About
Interdisciplinary scientist and writer
I write and research at the intersection of disciplines, including evolutionary ecology, psychology, behaviour, and health. With a background spanning psychology, biological anthropology, and a PhD in evolutionary ecology, my work explores how science, systems, and human experience interact—bridging complex research with real-world relevance. I’ve worked at the University of Oxford, led interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributed to research on health, behaviour, and transgenerational effects.
I also apply this knowledge to writing, with my fortnightly newsletter that cuts through misinformation to offer evidence-based insights on health, psychology, and self-improvement—without the usual self-help fluff, to help you feel empowered and more resilient. If you're looking for evidence-based, honest, and hopeful information that acknowledges life’s big personal challenges such as chronic illness, trauma, and the realities of the world today, sign up Here
Blog
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Publications
Top peer reviewed papers
- All
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
The transgenerational effects of obesogenic diets
Obesity Research & Clinical Practice 13 (3), 280
Obesity
Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Sciences
Intrasexual Violence and Aggression
Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science
For a full list of publications, please visit my Google Scholar
Advocacy & media
I write and research at the intersection of health, psychology, and systemic issues, bringing evidence-based insights to public conversations. My advocacy focuses on science funding, access to education, workplace accommodations, and fair wages for PhD students—particularly for underrepresented groups, including women, non-binary and gender-diverse people, and those with chronic illness or disability. I also work to improve public understanding of chronic illness, mental health, and the impact of misinformation in science and policy.
Featured media coverage
The reality of a PhD
I spoke with Caitlin Cassidy from The Guardian about the reality of PhD students in Australia being paid well below minimum wage. As part of a group lobbying Monash University, we pushed for an increase in the PhD stipend from $30,000 to $37,000. While Monash eventually raised it to $33,000, it remains below minimum wage after tax.
Monash University Media
After sharing an open and honest blog post about my experience completing a PhD while managing a dynamic disability, I spoke with Monash’s Silvia Dropulich about it.
Women In Ecology & Evolution podcast
Hear me on the Women In Ecology & Evolution podcast (W.E.E podcast) talking about my career before academia, my pathway into science, as well as burnout and working during a pandemic
Advocacy
Chronic Illness
As someone living with chronic illness, I advocate for greater understanding and workplace accommodations for those with chronic illness and disability. I’ve recently partnered with Bridges and Pathways Australia, an organisation dedicated to improving research and services for Australians affected by ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and related nervous system dysfunction disorders. Learn more about my personal experience working with chronic illness on my blog post
Women pursuing education
Since winning a special award in 2018, I have been actively involved with the Graduate Women Victoria (GWV) committee. Since 1920, GWV has supported the careers of Victorian postgraduate and undergraduate students through annual scholarships and bursaries. It’s a fantastic community of committee members, GWV members, scholarship assessors, and donors, all working together to help women and non-binary people experiencing disadvantage pursue higher education.
For more information, to join GWV, or to apply for a scholarship, visit
Graduate Women
Victoria
Contact
If you would like to contact me about project collaboration, writing, or to have me speak at your event please email me at:
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