Welcome

I am a cognitive scientist, senior policy advisor, and author passionate about bridging science and practice to drive impact in health programs and policy. My experience spans academic research, evidence-based policy, and research translation. I have spent over a decade leading large-scale research and policy projects across cognition, mental health, ageing, and disability.

My first book, The Invention of Tomorrow, was released in 2022. Co-authored with Thomas Suddendorf and Jonathan Redshaw, the book explores the science of human foresight: how this ability works, where it comes from, and how we can put it to better use.

My work

I combine academic expertise gained at leading research institutes with a social impact consulting skillset developed through collaborations with academia, government, and NGOs. Most recently, I was a Senior Advisor at The Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), a global social purpose consultancy owned by the UK innovation charity Nesta. At BIT Australia, I led research, evaluation, and strategy projects in mental health, digital health, aged care, and disability reform – working closely with government, academic, and nonprofit partners to apply behavioural science for real-world outcomes.

Previously, I held research positions at the Harvard University Department of Psychology and the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre as an NHMRC CJ Martin Biomedical Early Career Fellow. My academic work focuses on memory, foresight, and decision-making. I received my PhD in cognitive science from the University of Queensland, where I was based at the Early Cognitive Development Centre and the Centre for Psychology and Evolution.

In my research I have worked on experimental, survey, interview, cross-sectional, and longitudinal projects with diverse participants including students, young children, health professionals, and community volunteers, as well as with large epidemiological, economic, and national datasets. You can view my full publication list on my Google Scholar profile or see a selection of highlights on the Research page.

The Invention of Tomorrow

Click here to read more about The Invention of Tomorrow: A Natural History of Foresight (Basic Books, 2022). The book, co-authored with Thomas Suddendorf and Jonathan Redshaw, explores the powers and pitfalls of the human ability to think about the future. The Invention of Tomorrow was featured by Nature as a ‘best science pick’, translated into multiple languages, and covered in international media. It is available now in hard cover and audio formats.

Science Communication

My work often extends beyond academia and policy. I am a passionate science communicator, with writing featured in outlets such as BBC Future, The Globe & Mail, Psyche, and The Conversation. I’ve also appeared on podcasts and radio programs to discuss decision-making, behavioural science, the psychology of foresight, and other topics such as leadership and sustainability. A selection of articles and media appearances can be found on the Media page.

Let’s connect

I’m especially passionate about mission-driven projects, long-term thinking, and evidence-based approaches to improving health and wellbeing. If you’re working on related topics in science, policy, research translation, behavioural insights, or foresight, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn.

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