Associate Professor Alex Russell
BSc (Psych), GradDipSci (Merit, Psych), PhDPrincipal Research Fellow
School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
I am an Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at CQUniversity, in the Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory. My research examines how technology is changing gambling, and who is most at risk from any harm from these changes. Research topics include: social influences of gambling, wagering advertising and inducements, gambling-related stigma, the convergence of gambling and gaming, the use of social media by gambling operators, gambling amongst vulnerable populations and many other topics. A full list of my publications is available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alex_Russell or at www.alexmtrussell.com.au . (Please contact me for a copy of any publications where PDFs are not available on these pages.)
I have also worked in a few other research areas, notably taste and smell perception. My PhD examined whether or not we can teach wine novices to identify and describe odours in wine samples. I have also conducted research into odour-colour synaesthesia. I have previously worked in the Centre for Gambling Education and Research at Southern Cross University.
I teach statistics and research methods to students of all levels, and am known for describing complex statistical concepts in plain language. I've won a few awards for my teaching, thanks to fantastic student feedback.
Universities Studied At
I completed my BSc (Psych), GradDipSci (Psych, with Merit) and my PhD in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. My fourth year thesis and PhD were supervised by Professor Bob Boakes.
Universities Worked At
I have worked at the University of Sydney (in Psychology, Business, Agriculture and various other areas), Macquarie University (synaesthesia study), Southern Cross University and now CQUniversity. I have also guest lectured at various places, including New York University.
Awards
RESEARCH
NSW Young Tall Poppy Award, 2020
Science and Technology STEM Ambassador, 2020
ABC Radio National Top 5 Scientist, 2019
Vice Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Research (Early Career), CQUniversity, 2019
Dean's Award for Outstanding Research (Early Career), CQUniversity, 2019
Publication awards: School of Psychology at the University of Sydney (2012, 2013, 2014), Southern Cross University (2015, 2016) and CQUniversity (2017, 2018, 2019).
TEACHING
2021: Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Exemplary Practice in Learning and Teaching. Awarded for supporting Psychology Honours students to move from statistics anxiety to advanced proficiency and confidence through an empathetic student-centred approach.
2021, T1: Student Voice Commendation, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
2021, T1: Student Unit and Teaching Evaluations Diamond Award, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
2020, T2: Student Voice Commendation, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
2020, T2: Student Unit and Teaching Evaluations Silver Award, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
2020, T1: Student Voice Commendation, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
2020, T1: Student Unit and Teaching Evaluations Silver Award, PSYC14047 Advanced Data Analysis.
SERVICE AND VALUES
2022: CQUniversity Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, EXCEL Award.
The award recognised that I have “consistently excelled in your position and demonstrated integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of the University.”
2022: CQUniversity Values Award
For service above and beyond what is required of my position, and exemplifying CQU’s core values
2009: University of Sydney School of Psychology Alumni Association Award for Contribution to Postgraduate Student Community and Activity
Media Citations
I am regularly interviewed on radio and for newspaper or website articles about my various research topics, particularly gambling and wine expertise. I have also appeared on television shows such as ABC's Catalyst.
In 2019, I was selected as one of the ABC Radio National Top 5 Scientists.
Previous teaching
I have taught statistics and research methods since 2007, first at the University of Sydney and now CQUniversity. I'm known for describing complex statistical concepts in plain language, and have won a few teaching awards for this. Please see awards above.
I have also lectured on taste and smell perception, both within the University of Sydney and to various other groups.
Professional Experience
During my undergraduate degree, I worked in sensory market research, designing and analysing research that tested consumer reactions to new food products.
Responsibilities
I am responsible for conducting high-level research on gambling issues, including determining research questions, designing the research methodology, conducting statistical analyses, writing papers and attracting research funding.
Professional Interests
Survey design and programming (especially in Qualtrics - see my Qualtrics tips at https://www.alexmtrussell.com.au/qualtrics ), as well as various statistical programs. All very dry, I know! I'm also interested in exploring research methodologies.
Computer Software
I use a range of software for statistical analyses, including but not limited to: SPSS, R, MPlus, Excel, JASP, Jamovi and various others. They each serve different purposes.
For other research needs, I use a wide range of software to suit the requirements of the situation.
I have also conducted complex surveys using the Qualtrics survey platform.
Editor
In 2020-1, I guest edited a special section in the Journal of Behavioral Studies on sports and esports betting.
Accreditation
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
- 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
- 5204 Cognitive and computational psychology
- 5299 Other psychology
Current Capacity
Current Supervision
Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences - Psychological Methodology, Design and Analysis
Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences - Psychology not elsewhere classified
Gambling and gaming addiction
Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences - Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance
Taste and smell perception
