Researcher, Southern Cross University Dr Kate Neale is a childhood studies and disability studies researcher who explores the benefits of time spent gardening and in greenspaces on wellbeing and social connection. She has a particular interest in how gardening and greenspaces can help change the dominant narratives and common perceptions of vulnerable or priority populations. She believes gardening is a wonderful way to demonstrate meaningful participation on issues that affect us all and is passionate about the design of greenspaces that are truly accessible and inclusive to all. Her groundbreaking work has illuminated the positive impacts of horticultural activities on physical and mental health, social inclusion and access to support services. Her dedication to this field not only contributes to advancing our understanding of the positive effects of nature on wellbeing, but also empowers communities to create nurturing environments that foster growth and healing among communities.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Australian Catholic University I am the National Course Coordinator for postgraduate psychology programs at the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences. I joined ACU in 2015 to assist in setting up the Master of Psychology (Clinical) course in the Strathfield campus. I graduated in 2002 from the University of Melbourne with a Doctor of Psychology majoring in clinical psychology. I am a registered psychologist with clinical endorsement and a PsyBA accredited supervisor. My research interests are in the area of clinical psychology. My research focuses on obsessive-compulsive disorder and hoarding disorder. I am also very interested in examining the application of mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies (e.g., acceptance and commitment therapy) for these conditions. For further details: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keong_Yap/contributions Please also visit the ACU Strathfield Clinical Psychology Research Lab https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/faculties-directorates-and-staff/faculty-of-health-sciences/school-of-behavioural-and-health-sciences/research/the-clinical-psychology-lab-strathfield-campus
Accredited Practising Dietitian, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong Karen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has worked in the public hospital and private community settings. She is passionate about enabling people to make positive dietary changes, leading to improvements in health and wellbeing. Karen has previously worked in the information technology industry, having also completed a bachelors degree in applied mathematics and computer science. She is now bringing both skillsets together to undertake a PhD at the University of Wollongong, where she is exploring the role of diet in multiple sclerosis, aiming to improve the lives of people living with MS.
Masters student in Developmental Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario I am currently a second-year MSc. student studying Developmental Psychology at Queen's University in the Adolescent Dynamics Lab under Dr. Tom Hollenstein's supervision and will be continuing into my doctoral studies. I completed my BScH. degree at the same institution with a Specialization in Bio-Psychology. In terms of my research, my long-term goal is to gain a deeper understanding of adolescent digital experiences. Specifically, I aim to explore how youth engage with digital technologies, when, and for whom these technologies are most beneficial. Additionally, I am interested in how parents might be shaping such adolescent digital experiences. So far, my research has centered on Digital Emotion Regulation, examining how adolescents use digital technologies to manage their emotions (e.g., texting a friend for social support). However, my current master's thesis focuses how adolescents and parents navigate conflict discussions related to digital topics (e.g., screen time, videogaming, social media) in comparison to non-digital or traditional sources of conflict (e.g., chores, schoolwork, sibling disputes).
Canada Research Chair in Child Health Equity and Inclusion and Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Brock University Dr. Karen A. Patte is a Canada Research Chair in Child Health Equity and Inclusion and an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Brock University. Dr. Patte’s research focuses youth health and equity, with a particular focus on mental health and ill-health. Her research program aims to advance understanding of how different contexts and exposures shape health trajectories over time, to inform more effective and equitable preventative practice, policy, and programs. With training in the health sciences, psychology, public health, and counselling, and collaborating across varied disciplines, her research draws from multiple approaches. Primary methods and designs include longitudinal population-level surveys, mixed and multi-methods, youth engagement, Integrated Knowledge Mobilization, and quasi-experimental designs. She has published over 100+ peer-reviewed research articles on youth health and leads several related grants with pan-Canadian research teams, including funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), SickKids Foundation, and the New Frontiers in Research Fund. She is the Co-Principal Investigator of the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol, Smoking, and Sedentary behaviour (COMPASS) Study (www.compass.uwaterloo.ca) with Dr. Scott Leatherdale. COMPASS Is an ongoing prospective cohort study that annually collects data from over 70,000 Canadian secondary schools and the 130+ secondary schools they attend. COMPASS uses a hierarchical quasi-experimental design to evaluate how programs, policies, and built environments impact various youth health behaviours, outcomes, and correlates (e.g., substance use, mental health, eating behaviours, physical activity, screen use, sleep, bullying and discrimination, school connectedness) over time.
