Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Honorary Research Fellow National Ageing Research Institute and Swinburne University, The University of Melbourne
I have a PhD in Social Research (Sociology), a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, Community & Industry) and an undergraduate degree in Social Science (Psychology), majoring in Psychology and Sociology, all undertaken at Swinburne. I currently work as a Senior Researcher/Project Manager within the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne. My research covers a diverse range of health and wellbeing topics including breast cancer (the new Centre of Research Excellence in Breast Cancer and Risk Determination); supporting twins and their families (Twins Research Australia Centre of Excellence), dementia and carers, and the Sexual Health and Ageing, Perspectives and Education (SHAPE) project. I have previously worked in community development projects addressing ageing, social connectedness and isolation. I also hold Honorary positions at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) and Swinburne University.
My PhD studies were focused on older adults and connection of a different kind – love, sex and intimacy in new late life romantic relationships, online and offline. I am passionate about the well-being of older people and I am particularly interested in dispelling the myths of older adults as non-physical, non-sexual beings.
I am a member of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG: http://www.aag.asn.au/) and the Sexual Health Society of Victoria (http://shsov.weebly.com/)
I have presented at many conferences, seminars and community forums both nationally and internationally and have appeared on radio and television talking about late life sexuality as well as online dating.
Experience
2013–present
Adjunct Research Fellow, Swinburne Institute of Social Research
2022–present
Senior Research Fellow/Project Manager, University of Melbourne
2018–present
Honorary Research Fellow, National Ageing Research Institute
2016–2022
Research Fellow/Project Manager, University of Melbourne
2012–2018
Research Fellow/Stream Leader, National Ageing Research Institute
Education
2013
Swinburne University, PhD
2005
Swinburne University, BA (Hons)
2004
Swinburne University, BSocSci (Psychology)
Publications
2012
The initiation and progression of late-life romantic relationships , Journal of Sociology [OnlineFirst]
2012
Using online methods to interview older adults about their romantic and sexual relationships, Researching Later Life and Ageing - Expanding Qualitative Research Horizons
2010
Preface to the special edition: Ageing and technology, International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society
2007
Love actually! Older adults and their romantic internet relationships, Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society
Grants and Contracts
2006
Australian Postgraduate Award
Role:
PhD research project
Funding Source:
Commonwealth Government
Professional Memberships
Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG)
Sexual Health Society of Victoria
Research Areas
Sociological Methodology And Research Methods (160807)