Mental healh harm Prevention
Faculty of Health
MhhPresearch@canberra.edu.au
Research Project Officer - Alex McKenzie
alex.mckenzie@canberra.edu.au
Our team at MhhP prioritises a multi-disciplinary approach, with our foundation in psychological science. We have expertise in counselling, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, and sport and exercise science.
Working through strong collaborations, MhhP is committed to uncovering new insights to promote mental health and wellbeing and intervene early to prevent mental health harm. Meet the team driving us towards a mentally healthier future.
Chloe Bosworth (HDR)
Psychology
Young people and borderline personality disorder, early-intervention treatment, parental involvement in therapy for young people, DBT-A
Natasha Jojo
Nursing
Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through program development and evaluation involving children, parents, teachers, and caregivers. Also engages in research spanning forensic mental health and higher education, particularly enhancing the international student experience.
Dr Dean Buckmaster
Psychology
Youth mental health, early intervention, implementing and adapting evidence-based practice, health service innovation and leadership
Dr Dimity Crisp
Psychology
Community mental health and wellbeing, youth mental health, help-seeking and social support, program evaluation
Sonia Curll
Psychology
Nature connectedness, climate change psychology, community mental health and wellbeing, crisis support
Anton Fichtenmaier (HDR)
Psychology
Understanding substance use and broader risk-taking behaviour, men’s mental health, help-seeking behaviour and motivation, adolescent mental health and counselling, and career development
Assoc Prof Amanda George
Psychology
Risk-taking behaviours among young adults, alcohol use, personality, social anxiety
Teaghan Hogg (HDR)
Psychology
Effects of global environmental problems on individual wellbeing, eco-anxiety, mental health, pro-environmental behaviour
Phoebe Joshua (HDR)
Psychology
Enhancing eating disorder treatments via schema therapy, targeting early maladaptive schemas, temperament, upbringing impact. Emphasis on early intervention for youth
Megan Thorn (HDR)
Health Sciences
Better understanding how Canberra Health Services (CHS) identifies, implements, and evaluates local wellbeing initiatives to address workplace needs.
Professor Lynne Keevers
Psychology
Climate change, disasters and community well-being and recovery, youth homelessness and mental health, child sexual abuse & trauma, Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing and injustice in the health and mental health systems
Karen Oakley
Educational Psychology
Building the knowledge and capacity of educators and professionals to effectively support students with neurodevelopmental disorders, diverse cognitive profiles, trauma histories, and challenging behaviours, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Emeritus Professor Anita Mak
Psychology
Stress and coping, youth and migrant mental health, cultural diversity, intercultural skills training
Dr Kelly Mazzer
Psychology
Youth mental health, mental health services, crisis support, outcome measurement; help-seeking, technology use, influence of community sports coaches and teachers for young people’s mental health
Beau Mostyn Sullivan (HDR)
Psychology
Problematic behaviours (particularly smartphone use) among young adults, motivation, mental health, impulsivity
Alex McKenzie (HDR)
Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science
Adolescent and youth mental health/wellbeing through sport, mental health in community sport, mental health interventions for equity-deserving communities
Annaleise Naylor (HDR)
Psychology
Physical activity, physical literacy, mental health and wellbeing
Dr Caroline Ng
Psychology
Cultural diversity, intergroup relations, cultural identities and wellbeing, CALD youth identity and AOD use
Dr Léan O’Brien
Psychology
Environmental psychology, Pro-environmental behaviour, Utopian thinking, Social identity, Mental health and wellbeing
Dr Claire Pearce
Occupational Therapy
Role of primary healthcare in early intervention and prevention; impact of stigma on mental health
Distinguished Professor Debra Rickwood
Psychology
Youth mental health, help-seeking behaviour, mental health service use and experience, program evaluation, outcome measurement, integrated youth services
Dr Rana Tayara
Counselling
Childhood trauma, war trauma and resilience, social anxiety, strengths and challenges of neurodivergent counsellors
Dr Clare Watsford
Psychology
Child and adolescent mental health; Young people's help-seeking behaviours and experiences of mental health services; Program-evaluation; Factors affecting engagement in therapy; Perinatal mental health
Assoc Prof Phil Kavanagh
Psychology
Evolutionary psychology; Personality traits; Dark Triad; Sociometer theory; Social psychology; Life history evolution; Psychopathology; Clinical psychology; Developmental psychopathology; Cancer research.
Samantha Lukey
Social Work
Culturally situated, trauma-informed practice and partnerships that enhance child and family wellbeing. Her PhD (2022) explored trauma-informed approaches with Aboriginal children in Out-of-Home Care, leading to measurable reductions in placement breakdowns and organisational change. She continues to pursue participatory, qualitative research that empowers communities to co-design and embed trauma-responsive practices within evolving service systems.
