I am a sociologist and qualitative researcher with research interests as diverse as health promotion, human interactions (patient-clinician-researcher co-design), close relationships, ageing/ageism, sexual health and wellbeing, technology, and social connection/isolation, amongst others.
I am a Senior Research Fellow and Project Manager for the NHMRC-funded MyBRISK (My Breast Cancer Risk) Centre of Research Excellence and Senior Researcher and Deputy Unit Head of Twins Research Australia (TRA).
As a researcher with previous managerial and professional experience, I am uniquely suited to oversee the day to day operation of these important entities. MyBRISK combines a holistic and precision public health approach to breast cancer control. It uses artificial intelligence applied to digital mammograms, genomics and personal and family data to stratify women across vastly different levels of breast cancer risk. It aims to enable more effective breast cancer screening by having it tailored to a woman's individual risk.
My previous research in close relationships and also in ageing contributes to the future expanding scope of TRA, to ensure our research is applicable across the lifespan. TRA brings twins, multiples and researchers together for vital health research that benefits everyone. Twins and HOMs are special to research as they help us to tease apart the effects of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) on our health - which then allows governments and organisations to develop policies and programs of benefit to the health of the population as a whole. Our research impact has led to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a wide range of health conditions. We also support twins and their families to live happy and healthy lives with comprehensive evidence-based educational resources.
I am also a Senior Research Fellow with the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, where I continue to research issues as diverse as retirement village decision-making and factors affecting consumer choices, and with the Sexual Health Unit where I continue to investigate sexual health and wellbeing across the lifespan.