I'm an early career researcher currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy at the Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing at the University of Melbourne.
My doctoral project focuses on suicidal distress and disclosure in workplaces. Alongside my supervisory and-co-authoring team, I have successfully led two projects, resulting in scientific publications, including a systematic literature review and an empirical qualitative study. My final PhD project is underway involving a Delphi expert consensus study to develop best practice guidelines to support employees experiencing suicidal distress in workplaces.
Professional background
My working life started with working as an educator, teaching young children, mostly in English as a second language and special needs education. Next, I went on to proudly serve for six years in the Australian Army as an Education Officer. For the first three years, I was a senior instructor, delivering promotional training courses to non-commissioned officers. In the last three years, I was promoted to Acting Captain, leading a team of civilian and military personnel who delivered the training.
In 2015, I embarked on a new career journey that integrated my personal experiences and aspects of my identity, becoming a lived experience practitioner. I have since worked in public health, research, strategy, policy, advocacy, and lived experience leadership, primarily focusing on suicide prevention and mental health. It was during this time that I began my PhD. I enjoy collaborating on a variety of projects that align with my interests, identity, experiences, and expertise, working as a consultant, policy advisor, keynote speaker, and occasional facilitator.
After leaving the Defence Force, I held state and national level leadership roles in occupational health and safety and human resource management at two large corporations. Following this, I worked as a freelance consultant in occupational health and safety. During these years, I also worked as photojournalist, unpaid, but allowing me to combine a love of live music, photography, and writing.
If my research interests you, I'd love the chance to connect!