Dr. Rachel J Freeman (She/Her)

Visiting Scholar at Global Center for Applied Health Research Arizona State University | Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University

Head of UNAM Cares: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Namibia
Senior Lecturer: Psychology & Social Work Department
School of Allied Health Sciences: Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
E-mail: rfreeman@unam.na

ASU Email: rfreem18@asu.edu

Short Bio: Dr Rachel J Freeman, is a Social Scientist with an undergraduate qualification in Social Work from the University of Namibia (UNAM). She holds a MA Degree (Cum Laude) in Social Behavioral Science in Sociology and a PhD in Sociology of Health from University of South Africa (UNISA). She is Head of UNAM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Community Engagement, Research, Innovation & Work Integrated Learning project - UNAM Cares, the Civic Mission of the University of Namibia (UNAM) based in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. She is a Senior Lecturer in Department of Psychology and Social Work and a passionate social work educator, researcher and practitioner, who finds pleasure transforming minds through education, research, innovation and community service, tasks she professionally undertake. She received the University of Namibia’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Meritorious Award (2016) in recognition for outstanding service and performance in the areas of teaching, research & community services. She is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University in Wales (2020-2023), received Erasmus+ Leadership Fellowship and Commonwealth Professional Fellowship at Cardiff University in Wales (2019 & 2022). She received an International Research Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Global Center for Applied Health Research (GCAHR) and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU, June-Dec 2023). Her research focus in social work & public health issues: Palliative Care, COVID-19, Hepatitis E, Alcohol and substance abuse; combating Gender-Based Violence; HIV and AIDS; aspects of community behavior and practices and promoting social justice and human rights. She has various peer-reviewed publications on translating theory and research into community engagement projects, policy transformation, organizational practices and processes that facilitate sustainable development.