About

I have been a registered psychologist and member of the Australian psychological Society for more than 20 years. My research activities are largely focused in the human psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology area or in other words the interactions between human behaviour, brain, hormones and immune system. In particular, I am interested in investigating the effect of commercially available alcohol on the inter-relationship between steroid hormones, energy metabolism and immune function in healthy young adults. Other projects that I have been involved in include: determining the efficacy of nutritional therapy in prevention of migraine; identifying the psycho-social predictors of drug and alcohol consumption in young adults; assessing the effect of restricted feeding on cortisol rhythmicity in humans; developing community-based psychosocial support for cancer survivors; and investigating the contribution of psychological factors to diet and physical activity in young adults. 

Teaching
  • MD1010: Introduction to Integrated Medical Studies Part 1 of 2 (Level 1; CNS & TSV)
  • MD1020: Introduction to Integrated Medical Studies Part 2 of 2 (Level 1; TSV)
  • MD2011: Integrated Human System Pathophysiology Part 1 of 2 (Level 2; TSV)
  • MD2012: Integrated Human System Pathophysiology Part 2 of 2 (Level 2; TSV)
  • MD3011: Introduction to Clinical Healthcare Part 1 of 2 (Level 3; TSV)
  • MD3012: Introduction to Clinical Healthcare Part 2 of 2 (Level 3; TSV)
  • MD4011: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 1 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD4012: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 2 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD4013: Integrated Pathology and Clinical Medicine Part 3 of 3 (Level 4; TSV)
  • MD5010: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 1 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD5020: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 2 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD5030: Integrated Clinical Practice Part 3 of 3 (Level 5; TSV)
  • MD6010: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 1 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
  • MD6020: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 2 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
  • MD6030: Advanced Clinical Medicine Part 3 of 3 (Level 6; TSV)
Interests
Research
  • Complex feedback loop between energy intake and metabolism, immune response and activity of steroid hormones in humans. Biochemical markers of substance abuse in humans. Psycho-social determinants of substance abuse in young adults. Psycho-social determinants of diet and physical activity in young adults. Contribution of dietary factors to the development of disease. Effect of social media on mood and well-being. Psycho-social determinants of problem gambling. Community-based psychosocial support for cancer survivors. Relationships and the workplace.
Experience
  • 2013 to 2017 - Senior Lecturer, University of New England (Armidale, NSW)
  • 2006 to 2013 - Lecturer, La Trobe University (Bendigo, VIC)
  • 2004 to 2006 - Lecturer, University of Newcastle (Callaghan, NSW)
Research Disciplines
Socio-Economic Objectives
Publications

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Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Other research outputs

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Email
Phone
Location
  • 39.030, Medical 1 (Townsville campus)
Advisory Accreditation
Secondary Advisor
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