I am a Senior Lecturer in Psychology based at the Adelaide Campus, where I teach into the Bachelor of Psychological Science course (CC43), supervise fourth-year honours psychology projects (CC42), and mentor higher degree by research students.
I have dedicated my career to understanding the fascinating world of dingoes and their complex relationship with humans. My research explores the behavioural ecology and ethology of dingoes, human–wildlife conflict, and the development of practical, non-lethal approaches to carnivore management. I’m especially interested in solutions that are not only effective but also workable for farmers, conservationists, policymakers, and local communities. Alongside this, I work closely with Indigenous groups to support the integration of cultural knowledge systems into wildlife management, promoting respectful, collaborative, and sustainable conservation practices.
Beyond dingoes, my research spans the broader field of human–animal interactions, focusing on how we relate to domestic animals in everyday life — particularly dogs — and how these relationships reflect deeper questions around behaviour, emotion, and domestication. This includes work on co-sleeping with pets, the human–dog bond, and the role of animals in family and therapeutic settings. I also explore how people perceive and interact with wildlife, with a focus on conflict, coexistence, and community attitudes toward Australia's unique native animals.
I currently serve as the Scientific Director of the Australian Dingo Foundation and as a member of the IUCN Dingo Working Group, contributing to national and international efforts to better understand and protect this iconic Australian species. My work has been featured in academic journals, books, and media, and I’m regularly invited to consult or comment on topics related to dingoes, dogs, and the many ways humans live alongside animals.
My teaching philosophy is centred on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application, with a particular focus on developing foundational skills in first-year students. I strive to build students' psychological literacy and prepare them for their future careers by engaging them with the core principles of psychology and sparking their interest in the field. In addition to this, I lead the Psychology Capstone unit, which bridges academic learning with industry and community engagement, equipping students with practical skills, professional experience, and the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
Outside of teaching and research, I am Chair of the Undergraduate Psychology Course Reference Committee at CQUniversity, a Category B member of the CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee, and serve on the editorial board of the journal Anthrozoös.
For more information and updates on my research, please visit my personal website www.howlingdingo.com.au.
I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:
Evolutionary Biology - Behavioural Ecology
Evolutionary Biology - Ethology and Sociobiology
Zoology - Animal Behaviour
Environmental Science and Management - Conservation and Biodiversity
Environmental Science and Management - Wildlife and Habitat Management
Other psychology - Other psychology not elsewhere classified
Human-animal interactions
Psychology - Psychology not elsewhere classified