I am a public health researcher and educator in the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney. I’m also a founder and partner of Thrive Academia—a side hustle that aims to help graduate research students and early career researchers to thrive.

I have two areas of research interest. The first is in environmental psychology, which includes the intersection between urban environments and human and planetary health, and psychosocial impacts from environmental change. My second area of research is health psychology and health services use including health care behaviours and decision-making, and communication in health care, with a special interest in complementary and integrative medicine. My program of research draws on psychological theory and complex systems thinking to explore the intersection of these topic areas to promote health and wellbeing.

I live in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains (Australia) with my partner Martin and dog Winnie. I am a music lover who collects vinyl and has a passion for live music. I also love vintage style and design (especially 1920s to 1960s), sewing, reading, and spending time in nature.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Charles Sturt University
• Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours), Charles Sturt University
• Bachelor of Health Science, University of New England
• Diploma of Botanical Medicine, Australasian College of Natural Therapies
• Certificate in Graphic Design, Randwick TAFE
• Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Nepean TAFE

Professional Memberships

• Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
• Planetary Health Alliance (PHA)
• Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA)
• Healthy Urban Environments Clinical Academic Group, Maridulu Budyari Gumal (SPHERE)