Professor Laurie McLay

Researching evidence-based solutions to improve child wellbeing and support communities

"A PhD is a great opportunity to engage deeply with a topic you’re passionate about and do something that can have real impact in the community."

A research journey grounded in community

Professor Laurie McLay supervises research that is both applied and impactful—driven by the real-world needs of the community. As Deputy Director of the Child Wellbeing Research Institute at UC, her work and that of her students contributes directly to better outcomes for Autistic tamariki and whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I’m always inspired by the impact that my students’ research can generate. Much of their work is designed to make a tangible difference for the people it’s intended to benefit.”

Her students engage with complex challenges in education, psychology, and child wellbeing, and their research often informs policy, practice, and service delivery in the wider community.

A supportive, empowering approach to supervision

Laurie meets regularly with her PhD students to provide them with the support they need to succeed.  She places a strong emphasis on empowering students to be independent thinkers and decision-makers.

“I see my role as helping students develop the deep, critical thinking required to tackle the issues they’re researching.”

She provides a high level of personal support, encouraging open communication and building strong professional relationships. Her open-door policy reflects her commitment to walking alongside each student throughout their research journey.

Support and scholarship opportunities

Laurie is deeply aware of the emotional and academic demands of a PhD, and she actively supports students in accessing the broader university services available to them, including UC’s Graduate School and wellbeing resources.

She also acknowledges the importance of scholarships—not just for the financial support they offer, but for the validation they provide.

“Scholarships show students that what they’re doing is not just valued by their supervisors, but by the wider academic and research community.”

A world-class environment with strong networks

While Laurie’s students tend to spend more time in the community than in labs, UC’s facilities offer flexible office spaces and a collaborative environment where cross-disciplinary research can thrive.

“UC is a place where students can work with people who are leaders in their fields and build strong multidisciplinary connections across faculties.”

This collaborative environment is especially valuable for those working in child and community wellbeing, where issues often span health, education, and social services.

A great place to live, study, and grow

Laurie completed her own PhD at UC and continues to find Christchurch an ideal place to live and work.

“Christchurch is accessible, friendly, and a gateway to the outdoors and the rest of the South Island. It’s a really liveable city.”

Her advice to future researchers?

“Think carefully about why you want to undertake a PhD—what you want to gain from the experience—and then go for it. If you have an inquiring mind and a passion for your topic, a PhD is a unique chance to really understand it at a deep level.”

Open to supervise students in:

• Sleep and circadian health
• Autism and other forms of neurodivergence
• Digtially-delivered health and well-being support
• Parent and caregiver health and well-being
• Autism focused support across the lifespan