Research Interests

I am broadly interested in the relationship processes that contribute to positive development for children and adolescents, and this focus has been the underlying theme across the variety of research and evaluation projects that I have been involved with over the years. As a member of the UC Community Engagement Hub, I have had the privilege of working alongside a number of local and national community organisations to help develop, evaluate, and re-develop their programmes.

From 2018 to 2020, I worked on an externally funded research project evaluating several parenting courses developed by the Parenting Place, including Space for You and Your Baby, Toolbox, Building Awesome Whānau, and Building Awesome Matua. Additional collaborative evaluation projects have been completed with Te Whakaora Tangata (Auckland), New Zealand Red Cross, 24-7 Youthwork, and the Christchurch Methodist Mission (ParentWorks programme).

Currently, I am working with E Tū Tāngata, a new initiative to improve the social and emotional climate of schools, clubs, sports teams, and even businesses. E Tū Tāngata is being implemented in a diverse range of primary schools and is starting to be implemented in select secondary schools. With the help of talented postgraduate research students we are developing a suite of questionnaires for schools to use with teachers, students, and parents to help evaluate how E Tū Tāngata is being received and the effect it is having in creating a positive, inclusive school climate. I would be interested in talking with potential postgraduate students about further opportunities for research on this project.