I'm a Distinguished Professor (Cognitive Psychology) in the School of Education at La Trobe University (Bendigo campus). As a registered psychologist who qualified originally in speech-language pathology, both disciplines strongly inform my research, as do my seven years working in public health research and teaching, and seven years as coordinator of a postgraduate program for primary and secondary teachers, concerning high prevalence mental health problems.
My research passion is communication competence - primarily as this pertains to vulnerability in early life. I am also interested in promoting evidence-based practice and in supporting practitioners in all disciplines to spot and avoid pseudoscience in their work.
Much of my current research focus is on the early language-to-literacy transition and ways in which this is best supported in early years classrooms. I am also actively involved in youth justice and leaving care projects.
Views expressed are my own. I welcome comments and the opportunity to be shaped by the views of others. I moderate posts on the basis of respectful tone (or lack there-of!).
You can also find me
X | La Trobe University | LinkedIn | BlueSky | The Conversation
