About - Educational Thriving

About Rebecca

I am a Scientia Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. I completed my undergraduate at the University of Melbourne and my master’s and doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia. Previously, I worked as a primary school teacher in Melbourne.

My research focuses on optimising student, teacher and school thriving. I conduct research in the broad areas of wellbeing, motivation, and social-emotional development. This also encompasses related factors including adaptability, goal setting, and interpersonal relationships. I examine how these factors, and their outcomes (e.g., greater achievement, job satisfaction), can be promoted among both students and teachers in school and post-school settings using quantitative research methods.

My work has been recognised with several honours including an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellowship (2020-2023), the Richard E. Snow Award for Early Career Research Contributions from the American Psychological Association Division 15 (2021), and the Outstanding Early Career Scholar Award from the American Educational Research Association Division C (2020). Prior to that, I was awarded the Young Scientist Award from the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (2018), and Outstanding Reviewer for the American Educational Research Journal (2016).

I currently serve as Associate Editor for the Journal of Educational Psychology, Consulting Editor for Educational Psychology, and an Editorial Board Member for several journals. My research has been cited in international policy documents as well as by educational leaders, practitioners, and researchers nationally and internationally. I have presented my research at numerous national and international conferences, and am regularly invited to speak at academic, school, and industry events.