Meet our students

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Dr Michael Savic, A/Prof Cameron Duff

Title of project: Examining discourses, practices and experiences of alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation

Research group: Clinical & Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Ramez Bathish is a PhD candidate and Research Officer at Monash University’s Eastern Health Clinical School, based at Turning Point in the Clinical & Social Research (CSR) team. Ramez has more than 15 years’ experience working in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector in Melbourne, with a background in AOD research, community development, harm reduction and community health.

Ramez has worked as a Research Officer at Monash University and Turning Point since 2014, working on a range of clinical trials and observational studies related to alcohol and other drug use. Ramez also teaches at Monash University in the Graduate Program of Addictive Behaviours (GPAB) and coordinates ASC5010 ‘Gambling, Gaming and Other Behavioural Addictions’.

Ramez is a member of the Eastern Health Human Research Ethics Committee, and is the Language Editor at the International Journal of Drug Policy. Ramez's research interests include social and cultural aspects of AOD use, experiences of care and treatment, addiction and recovery concepts, and stigma.

What’s your research about?

Alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation forms a major part of the Australian alcohol and other drug treatment landscape. While alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation is commonly thought of as a treatment of last resort, evidence around its efficacy remains mixed and treatment completion rates are typically very low. 

Little is understood about the therapeutic process in residential rehabilitation, which is often referred to as a ‘black box’. Crucially, there remains a dearth of literature around the ways in which different treatment discourses and practices interact in residential rehabilitation and their effects on clients’ understanding of themselves, their concerns and their experiences of treatment.

My ethnographic study aims to collate and analyse qualitative information gathered at one residential rehabilitation service in Victoria, including policy data, observational data, and interviews with people who have accessed treatment and addiction professionals. 

Data to be collected will seek to understand the views, perceptions and experiences of people who have sought treatment at Therapeutic Communities in Victoria; the different treatment models and practices at work in Therapeutic Communities; and the ways in which different treatment models and practices interact in Therapeutic Communities and their effects on clients’ understanding of themselves, their concerns and their experiences of treatment.

What are you passionate about?

Working with people who use drugs to build new knowledge that informs the development of alcohol and drug treatment systems that better address people’s needs and wellbeing over time.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

Turning Point is a leading centre for alcohol and other drug treatment and research in Australia. As a place that specialises in alcohol and other drug related treatment, research and education, it is the perfect fit for me as my PhD research looks at the intersection of these three things.

My supervisor, Michael Savic, has specific expertise in alcohol and other drug recovery, treatment and care.

In combination, these things I feel best position me to contribute to enacting positive change with people accessing residential alcohol and other drug treatment and care in Victoria.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Monash University and Turning Point have supported my studies by providing me with a very supportive learning environment, including very generous supervision, and networking opportunities in the AOD sector nationally and internationally, including through the Monash Addiction Research Centre and opportunities to attend conferences and meet other addiction researchers.

I’ve also had the opportunity to teach in the Master’s Program of Addictive Behaviours, which has been invaluable as both a top-up to my scholarship and a useful opportunity to think with and about the concepts I am working with across my PhD.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

I had been heavily involved in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector within Melbourne before my studies commenced, with a background in AOD research, community development, harm reduction and community health.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I would like to continue to pursue opportunities to undertake research into alcohol and other drug treatment and care.

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Prof Victoria Manning

Title of project: Personalised approach avoidance training for older adults with heavy alcohol use: A novel mHealth intervention

Research group: Clinical & Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Georgia holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne), Honours in Psychology (University of Melbourne), and Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) (University of Melbourne). She is a Board-Approved psychologist (PBA), working as a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist at Austin Health and Turning Point. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan with a range of neurological, psychiatric, medical, and neuropsychological conditions. In her clinical work, she supports the management of clients presenting with cognitive and behavioural difficulties in the context of addiction, builds internal and external stakeholder relationships, and contributes to education and training within the Victorian AOD sector.

Georgia commenced further doctoral training with Monash University through the Eastern Health Clinical School and Turning Point in 2021 with a view to advancing her clinical-research career and translating research findings meaningfully into clinical practice. Her research interests relate to optimising diagnostic and treatment outcomes within the field of neuropsychology, with a specific focus on cognitive rehabilitation and remediation, addiction, acquired brain injury, and neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders across the lifespan.

