Career highlights

• Worked as a clinical forensic psychologist at the Cleveland Municipal Court Psychiatric Clinic, USA
• Completed a PhD at the University of Melbourne - investigated the impact of traumatic brain injury on aggressive and violent behaviours
• In 2009, authored a comprehensive review of cybersafety risks for the Commonwealth Government, which informed its cybersafety plan
• Member of several national and international boards: the National Coalition of Children's Resilience and Mental Health; the Australian University Cyberbullying Research Alliance; and the International Observatory on Violence and Schools

• Associate Director at the Sellenger Centre for Research in Law, Justice and Social Change at Edith Cowan University.

Question and answer

Why is the issue of bullying of particular interest to you?

Bullying is of particular interest to me because of the significant and long-term impacts it has on health and wellbeing. The relationship between technology and bullying continues to evolve over time and I am particularly drawn to how technology has become so integrated into this issue.

Where do you believe you have made a difference in your field?

I have made a difference through my public lectures and communication with professionals, parents and students about the reality, and links between, bullying and technology. Also by increasing awareness and education about cybersafety and the risks of cyberbullying, and pushing for more solid research around these topics.

How has your area of expertise helped you to contribute to NCAB over the years?

After conducting a cyber-safety risks review in 2009 for the Commonwealth Government, I developed a solid grounding in understanding technology and the implications for safety, health and wellbeing. It has increased my ability to educate my fellow board members not only about how students become victims of cyberbullying, but also about the broader issue of digital technology, and the ways students can be exposed to a variety of harmful risks.