What’s your day job and how do you engage with AAG?
I am a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University four days a week and a Research Fellow at the University of Notre Dame (Australia) one day a week. I’m the current AAG WA Chair and we have a fantastic committee. I help out with all of the events and activities to keep pushing ageing research in WA.
What is the biggest challenge and opportunity for gerontology?
Translating the research to the service providers and older Australians in general. Those working in ageing are time poor, funding for everyone is limited and often the research undertaken just doesn’t get taken up by the people who make the day-to-day difference. We have large opportunities to do it better, but it would be nice if more “real” translational research were funded.
Who is your “hero” (not necessarily in the ageing space) and why?
My partner, because I hate cooking and they are happy to cook! I’m extremely grateful to live in Western Australia (great weather :) ) and have the quality of life we have.
Who is your favourite author?
Love Brené Brown at the moment.
In three words, how would your friends describe you?
Thoughtful, organised, great sense of humour (I asked two friends separately and they both said these so I reached saturation J).
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Had back surgery at 21!
What does AAG and gerontology mean for you?
Place for networking and seeing friends again. It is great there is an organisation that pushes the ageing agenda.
August 2019