What’s your research about?

We know that heavy alcohol use is a problem, not just in Australia but globally. Of particular concern is alcohol use amongst middle-age to older adults. This group is more likely to drink at risky levels and experience alcohol-related harms, including cognitive impairment. As a neuropsychologist, I often speak to patients about the importance of modifying lifestyle-related factors to improve brain health, with alcohol intake being a potentially modifiable treatment target.

Unfortunately, there is no ‘silver bullet’ with respect to treatment options for hazardous alcohol use.

The challenge I often confront within the clinical practice setting is how best to support individuals with alcohol use disorders and who frequently re-present to hospital with a range of associated health-related conditions, such as falls, cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, cognitive impairments. There are multiple barriers that limit access to formal alcohol treatment services, particularly for older adults, and existing psychological and pharmacological therapies are not always clinically indicated. To address these issues and optimise patient outcomes, I seek to find a new way forward within the field of alcohol treatments, specifically focusing on novel forms and delivery of cognitive remediation.

My doctoral studies include a systematic review & meta-analysis to understand the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for reducing relapse rates amongst treatment seekers and inform clinical treatment guidelines; qualitatively exploring participants’ experiences of using a mobile-delivered form of cognitive-bias modification to inform development of future initiatives and better understand mechanisms of behavioural change; and a clinical trial exploring acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a novel and personalised cognitive intervention amongst middle-age to older adults. It is hoped that findings can guide clinical practice models in the future.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about optimising outcomes and addressing systemic barriers for individuals with cognitive impairment within the AOD sector. I have a particular interest in translating research into evidence-based practice.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I commenced doctoral training through Monash University’s Eastern Health Clinical School and Turning Point to supplement my position within the clinical services stream at Turning Point. Monash University and Turning Point offer a highly sought PhD program, with world-class research and supervision, and opportunities to work with leading experts in the AOD field and translate findings into clinical practice.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

I have really appreciated Monash University and Turning Point’s flexibility with study loading and attendance modes to accommodate my clinical work.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

I had experience working as a clinical neuropsychologist across a number of health services within the private and public sector. I also had previous experience as a research assistant experience, and had tutored across undergraduate and post-graduate courses at the University of Melbourne. 

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I hope my doctoral studies will advance my clinical-research career to contribute to evidence-based practice and optimise outcomes for clients.

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Prof Dan Lubman, A/Prof Debbie Scott, A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri, Dr Jesse Young

Title of project: Revolutionizing system reform in mental health: Addressing gaps in the system through big data and data linkage

Research group: National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit (NAMHSU), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Anthony is a general and addiction psychiatrist. He has broad research interests but is particularly interested in public health and psychiatric epidemiology. He commenced his PhD in 2021 and is supported by a NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship.

What’s your research about?

The aim of my research project is to understand the clinical needs of individuals who are presenting repeatedly to emergency services for mental health-related reasons, and to explore the gaps in the health system that are driving these presentations. This will be achieved through analysing a population-level dataset of paramedic records through, and using data linkage to hospital and community service datasets to track the journey of individuals through the health system.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about improving the clinical care provided to individuals experiencing mental health and addiction difficulties. I believe that this should be addressed at a population level as well as individual level. I also have a longstanding passion for data and statistics that developed from a childhood fascination with sport statistics. My PhD will enable me to combine these two passions.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

Having completed the final stages of my psychiatry training through Turning Point, I was drawn towards the integration of research into clinical care and services. This was heavily inspired by clinician researchers and leaders such as Professor Dan Lubman and Associate Professor Shalini Arunogiri. Ultimately, I chose Monash University and Turning Point as I wanted to be involved in innovative research that has impact at both a clinical and systems’ policy level.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Monash University and Turning Point have provided me with an opportunity to access and utilise their unique population-level ‘Ambo Project’ dataset as part of my PhD project, along with the resources required for data linkage. Additionally, he has benefitted from the regular supervision and mentorship from clinical and research leaders in the field of addictions and mental health.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

Before commencing my further studies, I was working as a general and addiction psychiatrist.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

Following the completion of my studies, I plan to become a clinician-researcher, combining clinical work in addictions and mental health with novel research. In particular, I hope to use my research to inform service development in mental health and addictions and improve the provision of care.

