Samuel Teague

I am a health sociologist with expertise in applied social care, relational wellbeing, and the social and cultural dimensions of mental health in contemporary life. As Associate Dean of Engagement in Murdoch University’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS), my service work focuses on the long-term sustainability of our course offerings, developed through partnerships and diversification of our curriculum. I’m also the Academic Chair of Sociology, where I oversee and teach units addressing contemporary lifestyles, the history of mental illness, the body, surveillance, and power.

My research examines how mental health is shaped by social, cultural, and relational forces; particularly the everyday environments, interactions, and structures that support or undermine wellbeing. This includes ongoing work on the cultural narratives of mental illness, relational forms of care, and emerging challenges in digital and datafied life.

Beyond the university, I’m engaged in collaborative industry and community partnerships. I've collaborated with faculty and industry stakeholders in Australia's care sector to design, review, and update Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum for undergraduate and postgraduate students. I contribute to PLACE’s Workforce Impact Network, which is currently building Australia’s first National Workforce Strategy for Place-Based Work. I also work with Richmind (formerly Richmond Wellbeing) and Third Story on design of a Youth Mental Health Creative Intervention, providing sociological expertise to strengthen its evidence base and real-world impact.