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BA (Hons), MEd, PhD
Senior Lecturer, Postgraduate Coordinator (Master’s and PhD students)

Teaches PUBH724 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods

Contact details

Tel +64 3 479 9161
Email emma.osborne@otago.ac.nz

Research interests and activities

Emma is a social scientist with interests in qualitative research methods, education, active travel and climate change.

Her current research focuses on ways of making biking a fun, inclusive and convenient way of getting around in order to support low-carbon travel and increasing physical activity. Emma’s research projects include the HIKO e-bike pilot: a marae-led long-term e-bike loan programme in Wainuiomata, and ‘Why Bike?’ a qualitative study of families’ experiences and decision-making around cycling as a way of getting to high school.

She completed her PhD with the University of Otago, investigating health professional students’ experiences of studying topics that had parallels with their own lives.

Emma also teaches qualitative research methods and is the postgraduate coordinator for Master’s and PhD students in the Department of Public Health.

Emma is available to supervise Master’s and PhD students who are interested in using qualitative research methods, critical theoretical approaches, active transport or health professional education.

Publications

Osborne, E., Miller, A., Randal, E., & Shaw, C. (2026). Rapidly reducing oil reliance: Quick wins in active transport. The Briefing, (2 April). Retrieved from https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/rapidly-reducing-oil-reliance-quick-wins-active-transport Journal - Research Other

Osborne, E., Anderson, V., & Robson, B. (2026). Learning about personally relevant topics in health professional education. Higher Education Research & Development, 45(2), 403-417. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2026.2617279 Journal - Research Article

Osborne, E., Davies, C., & Shaw, C. (2026). Health benefits of the HIKO e-bike programme: A qualitative study. New Zealand Medical Journal/Te ara tika o te hauora hapori, 139(1630), 13-21. doi: 10.26635/6965.7008 Journal - Research Article

Osborne, E., Davies, C., & Shaw, C. (2026). Fun, confidence and better health: Inside a year on an e-bike. The Briefing, (27 February). Retrieved from https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/fun-confidence-and-better-health-inside-year-e-bike Journal - Research Other

Osborne, E., Davies, C., Raerino, K., & Shaw, C. (2025). “It's good for the community to see real people like them on the bike”: Exploring e-bike support in Aotearoa New Zealand. Journal of Transport & Health, 43, 102061. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2025.102061 Journal - Research Article

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