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri,

Title of project: Written Exposure Therapy as Treatment for Substance Use Disorder, Trauma, & other Co-morbidities

Research group: Clinical & Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Tooba holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Boston College, USA, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. Tooba a psychotherapist registered with PACFA, with 7 years and 4000 hours of clinical experience. She specialises in working with adult survivors of childhood abuse and relational trauma. In her diverse practice, she works with clients from Australia, North America, and South Asia.

She additionally works as a counsellor/advocate with survivors of sexual assault in Victoria.

From her experience as a psychotherapist, Tooba recognises that the lived experience of trauma survivors is complex. Through her research, she is interested in treatments that can meet these complex needs and deliver meaningful change.

What’s your research about?

Substance use and trauma are frequently co-morbid conditions. Research shows that both conditions mutually maintain and exacerbate symptoms.

Written Exposure Therapy has emerged as a promising evidenced-based practice for trauma. It is brief and less confronting exposure through writing shows lower dropout from research participants compared to other exposure therapies.

I am interested in adapting Written Exposure Therapy for co-occurring substance use, trauma, and other mental health co-morbidities. A complex presentation is more common than not in the real-world clinical context, and therapies that can prove effective within a complex and often resource-strapped clinical landscape can be immensely helpful.

What are you passionate about?

As I enter my post-graduate research degree after several years of practice, I am passionate about integrating my experience on the ground with research that can create meaningful, effective, and efficient interventions for clients.

My clinical practice has always been diverse, and my previous research has explored the relationship between mental health, mental health interventions, and diverse socio-cultural identities.

In both practice and research, I carry a systemic lens—aware of the relationship between the personal and political.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

Turning Point is a centre of excellence for research and interventions in the AOD field. I greatly appreciate their attention to co-morbidities and complexities in the clinical presentation of anyone struggling with substances.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

There is incredible learning in working with supervisors who are experts in their field. Turning Point, Eastern Health, and Monash University have rich opportunities for learning and collaboration in the AOD space and more broadly in mental health.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

I was a psychotherapist in full-time private practice, as well as a counsellor/advocate for survivors of sexual assault in the state of Victoria.

I love both of these roles and continue them in reduced capacity while I undertake my graduate studies.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I have always been interested in clinical research, and appreciate the “scientist-practitioner” model of psychology—research and practice informing each other to create meaningful interventions.

With some years of clinical experience, I am excited about entering and contributing to research that serves clients who are navigating trauma and substance use.

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Prof Victoria Manning, Dr Joshua Garfield, A/Prof Kristian Rotaru

Title of project: Examining neurocognitive interventions and mechanisms in the treatment of alcohol use disorders

Research group: Clinical & Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

I have completed a bachelor of psychology (honours), a master of psychology and a master of brain and cognitive sciences. I worked for two years as a research assistant in the field of road safety, specialising in drink/drug driving. I have also had the opportunity to work as a consultant, providing psychological and research services to architecture companies. 

What’s your research about?

My research investigates the role of neurocognitive interventions and mechanisms in alcohol addiction. I will be administering cognitive tasks alongside EEG and a number of other physiological measures. In doing so, I hope to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of cognitive bias modification tasks in the treatment of alcohol addiction.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about cognition and neuroscience and have a particular interest in using neuroimaging tools to investigate and provide novel solutions to challenging societal problems.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I chose to study at Turning Point and Monash University as it offered the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field of addiction. The culture of interdisciplinary collaboration at Monash also meant that I have been able to work alongside experts in behavioural research and neuroimaging. 

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Turning Point has provided me with considerable support and training to allow me to operate effectively in the AOD space. Monash has also offered a wide range of professional development opportunities to support me in the research environment.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

Before starting my PhD, I spent four years living, studying and working in the Netherlands. This was an incredible experience and broadened my understanding at a personal and professional level.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

After I complete my PhD, I hope to continue to pursue a career in research, while also finding ways to apply my knowledge more broadly.

