Summary

I am internationally recognised for my research, lecturing, health policy work, and involvement in international human rights and social justice efforts. As a scientist-practitioner, I maintain a community-active and research-active international portfolio. I am polycultural and have lived or worked in a variety of countries, including Australia, China, England, Poland, Scotland, the United States, and elsewhere.

Degrees

PhD Psychology (Surrey).

MSc Social Psychology (Surrey). Grade: Distinction.

BA (Hons) International & Cross-Cultural Health with Media & African Studies (Hampshire).

Selected Certifications

2011-2012 Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching. University of Surrey Centre for Educational & Academic Development (CEAD).

2011-2012 Certificate in International Human Rights & Social Justice. René Cassin Leadership Programme, London, UK.

Advanced Facilitation Skills (Groups) Certificate. Child Bereavement Charity, Buckinghamshire, UK.

Foundations in 'Addiction' Counselling Certificate, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Association of RI, USA.

HIV Testing & Prevention Counselling Certificate. Drug & Alcohol Treatment Association of RI, USA.

Certificate in The Refugee Council Therapeutic Casework Model, The Refugee Council, London, UK.





Research

As a researcher, I was the 2012 recipient of the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 44 Transgender Research Award for research that makes a significant contribution to the field. This award-winning research was the first published study of cisgenderism, the ideology that delegitimises people's own designations of their genders and bodies. I have pioneered the emerging field of cisgenderism studies. Read more about my Research and Publications.

I am an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare and am Guest Editor of a Special Issue on Ethnocentrism in Healthcare Standards.

Teaching

As an educator, I received the 2011 UK Higher Education Academy (HEA) National Psychology Postgraduate Teaching Award given to one person in the UK annually for making a significant impact through excellence in teaching, supporting students, and making a positive impact on the community. My faculty nominator Professor Martyn Barrett and student nominator Alexander Eckardt described my teaching here.

As a periodic Visiting Professor for the five year Master's degree taught in English at the Warsaw International Studies in Psychology programme at the University of Warsaw in Poland, I have designed and taught courses on the Psychological Science of Gender and the Psychology of Sadness.

In addition to teaching undergraduate and Master's level students, I have conducted numerous community health workshops, professional training sessions, and accredited continuing education courses for medical and mental health clinicians. Read more about my Courses & Teaching.

Community

As a community social change agent, I was awarded a 2012-2013 Student Scholarship as an invited member of APA Division 27 Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA): Division of Community Psychology. I previously received the 2002 Keshet Leadership of the Year Award for my work as founder of a gender and sexuality outreach project for people from traditional religious communities. My extensive background in community-based projects also includes having founded a non-profit organisation that provided advocacy, crisis intervention, and support services for people affected by cisgenderism. I previously worked as the Manager of Research & Policy for the National LGBTI Health Alliance, Australia's national peak health body with over 90 organisational members in rural, regional, remote, and urban areas of Australia.

Consultant

As a health counsellor and consultant, I have over 15 years of diverse professional experience in the fields of asylum and refugees; bereavement; discrimination; gender affirmation; relationships; sadness; sexual health; therapeutic advocacy; and trauma.  I am a frequent consultant for research, policy, and community-based projects that address a wide variety of topics around the world. Read more about my Counselling & Consulting.

Author

As a writer, my work has explored a wide range of topics. My writing has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, academic books, anthologies, community magazines, public policy documents, and other venues. I have written short stories, investigative journalism, scientific research, poetry, song lyrics, musical compositions for guitar and mandolin, choreographic and theatrical performance pieces, policy documents, spoken word, and other forms. Read more about my Publications. Click here to Contact Me.