Associate ProfessorKirk Reed

Kirk Reed is an Associate Professor and Discipline Lead in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the School of Health and Social Development. An occupational therapist with more than 30 years of experience across mental health practice, higher education, research and academic leadership, he has worked in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Before joining Deakin University in 2020, he spent almost two decades at Auckland University of Technology, including ten years as Head of the Department of Occupational Science and Therapy.
As an educator and academic leader, Kirk is committed to advancing contemporary, occupation-focused occupational therapy education and preparing graduates to respond confidently to changing health, social and community needs. At Deakin, he has contributed to the development and expansion of occupational therapy education, including extending the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy to the Warrnambool campus to support regional education and workforce needs and the intoructionof the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice.

Kirk's scholarship is grounded in occupational science and occupational therapy, with particular interests in the meaning of occupation, mental health, employment and vocational participation, primary health care, and occupational justice. His research has examined how occupation contributes to health and identity and how social and structural conditions influence opportunities for participation, particularly for people experiencing mental health challenges and long-term health conditions.

Across his teaching, research and leadership, Kirk brings together occupational perspectives, collaborative practice and a strong commitment to socially responsive education and research. His work seeks to strengthen occupational therapy education and practice while contributing to more inclusive opportunities for people and communities to engage in meaningful occupations.