Psychiatrist and Clinical Associate at The Centre of Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology Dr. Strauss is a clinical and research psychiatrist with a special interest in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy. He is a MAPS trained therapist and currently an Investigator in 5 PAT trials in Melbourne. He is also currently a psychedelic psychotherapist using psilocybin in 2 of these trials. He is also an Honorary Senior Consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Sociology, University of South Australia Dr Nerida Chazal is a Lecturer in Criminal Justice and Sociology at the University of South Australia. She is an anti-trafficking researcher who has worked as a consultant for Australian Red Cross Support for Trafficked People Program and the Australian Institute of Criminology. Her research examines human trafficking, forced marriage, gender violence and international criminal justice mechanisms.
PhD Candidate in Environmental Biology, University of Salford I am a PhD student at the University of Salford studying how factors can influence the detection of great crested newts, a legally protected amphibian species located in the UK. I have been a dog handler since 2017 and have received rigorous training and assessments through Louise Wilson of Conservation K9 Consultancy, a leading wildlife detection dog trainer. As wildlife detection dogs are relatively new method within the UK, my academic findings will hopefully highlight their effectiveness as well as how environmental factors may influence their detectability which will help shape future training and search methodology. My research has also provided insight into the terrestrial habitat preferences of great crested newts both above and below ground. The dogs provide a novel non-invasive method and the findings will hopefully guide future habitat management practices. In addition to my research, I am also a Senior Ecologist at Wessex Water. I have deployed the dogs operationally to help locate and move the newts safely before essential pipeline installation works commence. The use of dogs has saved countless numbers of newts as well as saving the company time and money and the reduction in use of plastic waste from pitfall traps. I am a board member of the Advisors for the use of Detection Dogs for Conservation (ADDC). As director of Amphibian and Reptile Detection Dogs I offer consultation and shadowing opportunities for those wanting to become great crested newt detection dog handlers.
Research Assistant, Australian National University Post Registration Bachelor of Nursing (ACU) 1995 Grad Cert Crit Care Nursing (NSW College of Nursing) 2001 IBCLC 2010 Masters of Public Health (Nutrition) UQ As well as her university affiliation, Naomi Hull is also Senior Manager Breastfeeding Information and Research, Australian Breastfeeding Association. Naomi Hull is a Registered Nurse and an IBCLC of 13yrs during which time she has had her own Private Practice in Brisbane. She attained a Masters of Public Health (Nutrition) in 2017. Her passion for breastfeeding and lactation began after the birth of her first baby and led to training as a peer support counsellor in 2006. During her Master of Public Health, her interest in the ‘bigger picture’ grew stronger and for this reason, chose to look at the implementation of the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy (2010-2015) as the topic of her Dissertation. Naomi went on from there to become the National Coordinator of the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative - bringing together the Australian team who have now completed two assessments of Australia’s policies and programs in 2018 and 2023. Naomi also works full-time in the National Support office of the Australian Breastfeeding Association, as a Senior Manager. Key priorities are to ensure up-to-date evidence-based information, advocacy and support of research both within the Association and supporting external projects that are relevant to ABA's mission and vision. She continues to feel strongly about finding a way to improve the breastfeeding experience for families by way of advocating for policy change in Australia.
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University Dr. Nina Mahmoudian's team develops innovative practical solutions for control of individual and multiple autonomous vehicles in harsh dynamic environments, addressing challenges that currently limit the use of autonomous vehicles in unknown complex situations. Research Interests Robotics Marine Robotics Unmanned Systems Energy Autonomy Systems Design Coordination and Controls
Senior Lecturer, Melbourne Graduate School Of Education, The University of Melbourne Dr Natasha Ziebell is a Lecturer at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She has worked extensively in designing and implementing initial teacher education programs, and conducts professional learning programs for teachers. Her research focuses on how curriculum and assessment are aligned, designed and implemented to cater for all students. A distinguishing feature of her work is its collaborative nature, bridging disciplines and involving co-design with schools, institutions and education departments. She has worked on various projects that support collaboration to optimise curriculum design and implementation. Natasha started her career as a teacher in Early Childhood Education and Primary Schools.
