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)