Rachel Haselden

Research Project Manager (Medicine)
BA (Canterbury) MA(Hons) (Auckland) GradDipCouns (La Trobe)

Email rachel.haselden@otago.ac.nz

Background

Kia ora koutou,
I'm a passionate and curious qualitative researcher with a strong commitment to health equity and a deep interest in how people make sense of their lives within broader social and structural contexts. My work explores the social and psychological dimensions of health, identity, and lived experience, often through in-depth interviews that give voice to individual's stories and perspectives.

Currently I work as the National Coordinator of the IMPEDE-PKD trial, a clinical study investigating whether metformin, a medication commonly used for diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, can help protect kidney function in people with polycystic kidney disease. I'm fortunate to collaborate with a talented and multi-disciplinary team to deliver meaningful, evidence-based outcomes. Previously, I supported a co-design research project (Hua Tahi Flourishing Together) focused on housing experiences for people with disabilities, helping to shape more inclusive, participant-led research that informs both policy and practice.

My academic background includes a Bachelors in Psychology and Gender Studies, a Masters in Sociology, where I explored health narratives around endometriosis, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. This diverse training underpins my people-centred approach to research, engagement, and care.

Across a variety of roles and sectors, I've consistently found myself returning to research. I'm drawn to its abiliy to centre underrepresented voices in Aotearoa and contribute to positive, lasting change. Outside of my mahi, I love playing volleyball, developing my archery skills, exploring new places, and getting lost in a good book, film, or piece of art. Ngā mihi.

Projects

• IMPEDE-PKD Trial
• Hua Tahi Flourishing Together