Candidacy: PhD Student

Supervisors: Dr Rowan Ogeil, Dr Bosco Rowland

Title of project: Developing a National Alcohol Risk Index: Preventing Future Alcohol-Related Harms in Australia

Research group: National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit (NAMHSU), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Autumn completed her Bachelor of Science at Monash University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology (2020-2022). She also completed her Honours year at Monash’s Be Active Sleep Eat (BASE) facility (2023). As of 2025, Autumn Beau is a PhD student at Monash’s Eastern Health Clinical School, based at Turning Point. 

Despite Autumn’s background in sleep sciences, she has always been passionate about addiction studies - particularly population-based preventive approaches that directly impact policy. 

What’s your research about?

The PhD project aims to reduce alcohol-related harms in Australia by developing a National Alcohol Risk Index to help policymakers assess community risks and inform alcohol policies. Key objectives include identifying measurable contributors of diverse alcohol-related harms and developing population-based preventive strategies to address them. 

This project will support policies that regulate alcohol availability, pricing, and promotion, aligning with the National Alcohol Strategy guidelines (2019-2028). 

Overall, this project will adopt a population-level approach, informed by principles of preventive medicine that focus on the whole community rather than solely targeting high-risk individuals. This approach seeks to shift the environment and context in which alcohol consumption occurs, ultimately benefiting the entire population and reducing harm disparities.

What are you passionate about?

Better understanding the determinants of addiction and harms associated with alcohol consumption in Australia. I am particularly interested in the acute harms associated with alcohol (e.g., vehicular accidents, preventable injury, violence). While treatments may exist for those with an Alcohol Use Disorder, there are no treatments for those who have already been victimised by acute alcohol-related harms.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I was drawn to Turning Point’s innovative research on alcohol and other drugs. Turning Point has birthed internationally unique and rich population-level surveillance systems which I plan to leverage during my PhD. I was also drawn to my, now, supervisors: Rowan Ogeil and Bosco Rowland who inspired a passion for preventive medicine from the first time I met them. 

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Monash University has not only provided me with an education, but also scholarships and internships that have made me a better student and researcher. Monash has provided me with the opportunity to work and study with partnered industries and it has connected me to talented and inspiring researchers.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

I was working as a teaching associate at Monash University and as a research assistant (RA) and shift supervisor on Project ARISE (Australian Research Insomnia Sleep & Emotions). As an RA, I was applying full-body PSG to participants prior to sleep studies and collecting data for my own research on reduced-montage EEG-based devices. Despite this, I knew that I would always be drawn back to addiction studies/research. After collecting enough sleep data to publish, I knew I was ready to embark on my PhD journey.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I hope to continue engaging in translational AOD research that has direct impact on policymaking decisions. 

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Prof Dan Lubman, A/Prof Roisin McNaney, Dr Michael Savic

Title of project: Helpline help-seeking in people with alcohol, other drug, and gambling concerns

Research group: Clinical & Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Liam is a psychology PhD candidate with a focus on social and cognitive psychology. He completed his undergraduate studies at Deakin University, where he earned a Bachelor of International Studies (2013-2015) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours; 2016). Building on this foundation, Liam pursued further studies, completing a Graduate Diploma and Graduate Diploma (Advanced) in Psychology (2020-2023).

Liam’s research experience includes a qualitative dissertation on gay men’s perceptions of appearance ideals and norms, which explored the intersection of social psychology and body image. 

What’s your research about?

My research project focuses on exploring the intersection of help-seeking and addiction-related concerns. This research aims to identify and explore the help-seeking process in the context of helpline use for alcohol, other drug, and gambling concerns. This research also aims to evaluate how help-seeking is understood, and to explore how help-seeking theories and concepts may be adapted to include erratic and non-linear forms of help-seeking.

What are you passionate about?

At the core of my research is a desire to help people. I am driven by the opportunity to address important psychological questions and challenges that can have a tangible impact on individuals and communities.

I am particularly passionate about understanding and addressing issues such as help-seeking, radicalisation and violence, loneliness, and the development of tech-based interventions for emotional and social wellbeing. Additionally, I am passionate about exploring the psychological wellbeing of sexual and gender minorities, an area that I believe deserves greater attention in both research and practice.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I chose Monash University and Turning Point because of the joint research and industry experience provided through the Next Gen Graduates Program.

