Alumni in profile
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Dr Loranie Leas
Doctor of Psychology (Health) 2005
Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Hons 1999 and
Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion) 1999
Loranie Leas' decision to study psychology was made during her formative years in Australia, having fled war-ravaged Cambodia with her family in 1973 as a 10-year old.
" My long-term goal is to give back to the community and particularly the Cambodian community where psychiatric health has a low profile," said Loranie, who recently submitted her doctorate thesis on the health behaviours of people with psychological illnesses.
Deakin's HECS exemption for doctorate students was an important consideration when Loranie decided to study with Deakin. "I only had to pay my university fees for my doctorate, which took three years, and Deakin supported me for the rest," she said.
Also important to Loranie was the strong skill element that Deakin's courses provided, particularly in the doctorate program where clinical placements can take up to half the academic year. "You learn the theory in class, but you can only really learn the skills by applying them on the job," said Loranie.
Loranie's observation of the psychological scars left on many Cambodians stimulated her interest in the link between physical health and psychological wellbeing. According to Loranie, cases of post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders are only now being acknowledged and recognised by the Cambodian community, while HIV and Aids still receive scant attention. "There's such limited infrastructure and education in Cambodia and it's an area I'd like to work in eventually," she said.
Loranie was recently awarded a scholarship to study drug and alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder co-morbidity with the organisation Turning Point."This study ties in well with my interest in HIV," said Loranie. "In Cambodia, the perception is still that HIV is transmitted only sexually and not through drug use."
Currently, Loranie works for Working Women's Health in health promotion and education. Her work involves addressing conferences, planning and implementing women's health programs and facilitating group discussions. "Because I'm bilingual and speak Khmer, I work with Cambodian communities, but also with other cultures," said Loranie.
Loranie credits Deakin staff with being accessible at all times, as well as being great sources of support; "Unlike those of my friends at other unis, my lecturers and tutors always made me feel welcome when I dropped by. I didn't feel like a number at Deakin, or that I was imposing on anybody's time."
