Alumni Profiles
We are interested in hearing from our graduates and hope that, as you read through the profiles on these pages, you might like to let us know what you have been doing since studying at Deakin University (or its antecedent institutions). Please contact us on psychology-alumni@deakin.edu.au if you would like to be profiled.
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Dr Elise Davis (nee Maher) |
Currently, Elise is a Research Fellow in the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin, where she is working on projects that focus on measuring and understanding children's health, wellbeing and quality of life. Not only is she assisting the Department of Human Services with the development of a population survey of children's health and wellbeing, but she is also involved in other projects examining the cognitive processes that parents and children use when completing a quality of life questionnaire and how children experience social exclusion. Another aspect of Elise's role is to develop a quality of life instrument for children with cerebral palsy. She says that "interviewing children with this condition is a highlight because they have such an amazing, inspiring outlook on life". Elise believes that completing her degrees at Deakin in a friendly environment, with lecturers and tutors always willing to help, has furthered her career. In the future she intends to continue to conduct research with children at a population level and ensure that the results are used to inform policy and programs that will ultimately improve their quality of life. "My work is intellectually challenging and extremely rewarding. I feel empowered that I have the ability to address problems at a population level." |
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Dr Loranie Leas |
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. 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." |
| Gillian Campbell Graduated: Deakin University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours), 2006 Now: Studying for a three year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology |
The Deakin environment is … 'great. Being a less conventional university it feels more relaxed and not as traditional as older ones. There's room to move and a sense of community here made possible by its size - it's not too big and not too small.' Undergraduate studies at Deakin … 'gave me time to work out what I really wanted to do. I started with Arts/Law then had a break before coming back to finish the arts degree, majoring in professional writing and psychology. I really thought the writing was my primary interest and then psychology kind of took over. I really enjoyed it!' Doing volunteer work (at Lifeline) was important … 'because it also reinforced my decision. It really helped me find my "identity" as a psychologist and though it could be quite confronting it was really worthwhile. It also opened doors as it qualified me for paid work at Quitline. I will keep one day per week there throughout post-grad as I think it's good to have something outside university life to remind me of what I'm aiming for.' My advice would be … 'study an area that you find interesting and it will pay off. I was amazed to win the Australian Psychologists Society Award for top Honours student but I know it's because I love the field of study and I let my interest take me there.' |
| Dr Lisa Hardman BA, BSc (Hons), DPsych (Clin), MAPS (Clinical College) |
I completed my Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Deakin University Burwood in 2000. My current role involves liaison, consultation and education with General Practitioners, Community Health Centres and other Primary Care Providers in relation to high prevalence psychiatric illness, specifically depression and anxiety. Also, in early 2007 I began working after hours in private practice at StayTuned Sports Medicine Centre at the Knox Leisureworks Centre Medical Suites in Boronia. I specialise in providing Cognitive Behavioural assessment and treatment and solution focused Interventions for a variety of mental health issues. These include anxiety, depression, stress, serious mental illness, trauma, grief/loss issues, self-esteem issues, relationship issues and chronic health conditions. |
Elise graduated with a PhD in Psychology from Deakin in 2003, having previously completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Hons). "I enjoyed undertaking my PhD at Deakin, learning about human behaviour and about conducting research. I have always been interested in wellbeing and in determining what makes people happy. My focus initially was on interventions directed at the individual; however, it is now on interventions at the structural and organisational level."
