Psychology at University of Newcastle in Newcastle, New South Wales | Community organisation

Psychology at University of Newcastle

Locality: Newcastle, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4921 7445

Address: University Drive 2289 Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Website: www.newcastle.edu.au/school/psychology

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25.01.2022 Congratulations to Dr Linda Campbell and with her colleagues who published a new study in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine. Even when genetic conditions can be clearly traced to a root cause in the DNA, how those conditions present in different individuals can vary widely. This is certainly the case for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). This multisystem disorder results from a missing segment of DNA on one copy of chromosome 22 including approximately 45 genes (a c...opy number variant, or CNV). The disorder is often described as rare, but in fact, occurs in up to 1/3,000 births making it the most common CNV syndrome observed worldwide. People with 22q11DS are all at increased risk to develop intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Yet some are severely affected while others have much milder symptoms. Dr Linda Campbell started her study of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a PhD student at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London in the United Kingdom 20 years ago. At the time, Linda focused on delineating the neural underpinnings of behaviour, using structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques and neuropsychological assessments, to better understand the impact of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome on children aged between 6 and 18 years of age. She was the lead author on the first study utilizing voxel-based morphometry to investigate the impact of the deletion on neuroanatomy. Linda continued her work as a NHMRC and HMRI postdoctoral fellow, exploring social cognition and risk factors for mental health problems in the same population using MRI and novel non-invasive eye tracking methodologies to better understand the behavioural phenotype of the syndrome. As an emerging leader in the field, Linda was invited as an investigator (sole Australian contributor) to the International Brain and Behavioural Consortium that was funded by the National Institute of Health with an international grant of $12,000,000 to study the genetic underpinnings of risk of psychosis in 22q11.2DS. This important endeavour has resulted in many high impact publications including a paper published today in Nature Medicine. In this paper, the authors report that it is possible to predict who would be at higher risk for developing intellectual disability or schizophrenia by using the information hidden in other parts of the genome. The team evaluated health and genetic data from 965 individuals with 22q11DS (previously also known as Velocardiofacial syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome) and analysed associations with polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia and cognitive ability derived from previous studies in the general population. Read more https://www.sickkids.ca//P/2020/DNA-deletion-syndrome.html and to read the paper https://rdcu.be/b992F .

25.01.2022 Some good news from tonight's budget. Dealing with the emotional fallout of this pandemic can take time, as we're learning to deal with new realities and have become acutely aware of the vulnerability of our comfort zone.

24.01.2022 Time for a change? Always been interested in Psychology, but thought it's too late to start a new degree from scratch? From Semester 1 2021, we’re excited to be offering a new degree the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science. This new program offers undergraduate degree graduates from a broad range of disciplines an alternative pathway into the profession of Psychology. Graduates will develop a wide range of knowledge and skills which will enable progression into management positions and will be valued across multiple industries including human service organisations, employment agencies, counselling services, personnel management, market research, or health and community services.

22.01.2022 A FOCUS ON OUR ACADEMICS DR EMINA SUBASIC - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Dr Emina Subaši is Senior Lecturer and Program Convenor for Master of Business Psychology. Her research examines the psychology of social influence and change including behaviour change, organisational and social change. ... Her most recent project is investigating how male and female leaders can readily mobilise widespread support for gender equality. To find out more about her work, see https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/emina-subasic

21.01.2022 GROWTH THROUGH ADVERSITY - AT A NATIONAL LEVEL As a nation, over the past few decades, we've been fairly immune to major world disasters and have come to expect a comfortable life that will only get better with time. In many ways, that comfort can be a disadvantage when we need to be nimble and ready to deal with adversity. As with personal growth, national growth also happens through adversity. Major life challenges push to re-evaluate our thinking and behaviour, reconside...r our priorities and goals, and change our approach to life. They precede major transitions that often make us stronger and better prepared for future challenges. So, has the Australian psyche changed as a result of the major challenges brought on by COVID-19?

21.01.2022 Whether you're graduating with a degree in Psychological Science or in a different field altogether, we have a range of postgraduate professional psychology degrees that may interest you. Check out the options in Prof Pammer's video here.

21.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who participated in our Psychology Study and Career Pathways webinar yesterday. If you missed it, we will put a link to the recorded webinar soon.

