Dr Katrina Sandbach is an Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University and currently leads innovation at Life Education Australia.

Over eighteen years as a design educator, researcher, and advocate for creativity in Western Sydney, she held roles including Deputy Dean of the School of Arts, Creative Director of Burrow Design Studio, and Director of Academic Program in Design.  

Katrina's research focuses on creative industries, place-keeping, and cultural development, with a particular emphasis on place-based creative ecosystems. Her work employs digital, participatory, and collaborative methodologies to explore how creative practitioners contribute to regional identity, economic development, and social innovation. Through her research, she translates complex insights into accessible formats that support community-led initiatives and policy development.

Katrina's research is driven by a commitment to participatory co-design and knowledge democracy. Her approach champions collaborative research methodologies that:

• Actively involve communities in shaping research priorities and outcomes
• Amplify marginalised voices, particularly in regional and culturally diverse creative contexts
• Recognise lived experience and cultural knowledge as essential forms of expertise
• Employ creative documentation techniques like visual storytelling and digital mapping
• Prioritise transformative research that builds community capabilities
• Embrace trauma-informed practices that prioritise psychological safety and cultural sensitivity

• Deputy Dean, School of Arts, Western Sydney University (2023-2025)
• Creative Director, Burrow Design Studio, Western Sydney University (2014-2023)
• Director of Academic Program, Design, Western Sydney University (2016-2019)
• Creative Curriculum Champion, 21C Project, Western Sydney University (2022)
• Co-lead, Places & Platforms Stream, Young and Resilient Research Centre, Western Sydney University (2019-2021)