Monash University (Australia)

Faculty Member, Consumer Health Research Group (CHaRGe)

Senior Research Fellow and Head

About

I am a Health Sociologist at Monash University. In 2009 I established the Consumer Health Research Group (CHaRGe).  Our work predominantly focuses on health risk behaviours, highly stigmatised health conditions and consumer perspectives of health and wellbeing.

In 2009 I was chosen by The Weekend Australian newspaper as one of the top ten emerging health leaders in Australia. In 2010 I was recognised for my work with an Australian Davos Leadership Award.

I have a background in Political Science and Sociology, I started my career at the World Health Organisation in Geneva. Here I was involved in the Mental Health and Human Rights Unit, and then the Indigenous Peoples Health Unit where I advocated for improved health care of some of the most vulnerable and highly stigmatised groups within developing countries. I was a contributing author to the World Health Report on Mental Health.

I went on to conduct internationally recognised studies at King’s College London before joining Monash University in Australia.

I am most widely recognized for Obesity: Have Your Say! This research aims to bring a strong consumer perspective and involvement in understanding population and individual care responses to the ‘obesity epidemic’. I have recently started work in the area of musculoskeletal health, and problem gambling behaviours.

I am a regular commentator in national and international press on consumer perspectives of health and wellbeing, and in particular weight and obesity. I have appeared on television programs such as Sunday Night; the 7.30 Report; 9am with David and Kim; Catalyst, Today Tonight; and A Current Affair.

Contact Information