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Mel Taylor

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Associate Professor, Macquarie University

PhD in Applied Psychology (1995). Chartered Psychologist (UK). Research background in Aviation Human Factors and Occupational Psychology.
Last 12 years working in risk perception, preparedness and protection, response, and risk communication - in the fields of natural disasters and emergencies, radiological/nuclear emergencies, human health emergencies (pandemics) and animal emergency diseases and zoonoses.
Currently working in the areas of flood risk communication (public and emergency services driving through floodwater and general flood risk communication) and
animal emergency management in disasters and emergencies (funded by Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC) - looking at animal owner behaviour, preparedness and response to bushfire/flood, and assisting emergency service agencies to improve their approaches to the management of animal owners and their animals/pets.
Previous research is in biosecurity and uptake of (animal vaccination) in horse owners - related to Hendra virus (mainly) and equine influenza. Also in the psychosocial impacts of emergency animal diseases and the control responses to these diseases, e.g. quarantine, stigma.

Experience

  • 2020–2020
    Associate professor, Macquarie University
  • 2015–2019
    Senior lecturer, Macquarie University
  • 2007–2015
    Senior research fellow, Western Sydney University

Education

  • 1995 
    Cranfield University, Applied Psychology
  • 1987 
    Durham University (UK), BSc (Hons) Psychology

Grants and Contracts

  • 2020
    Treatment and rehabilitation of fire-affected wildlife: unravelling antimicrobial use during 2019-2020 wildfires in preparedness for future events
    Role:
    Chief Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Morris Animal Foundation
  • 2017
    Flood Risk Communication
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC
  • 2017
    Enhancing Lifeguard Performance: A multidisciplinary Approach
    Role:
    Chief Investigator
    Funding Source:
    Australian Research Council
  • 2014
    Managing Animals in Disasters
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC
  • 2012
    Horse owners and Hendra virus: A Longitudinal study To Evaluate Risk *HHALTER)
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
  • 2012
    Assessing community resilience in Brisbane communities after the 2011 flood
    Role:
    Chief Investigator (E)
    Funding Source:
    Australian Research Council
  • 2011
    Social media in Disasters
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Emergency Media and Public Affairs
  • 2011
    Biosecurity practices of Australian Sheep producers
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Meat and Livestock Australia
  • 2010
    Addressing the challenges of Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) terrorism
    Role:
    Lead Researcher
    Funding Source:
    NSST Prime Minister and Cabinet

Professional Memberships

  • British Psychological Society

Research Areas

  • Mental Health (111714)
  • Veterinary Epidemiology (070704)
  • Public Policy (160510)
  • Organisational, Interpersonal And Intercultural Communication (200105)