PhD candidates tackle mental health through culture, pet cuddles, for CQU conference
Two CQUniversity PhD candidates have wowed the crowd with their research proposals, and two very different approaches to improving mental health, at a recent innovative research conference.
Melbourne-based psychologists Nikki Thampy and Andre Crozier earned the People’s Choice RHD Proposal and the Best in Session Poster Presentation respectively, at the 2023 Online Conference for Undergraduate Research in Australasia (OCURA2023).
Hosted by CQUniversity’s Motivation of Health Behaviours (MoHB) Lab across 30 August – 1 September 2023, the conference was in its third year, and featured 30 budding scholars from a diverse range of disciplines.
Ms Thampy, who graduated with her CQU Master of Clinical Psychology in 2021, shared her project to better understand mental health attitudes in Australia’s Indian communities.
“Mental illness is a highly stigmatised topic within Indian communities, often leading to underreporting and delayed treatment,” she explained.
“I am hoping that research in this area can help identify cultural factors and barriers that may influence access to mental health services and support, ultimately leading to more culturally sensitive and effective interventions.
“The prospect of presenting my proposal to a diverse and knowledgeable audience was very appealing, and I saw OCURA 2023 as a platform for learning, and exploring new perspectives, methodologies, and ideas, and receiving constructive feedback on my work.”
Ms Thampy began her PhD this year, and said OCURA2023’s keynote speakers were insightful and enlightening.
OCURA was founded in 2020 by CQU PhD candidate and researcher Kristie-Lee Alfrey, and she joined the 2023 organising team alongside OCURA Academic Mentor and keynote speaker Associate Professor Amanda Rebar, PhD candidate Kim Waters, and Bachelor of Psychological Science student Rebecca Williams.
Mr Crozier, who completed his Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) with CQU in 2022, shared his exploration of how human culture influences our interactions with our pets.
“I gained valuable experience in the preparation and delivery of a presentation at an academic conference, and the icing on the cake was being fortunate enough to win a prize in the process!” he said.
His presentation also inspired other participants to share pictures of their pets in the session, captured as #PetsOfOCURA on social media - which included his own "mob", Nobi, Endo, Miyumi and Nami.
The psychology candidate hopes his PhD will make a meaningful contribution to the scholarship on the psychological bonds and interactions between humans and non-human animals, and he paid tribute to support from his supervisors Dr Tania Signal and Dr Tina McAdie.
“My journey as a research higher degree student at CQU has been immensely rewarding, and one of the most significant factors contributing to this experience has been the support of exceptional supervisors who have guided and nurtured my research endeavours,” Ms Thampy said.
“I am looking forward to achieving my endorsement as a clinical psychologist and continuing my research journey to improve my clinical practice.
"I firmly believe that integrating research insights into clinical practice can have a profound impact on improving mental health on a broader scale.”
OCURA2023 Director and CQU PHD student Felix Parker said student presentations “provided an exciting glimpse into the impressive research being undertaken by our up-and-coming generation of scientists”.
To explore CQUniversity opportunities for research higher degrees, visit cqu.edu.au/rhd.
