Senior Research Fellow (Human Factors)
College of Business, Government and Law
Dr Sara Howard is a Senior Researcher and Organisational Psychologist with more than 15 years of applied research experience and five years of consulting experience. She also has experience as a Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Masters of Psychology program at the University of Adelaide.
Sara has an extensive background in quantitative research methods including the design of questionnaires, statistical analysis and reporting. She has managed a diverse range of research projects coordinating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including a randomised controlled trial about chronic disease self-management. Sara has strong expertise in workload and usability assessment and in facilitating technology adoption through application of socio-technical systems framework/human factors and ergonomics approach. Sara is also skilled in delivering psychological assessment and debriefs, workshops and training, 360-degree feedback reviews and engagement surveys.
Sara is experienced in and enjoys liaising with a range of stakeholders and industry representatives spanning private and not-for-profit businesses and government within education, defence, finance, health, agriculture and manufacturing settings. She is adept at working in multidisciplinary teams and developing shared understanding. Sara is passionate about helping people build more meaningful connections and work more effectively.
PhD, Psychology (University of Adelaide)
Masters in Psychology, Organisational and Human Factors (University of Adelaide)
Bachelor of Health Sciences, First Class Honours Psychology (University of Adelaide)
Bachelor of Health Sciences (University of Adelaide)
Diploma of Languages, French (University of Adelaide)
University Medal for Outstanding Academic Merit Throughout Undergraduate Studies
I work with a range of different enterprises to support their adoption of digital technologies. This is achieved by applying a socio-technical systems framework involving end user consultation and drawing on human factors, human behaviour and change management principles. I frequently undertake:
I work in a multidisciplinary team and both formally and informally mentor other staff about research methodologies, best practice approaches and how to navigate team dynamics and stakeholder engagement. I am Focus Area Lead for 'Optimising human and technology performance in small and medium-sized enterprises' in support of the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator Program as part of the Flinders Factory of the Future. I also supervise direct reports, placement students and PhD candidates. |
Masters of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors), University of Adelaide:
Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for Contemporary Organisational Psychology (Semester 2, 2024)
Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator for Professional Practice (Summer School, 2025)
Registered Organisational Psychologist
Psychology Board Approved Supervisor
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and College of Organisational Psychologists
Accredited in numerous psychological assessments.