20.01.2022 UON Psychology Researchers Featured in Julia Gillard’s New Book ‘Women and Leadership’ Have you ever noticed that women are typically the ones spearheading gender equality movements? The suffragettes, #MeToo, #TimesUp, March for Women. All fronted by women but at what cost? Research increasingly shows that relying solely on female leaders is not enough to achieve equality. Indeed, male and female pro-equality leaders experience vastly different evaluations regarding their ...motivations and effectiveness when discussing gender equality. Research on these issues driven by UON Psychology researchers, Dr Stephanie Hardacre and Dr Emina Subasic, has recently been discussed in a new book by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and economist Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. There’s been a recent upsurge in male-led initiatives, such as the HeForShe movement, and the Male Champions of Change initiative. Both of these call on men to use their privilege and power to place gender equality on the agenda. These types of initiatives aren’t just companies taking a stab at something new they’re backed by social psychological research. For instance, two studies by Hardacre and Subasic showed that leader gender affected individuals’ responses to calls for equality. Ironically, both men and women were more likely to follow a male (rather than a female) leader into action. How long will it take for the male ally advantage to dissipate? Will effective feminist leadership (such as that embodied by recently re-elected New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern) this ironic inequality. But this is for future research to establish! See more

20.01.2022 Like many people, students are struggling, many have lost jobs and many can’t access gov support. Please help us help them

20.01.2022 How should road safety concerns shape our future transport networks? Dr Cassandra Gauld was recently interviewed by Deloittes to inform the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads ‘2021-2030 Road Safety Strategy’. Cassandra believes technology will have a huge role to play, particularly in the context of automated vehicles. While automated vehicles are touted to improve road safety, Cassandra’s research conducted in the Applied Psychology Lab with Prof Kristen Pa...mmer and doctoral student, Angus McKerral, has shown that public trust and acceptance of such technologies can be slow, so it is important to provide ongoing education. COVID-19 has meant that fewer people are using public transport, and more are driving or cycling. More cars on the road increases the overall risk of road crashes, and more cyclists means that both drivers and cyclists have to be extra vigilant when sharing the road. For more of Cassandra’s work see: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/cass-gauld See more

19.01.2022 IS ONLINE SOCIAL INTERACTION THE SAME AS HANGING OUT IN PERSON? Dr Michelle Kelly and her student, Zac Coates, are studying the link between social media use, and psychological and social support. If you are aged 17-25 years, you and a same-sex friend are invited to take part in this study. You will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and a Zoom interaction with your friend. During the Zoom session, we will give you a set of questions as prompts to chat with each oth...er for about 40 minutes. As a thank you, we will offer you a gift voucher. This study is approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee For more information on the study, contact [email protected] Read more about Michelle’s research here: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/michelle-kelly

19.01.2022 Neuroplasticity in real time!

18.01.2022 What can phantom kicks after pregnancy tell us? More fantastic work by our alumnus, Dr Sharna Jamadar, who now leads Monash Biomedical Imaging's Cognitive Neuroimaging Team (https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/sharna-jamadar). Sharna, pictured here at last year's Prime Minister's Prizes for Science awards ceremony, is examining the prevalence of ‘phantom kicks’ after the end of pregnancy and their implications for fetal health monitoring and women’s mental health. ... To find out more, see https://www.cibf.edu.au/phantom-kicks See more

17.01.2022 ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE All of us in the School of Psychology would like to acknowledge this year's NAIDOC week. NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the fundamental connection that Aboriginal people have with our country, to reflect on past and current injustices and to consider pathways to reparation and togetherness. ... This is fittingly reflected in this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. Check out the NAIDOC website for many online events. The NSW Department of Education's NAIDOC theme on embedding cultural practice in schools. DON'T MISS Day 5’s beautiful and moving closing day event: Uncle Archie Roach singing virtually with students from five NSW public schools. See: https://education.nsw.gov.au//aboriginal-educa/naidoc-week.

