
Our research seeks to understand the biological and environmental aetiology, prevalence, and epidemiology of childhood development and mental health. Research conducted at the unit also focuses on clinical intervention and outcomes. At the Academic Unit of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), we work closely with the community to facilitate integrated clinical and research activities, ensuring better outcomes for children from pregnancy through to the adolescence.
Our goal is to transform local research and clinical practice while also addressing the key global health issue of neurodevelopmental and child mental health conditions delivering local action with a global impact.
Integration within clinical settings
Engagement with consumers and community
Multidisciplinary collaboration with other research groups
Melissa Smead is the Murrumbidgee Local Health District Project Coordinator for the Watch me Grow – Electronic Research Project for Ingham Institute. Melissa has worked for NSW Health for the past 14 years, working in various Project Coordinator roles and in the Public Health Sector. Previously she worked with the MLHD Child and Family team rolling out the pilot focus on New Fathers Program in MLHD. Her education includes a Bachelor in Applied Management and a Post Graduate Certificate in Commerce. Melissa has been recently awarded with a 2021 Award for Excellence at Federation University.
Wendy Pickup is an experienced Registered Nurse/Midwife with 30 years’ experience working in several large Maternity units. Wendy completed a Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing) at The University of Western Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Health Science (Midwifery) at The University of Sydney. During the last two years she completed Maternal, newborn and women’s Clinical Academic group Clinical Research Internship at UTS and has worked solely as a Research midwife/Project coordinator with AUCS and WHITU (Women’s Health Initiative Translation Unit).