One concern I had with following a research pathway was whether my skills would be competitive and transfer into secure work. Monash University offers training for PhD students to ensure they can develop key skills and knowledge to ensure they are competitive candidates following the completion of their PhDs.

The option of working at Turning Point was also a key consideration of why I chose to do my PhD. Being able to work with an industry partner has helped broaden my understanding of what is available to me as a researcher. 

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

The first thing that comes to mind is the competitive stipend. I think many people tend to consider whether a PhD is financially feasible in terms of the financial sacrifices they might have to make. This was made much easier by the generous financial support given as part of the Next Gen Graduates Program.

This program also provides me with industry experience, which makes it a very competitive program compared to what other universities offer.

My experience in this program has been really positive. My supervisors have been incredible – helpful, friendly, and really engaged with my research. I’ve also been able to connect with a broad range of researchers across different fields of study, and I’ve learned a lot from them as well.

I think it’s important that PhD students are given plenty of opportunities to network and this program has easily achieved that so far.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

Prior to my studies, I used to work at my local Council as part of the Inclusion and Disability team. I also volunteered in politics for 6 years, including everything from administration, campaigning, and policy. These experiences lead to me reconsidering my career interests and put me on the pathway to becoming a psychology researcher.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

Ideally, I’d like to continue my research on help-seeking. I have lots of options as to whether I move forward as a university academic or if I look into doing industry supported research. 

Candidacy: PhD

Supervisors: Prof Dan Lubman, Prof Patrick Olivier, Dr Roisin McNaney 

Title of project: Exploring the role of AI in designing digital infrastructure for helpline services to support pathways to mental health care and workforce wellbeing.

Research group: Telephone and Online Services, Turning Point (Richmond), Action Lab, Monash Unviersity, and the CSIRO Next Generation Graduates Program.

Background

I have a background in dietetics, with further study in public health, service design, and business. Over the past ten years, I’ve worked in clinical and project-based roles focused on prevention, community development, and improving access to care within systems shaped by structural constraints. My work is grounded in a practical interest in how services respond to real-world conditions, and in the two-way process of translating knowledge into practice, and learning from practice itself.

What’s your research about?

My research investigates how design methods can support the development of digital infrastructure in mental health and addiction helplines in ways that reflect real service conditions. These services often act as the first point of contact in a fragmented healthcare system, where staff manage high demand, unclear care pathways, and disconnected systems and tools. I use a mixed methods approach alongside design practices such as systems mapping and participatory design to better understand these pressures and help identify opportunities for more cohesive and responsive care.

What are you passionate about?

I care about improving how care systems are designed and delivered by connecting what we learn through research with what happens in practice. I’m drawn to work that reduces unnecessary complexity for both patients and care providers, and that includes their perspectives throughout decision-making. I’m especially interested in how health professionals can work across clinical, community, and policy settings to improve how services are experienced. People who can move between these areas and connect what they learn are often well-positioned to support long-term change, something I aim to reflect in my own work.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

Monash University and Turning Point have created space for research that focuses on practical challenges and the people directly affected by them. They support innovation and interdisciplinary work that connects health, technology, and the broader social systems that shape care. That approach aligns with how I think about change, and being able to learn from people who’ve worked across research and practice has been a valuable part of my learning experience. 

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Monash University and Turning Point support my research through the CSIRO Next Generation AI Graduate Program. Through this partnership, I receive a scholarship, experienced supervision, and the opportunity to work closely with care teams. This arrangement supports both the academic and applied aspects of my research and helps me build the skills and relationships needed for working at the intersection of health and technology.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

In the ten years before starting my PhD, I worked in both clinical roles and project-based roles across the health and social sectors. Over time, I felt a growing responsibility to step back and contribute to change at a systems level. I began to see how my own experiences could help connect different parts of care, and that’s what has driven me to pursue a PhD grounded in cross-disciplinary work.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

After completing my PhD, I want to continue contributing to work that connects research, design, and the systems that support health and social cohesion in ways that are sustainable and responsive to current and emerging needs, with a focus on finding solutions that work for individuals and communities. 