16.01.2022 Psychological research in action Dr Andrea Griffin's work is exemplary of how psychological research can produce the real-world benefits, and not only in clinical health. In this invited publication, Andrea and her colleagues examine ways of reducing the damage that birds have on vineyards, using psychological methods to understand and change behaviour. For more information on Andrea's research, see https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/andrea-griffin

15.01.2022 What if you had the ability to change someone’s life just by going to the supermarket? The School of Psychology at UON is aiming to do just that with their Psyc Cares Pantry. The Pantry takes donations to offer FREE groceries and other necessities to students in need. ... Unfortunately for many students financial stress is synonymous with getting an education. A 2017 study by Universities Australia found that 14% of students regularly went without food and a whopping 58% stated that their financial situation was a source of worry. This was before Covid-19 and the extra strain of the current economic climate. In 2020 things are much worse with many students losing what little employment they had and changes to Jobkeeper coming into effect last month. The Psyc Cares Pantry has been open to students since June 2020 and receives daily visits by students in need of basic food and toiletry items. We have provided countless bags of pasta, feminine hygiene products, cereals, biscuits, baking goods, toothpaste, deodorant and much more to help ease the worry of accessing basic necessities in our students’ lives. If you would like to offer support, donated products can be left at the School of Psychology Office or you can contact [email protected]. All donations are greatly appreciated to keep this initiative going (please no cash donations).

15.01.2022 See below for information on the talk that Romany McGuffog, a PhD student with A/Prof Mark Rubin, will be presenting at this week's Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Conference. We'll keep you posted on other talks from psychology students and early career researchers as well.

14.01.2022 He's done it again! Professor Scott Brown was named the top Australian Cognitive Scientist (2020) for the second year running. Scott was among six University of Newcastle researchers that have been named as top in their field in new data published in The Australian’s 2020 Research magazine. Well done Scott. ... To find out more about Scott's work, visit https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/scott-brown For more see: https://specialreports.theaustralian.com.au/1540291/21/

14.01.2022 A/Prof Lynne McCormack is presenting a talk at tomorrow's colloquium on Violent Offenders and the Brain, that is organised by the UON Centre for the Study of Violence. If interested, check out https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/violent-offenders-and-the-b

09.01.2022 Where can a career in Psychology take you? Don't miss tonight's SBS Insight (7:30pm) where they discuss hostage situations. Our A/Prof Lynne McCormack is in the audience in her community role as the Mental Health Advisor for Hostage International (Australia).

07.01.2022 The 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women is an international campaign run by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Newcastle is participating with a number of exciting initiatives.

06.01.2022 The ACTIVate Study - Now running in Newcastle The ACTIVate study investigates how different lifestyle patterns affect thinking ability and brain function in older adults aged 60-70years. Prof Frini Karayanidis leads the UON team in the Functional Neuroimaging Lab that runs the ACTIVate Study. This joint project with researchers from the universities of South Australia, Flinders, Adelaide and Illinois uses new and innovative methods to understand how arterial, brain and cognit...ive health are impacted by our lifestyle choices. The outcome of this study will allow people to tailor their ‘best day’ the combination of activity, diet and sleep that will give them the best chance to reduce dementia risk. We are recruiting adults aged 60-70 yrs with a range of different lifestyles, eating habits and sleep patterns. You may be eligible for this study if you: Are 60-70 years old Do not have a current diagnosis of dementia Are available for 3 phases of testing over 3 years For further information, please contact our recruitment officer, Karen Wilson on 4055-7575 or email [email protected]). This study is approved by UniSA University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Protocol 202639), and is registered with the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2019-0421)

06.01.2022 ARE YOU A GRADUATE FROM ONE OF OUR PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS? Dr Babette Rae and A/Prof Linda Campbell are developing videos for new psychology students to see the range of possible career options they can have after graduating with a psychology degree or psychology major. They are particularly interested in hearing from graduates who do not hold an endorsement as a psychologist or a PhD. ... You will be asked to contribute 5-10 minutes of footage, with the talking points being given ahead of time. Filming can be in person, or if that's not suitable, via Zoom. They are hoping to film before Christmas, but can also schedule it for January if that's more suitable. If you are interested, please email [email protected] or [email protected]. Also, if you know any graduates who you think may be suitable, can you please let them know about our project.

06.01.2022 You know those sleepless nights, the exhaustion and stress of parenthood? Well, there's good news. It pays forward. Breaking research by our alumnus, Dr Sharna Jamadar, an NHMRC investigator at Monash University, and her Phd student, Winnie Orchard, shows that parenthood has protective effects on the ageing brain!

03.01.2022 Don't forget to join us today, if you are interested in learning about study and career pathways in psychology.

02.01.2022 If you missed our wonderful webinar on Tuesday evening you can watch it here. Thank you to our panel of staff and students for a very informative session!

01.01.2022 PSYCHOLOGY WEEK 2020 This year's psychology week is focussed on dealing with pain. Please see below for details.