I completed my undergraduate degree at McMaster University, specialising in animal behaviour and evolutionary psychology. I then studied for a Master's degree at the University of Toronto, investigating the factors that predicted severity of violent recidivism in a sample of offenders with mental disorders. I completed my PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University, investigating the individuals factors involved in confession decisions. My primary research interest is in the underlying evolutionary and biological mechanisms that influence behaviour in interpersonal interactions, particularly within forensic contexts.
- PSY8202M - Doctoral Thesis I
- PSY7002M - Research Paper
- 3PY 400 - Research Paper
- 3PY 415 - Theoretical Perspectives of Offending Behaviour
- 3PY407 - Investigative Psychology
- PSY5005M - Advanced Topics in Brain & Behaviour
- PSY4003M - Biological Bases of Behaviour
- PSY3002M - Core Academic Skills
I have previously conducted research on mate preference and parental care behaviour, aggression, domestic abuse, and the individual factors involved in true and false confessions. I am currently undertaking research investigating factors that affect crime severity ratings and predictors of bystander behaviour
Supervision
I am willing to supervise projects in the following areas:
- Aggressive behaviour
- Bystander interventions
- Confession decisions and investigative interviewing
- Domestic abuse
I have particular expertise in the areas of evolutionary psychobiology and forensic psychology.
Selected grants
Co-Investigator (with Dr Kelly Stockdale and Dr Kevin Ralston, York St John University): Evaluating the Serious Organised Crime Divert Programme, Northumbria Police
Reviewer for
- Law and Human Behaviour
- Criminal Justice and Behavior, Frontiers
- Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, Oxford University Press
Memberships
- American Psychological Association
- International Society for Research on Aggression
- HARM
- N8 Policing Research Partnership
