• Rural and remote health systems and workforce
• Mental health and wellbeing in rural communities
• Alcohol and other drug use
• Chronic disease prevention and management, including diabetes and obesity
• Health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ people in rural settings
• Indigenous health research, with a strong emphasis on culturally safe and community‑led approaches

A central feature of her work is supporting rural and remote clinicians and communities to undertake research that responds to locally identified needs and contributes to sustainable improvements in health care delivery.