Meet Dr Kaara Ray Calma: Championing safer, stronger community care
We’re kicking off our first Researcher Profile of the year by spotlighting the dedicated and insightful Dr Kaara Ray Calma. Kaara is a registered nurse, lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and a member of Griffith’s Disrupting Violence Beacon.
We asked her about what motivates and inspires her research, and got a sneak peek into her current research projects.
What path led you to becoming a researcher?
My pathway into research began in clinical nursing and primary health care practice, where I repeatedly witnessed the complex impact of chronic disease and the importance of continuity of care. My passion for community-based nursing grew, so I pursued an honours and PhD in this topic area. Later in my career I became increasingly passionate about exploring how primary care clinicians experience supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence. I realised that improving outcomes requires more than awareness: it requires structured, evidence‑informed systems‑change, not achieved alone. And so, I continue to work with experts around Australia and the world to build safer, more coordinated models of care in the community.
Can you tell us a bit about the projects you are currently working on?
I am currently leading a multi-agency, community-based project focused on strengthening primary health care responses to intimate partner violence. This is all in the pipeline so I cannot share much, but I can share that alongside this project, I continue to publish evidence synthesis work examining how intimate partner violence is recognised and managed in primary care. Collectively, this research aims to translate evidence into practical, scalable models that improve safety and health outcomes.
‘Much of my work is inspired by the recognition that intimate partner violence is both a health issue and a systems issue, requiring coordinated, evidence-based responses.’
What motivates or inspires your research?
My research is driven by a commitment to health equity and the belief that geographic location should not determine access to safe, high-quality care. Much of my work is inspired by the recognition that intimate partner violence is both a health issue and a systems issue, requiring coordinated, evidence-based responses. I am particularly passionate about building tools and pathways that make safe practice more achievable for frontline clinicians. Teaching nursing students also continually reinforces the responsibility we have to prepare the future workforce to respond competently and compassionately. Ultimately, my work is grounded in the pursuit of practical change that improves safety, dignity and long-term wellbeing.
‘Build collaborative relationships early, particularly with community and practice partners, as meaningful research is rarely done in isolation.’
Do you have any advice for researchers just starting out?
Begin with a research question that genuinely matters to you, as sustained motivation is essential for a long-term academic career. Seek mentors who not only guide your scholarship but also support your professional development and wellbeing. Build collaborative relationships early, particularly with community and practice partners, as meaningful research is rarely done in isolation. Finally, do not wait until you feel completely ready to apply for grants or submit manuscripts—growth happens through the process. View setbacks as part of scholarly refinement rather than personal failure.
Most importantly, stay connected to the real-world impact of your work, as purpose will sustain you through the inevitable challenges of research.
Griffith is proud to produce world-class research contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Are you thinking of pursuing a research degree?
If you would like to find out more, check out the research study web page.