Candidacy: Masters

Supervisors: Dri Michael Savic and Dr Jennifer Sun

Title of project: Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the digital support-seeking practices of young LGBTIQ+ Australians with alcohol-related concerns.

Research group: Clinical and Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Nik holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and is a senior mental health clinician working with NSW Health. Nik has experience supporting individuals across the lifespan and is currently working in a specialist child and adolescent rapid response service. They are particularly interested in alcohol and drug cultures in minority populations, and the intersection of trauma and substance use. Nik is passionate about improving outcomes for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and was part of the NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovation ‘Rainbow Resource for Change’ Expert Working Group.
They are completing a Master’s of Addictive Behaviours by research.

What’s your research about?

My research project aims to explore the digital support-seeking practices of young LGBTIQ+ Australians with alcohol-related concerns during, and in the wake of, COVID-19 restrictions and associated lockdowns. It is a qualitative study which employs the novel ‘scroll back’ method. Scroll back engages participants as “co-analysts” in the interview process, allowing participants to review, and examine, their digital traces (e.g. social media posts, images, browsing history) to facilitate recall and discussion of events and experiences. 

LGBTIQ+ Australians have a higher risk of harmful alcohol use, and associated alcohol-related harms, compared to their cis-gendered heterosexual peers. While self-reported alcohol-related concerns are high for this population, LGBTIQ+ individuals are under-represented AOD treatment services. I hope that my research can help to further understanding of the factors that prevent people from engaging with support and contribute to reducing systemic barriers to care.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about addressing systemic barriers and improving access to support for alcohol and other drug use, particularly for minority populations.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I first encountered Turning Point when working in the Mental Health sector in Victoria and knew that it was a centre for excellence in AOD treatment and research. When exploring opportunities for post-graduate studies, I was drawn to the Master’s in Addictive Behaviours and the opportunity to learn from leading AOD experts.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Monash University and Turning Point have given me the opportunity to learn from leading experts and clinician researchers who are advancing care at an individual and systems level. The structure of the course has enabled me to continue my clinical work alongside my studies. I am grateful to have the opportunity to complete a Master’s by research, and the support and supervision provided has been exceptional. 

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

I was working as a mental health clinician.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I hope to pursue other opportunities to engage in research and to contribute to improving access to care and outcomes for individuals with addiction and mental health challenges.

Candidacy: Honours

Supervisors: Prof Victoria Manning

Title of project: Approach Bias Modification Training via Virtual Reality for Alcohol Withdrawal Patients: An Acceptability and Feasibility Pilot Trial

Research group: Clinical and Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Jasmine is an empowered Bachelor of Science (Advance) – Global Challenges (Honours) student at Monash University, interested in generating purposeful, systemic equality. In 2025, she embarked on her honours research project with The Turning Point, deepening her commitment to creating meaningful change. As an emerging storyteller and advocate, Jasmine believes in the power of being seen- having vulnerability met with both gentleness and knowledge. This attitude guides her current research, policy and advocacy work in the mental health and social justice space.

What’s your research about?

Alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable illness and death worldwide. While standard treatments are widely accepted, relapse rates remain high. One possible reason is that traditional approaches, such as cognitive-based therapy, rely on conscious awareness of thoughts and behaviours as mechanisms for change. This presents a paradox: individuals continue to consume alcohol despite being aware of its negative consequences

Recent research highlights the role of subconscious cognitive biases in maintaining addiction. Our research explores how Virtual Reality (VR) technology can enhance administration of Approach Bias Modification (ApBM), a cognitive training aimed at reducing the automatic tendencies for people to approach alcohol related stimuli.

We aim to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using novel technology for this intervention by positioning individuals as experts in their own experiences, actively co-designing treatments for better outcomes.

What are you passionate about?

I feel a deep appreciation for the resilient humans I meet, the lands and waterways I call home, the hearts and stories of friends and strangers interwoven in home cooked meals and hot cups of tea. I pride myself in celebrating the joy and success of others while meeting vulnerability with tenderness. I have an innate motivation to employ psychological knowledge to uncover the strengths in others and unleash their full potential.

Beyond academics, I have had the privilege of being an avid volunteer. Volunteering, to me, is the lifeblood of passion, a force that connects us to country and to healing.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

I am fascinated by Turning Point’s boldness in exploring innovative technologies that drive meaningful change in Australia’s addiction treatment landscape. Being part of this pioneering work is both inspiring and thrilling.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Through this partnership with Monash University and Turning Point, I have had the privilege of weaving together threads of innovation and curiosity while learning from some truly wonderful researchers and mentors. This honours project has provided a supportive and enriching environment where I can explore research with confidence, backed by a wealth of guidance and expertise.

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

Before starting this honours project, I was completing my undergraduate degree of a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) with Global Challenges (Honours) at Monash University, where I pursued an extended major in psychology.

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

I see myself at the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. Before pursuing further studies to become a clinical psychologist, I hope to travel, hear diverse stories, meet interesting humans and explore my own identity along the way.

Candidacy: Honours

Supervisors: Prof Victoria Manning

Title of project: Approach Bias Modification Training via Virtual Reality for Alcohol Withdrawal Patients: An Acceptability and Feasibility Pilot Trial.

Research group: Clinical and Social Research (CSR), Turning Point (Richmond), Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)

Background

Siena is an honours student undertaking a Bachelor of Science - Advanced Global Challenges (Honours) at Monash University. She completed her undergraduate major in Physiology, with a particular interest in neuroscience, reproductive health and integrative medicine. In 2025, Siena commenced her honours project at Turning Point to deepen her understanding of neuropsychology research. 

Siena has worked closely alongside individuals with neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions through her three years as a disability support worker. Alongside this, Siena has worked as a health and wellness consultant, assisting patients through a range of innovative therapies.

What’s your research about?

Heavy alcohol use is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, there are many barriers which limit treatment effectiveness and retention, presenting both an opportunity and need for novel treatments. 
This research project aims to explore how Virtual Reality (VR) technology can be used to enhance “Approach Bias Modification” (ABM) – a form of neurocognitive addiction training - for individuals undergoing alcohol withdrawal treatment. Specifically, I will be analysing the qualitative nuances of patient experience to determine how the design and delivery of VR-ABM can be optimised.  

Findings from this feasibility pilot study will lay the ground work for a future randomised controlled trial and contribute to the field of VR-assisted therapy.

What are you passionate about?

Through my career and lifestyle, I would love to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of individuals and society. I have a particular interest towards neuropsychology, reproductive health, and integrative medicine. Alongside this, I am a highly creative person and find myself being drawn to fields of science communication and human-centred design. I believe there is great value in the interdisciplinary space. 

Beyond my academic and work pursuits, I have so much appreciation for the little things in life. I really value presence and dedicate lots of time towards family and friends, being in nature, exploring new places and learning how to better my relationship to self and others.

Why did you choose Monash University and/or Turning Point for your studies?

Monash University offers a highly unique course, the ‘Bachelor of Science-Advanced Global Challenges (Honours)’. This course seeks to combine scientific research with hands-on training in leadership, entrepreneurship, persuasive communication and design, with the aim of tackling real world challenges. I am highly grateful for the multi-disciplinary skill-set this course has allowed me to develop. 

Turning Point offers a perfect combination of research and education to assist with my honours year. It’s been a great opportunity to dip my toes into clinical research with guidance from highly experienced mentors.

How has Monash University and/or Turning Point supported your studies?

Both Monash University and Turning Point have provided me with highly supportive supervisors, inspiring team members, networking opportunities, and training to advance my skills. I have felt highly welcomed and respected whilst being challenged to learn new procedures. Both Vic and the other CBM team members have consistently shown up to support me and have honestly made the experience so enjoyable!

What did you do before starting your post-graduate studies?

Prior to this year I completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science- Advanced Global Challenges (Honours), pursuing a Physiology major and Genetics minor. Whilst completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a disability support worker, predominantly for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) alongside other neurodevelopmental and psychological difficulties. 

Do you have plans for what you’d like to do after your studies?

After my honours year I would love to advance my career in healthcare, ideally in a role that combines my passion for research, science communication/design and business development. I would also love to spend some time travelling and continue learning from various mentors, cultures and projects.