Dr Christel Macdonald

PhD, Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

Post-doctoral Research Fellow, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney.

A bit about me...

As a postdoctoral researcher at NDARC, my research primarily focuses on interventions and outcomes for individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, whether they are presenting to court or have been incarcerated. It is an area I have been interested in since I completed undergraduate forensic psychology courses as part of my bachelor’s degree. When I'm not working, you can find me taking an outdoor walk, reading a book, or going on an op-shopping spree (I love a good op-shop bargain!). I am also a massive cat lover and a tragic Trivial Pursuit-loving dork.

Quick fire Q&A

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

"Come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day" It's not only the essence of the quote, which reminds us of the impermanence of hard times, that makes it my favourite, but also the fact that Shakespeare could write something relevant to people 400 years later. That in itself is inspiring for anyone working in research!

2. What are you reading/listening to?

I am currently reading Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk. If I am listening to something it's usually a crime podcast (RedHanded is my fave), or an audiobook borrowed from my library (I pay for way too many subscriptions, so taking advantage of free library services is one of my top hacks).

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Don't panic if you don't know exactly where you're going or what you want to do. After my undergraduate degree, I worked as a research assistant for four years. I learned a lot and I was able to travel overseas, so I will never regret that time between finishing my Bachelor's and starting my PhD. Don't rush into post-grad, and figure out what areas of research or work interest you first!

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

Reminding myself of the Shakespearean quote for one! But also taking on constructive feedback and not taking it personally. I think this is a skill you really develop during your PhD, as you learn that different people have different communication styles and you need to be able to adapt to that and take on feedback objectively. I also think that maintaining a good work-life balance and ensuring you get regular exercise and utilise other de-stressing outlets is super important. The power of a simple outdoor walk shouldn't be underestimated!

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

I stared reformer pilates about a year ago, which I think is such a great exercise style for people who spend a lot of time at their desks during their workweek. It's so good for improving flexibility and engaging muscles you never normally do. About a year ago I also really got back into reading, which massively reduced my screentime. As a habit before bed, I now put my phone on do not disturb and read a book instead of doomscrolling for an hour. You sleep a lot better and you're spending a lot less time looking at your phone!

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

I have worked across quite a few different projects, from smoking cessation trials to systematic reviews. I have learned a lot about person-centered language, and including people with lived and living experience in the conversation, which I think is very important for people working in the drug and alcohol research space.

7. What was your most memorable experience from your time at NDARC?

Probably the NDARC Musical Icons-themed Christmas party.

Dr Philip Clare

PhD (NDARC), MBiostat (University of Sydney)

Biostatistician, Prevention Research Collaboration. Recently promoted to Senior Research Fellow.

A bit about me...

I am a Biostatistician, currently working at the Prevention Research Collaboration at the University of Sydney, while maintaining a strong collaboration with NDARC, via the APSALS cohort led by Amy Peacock and the TINA trial led by Rebecca McKetin. I also conduct methodological research, with a particular focus on making advanced statistical methods more valuable and accessible to public health researchers and policymakers.

Quick fire Q&A

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

"All kinds of interesting questions which the science knowledge only adds to the excitement, the mystery and the awe of a flower. It only adds. I don't understand how it subtracts." Ode to a Flower, by Richard Feynman

2. What are you reading/listening to?

Sadly, mostly journal articles.

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Take your time - it is a great thing to finish studying: the opening of endless possibilities. But that also means having to make choices, sometimes tough ones. Don't rush to make them.

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

Good work-life balance. I love my job (most of the time), but it's only a small part of who I am. The other stuff is just as important, and often a lot less stressful.

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

Prioritising my day based on how difficult things are - hard things that require thinking early, when I'm rested. Easy things like paperwork later.

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

It provided an opportunity to explore, to figure out what I liked to do, what I was good at, and find a niche where those things overlapped with what other people needed.

7. What was your most memorable experience from your time at NDARC?

Too many to count - but mostly it is memories of the people that stick with me - strange debates with Shane Darke, random conversations about restaurants with Richard Mattick, the list goes on.

Dr George Economidis

PhD (2023), B Psych (Hons, Class 1, 2017)

Associate Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Casual Academic (UNSW Sydney)

A bit about me...

After several years working in the child protection and social services space, I'm now splitting my time working in project management for a not-for-profit homelessness organisation and convening a series of postgraduate psychology courses in the School of Psychology, UNSW. These courses relate to social and developmental psychology, as well as psychopathology.

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" - An old high school teacher would say this incessantly, and it's remained with me ever since.

2. What are you reading/listening to?

I have just finished reading "Fearless" by Jelena Dokic and Jessica Halloran. I quite enjoy biographies and autobiographies in general.

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Probably to find some work experience in an industry or profession of interest to see whether you find it enjoyable and an environment you would like to work in long-term.

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

I had a really amazing support network of friends and colleagues who helped me through some of my toughest moments. Pastimes that are non-work related are always good, too.

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

Exercising in the morning seems to put me in good stead for the rest of the day (I typically used to exercise in the evenings)

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

I was fortunate enough to primarily engage in projects within the context of child protection and social services, which has solidified my fervent passion as an advocate and researcher in these areas.

7. What was your most memorable experience from your time at NDARC?

Probably receiving the message that my PhD was awarded. I had a rough and prolonged examination process but receiving this message while at my office desk was such a relief.

Dr Thomas James Santo Jr

PhD, MPH, BA (Biological Scieneces and Public Health Double )

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, NDARC

A bit about me...

I earned my BA in Biological Sciences and Public Health from Rutgers University and later completed my MPH at the University of Sydney. Originally, I moved to Australia to live with my Nonna and apply to medical school, but during my MPH, I realized my true passion was in research. Now, as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NDARC, I specialize in epidemiology, data linkage, and observational research, with a focus on the impact of trauma and mental disorders on opioid dependence. My current work includes a global review of healthcare for people who inject drugs in prisons and a study on post-release outcomes for incarcerated individuals with opioid dependence. I collaborate with international organizations like WHO and UNODC, as well as community groups, to advance policies that improve health services for marginalized populations. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and soccer, and I’m a dedicated fan of Philadelphia sports teams.

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.

2. What are you reading/listening to?

Growth vs Fixed Mindset and Bird by Bird are two of my favourite books that I read during PhD.

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Every single Phd student I know has a point where they feel like they won't make it to the submission or that their work isn't good enough. I promise you, if you're at this stage, it is, and done is better than perfect!

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

my friends and family affected, my love for learning new things, and the little wins!

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

breaking down tasks to smaller pieces and shorter deadlines.

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

NDARC was my window into drug research and mental health researcher despite not having a degree in psychology. it has given me the tools to make a real impact in a field i am so passionate about despite a less conventiaonal background

7. What was your most memorable experience from your time at NDARC?

Attending conferences and bonding over dinner and hangouts across multiple continents!

Dr Samantha Colledge-Frisby

BPsycSc and PhD

Research Fellow, National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)

A bit about me...

My name is Sam, I'm 31, and I live in Melbourne. My partner is also called Sam, which is fun. I'm due to give birth in a few weeks and am very excited about becoming a mum.

Quick fire Q&A

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

Variety is the spice of life!!

2. What are you reading/listening to?

Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh because I saw it on a modern classics list. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I'm listening to a lot of Royel Otis!

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Get excited about what's coming next! It's a huge achievement to finish your degree and it's a great opportunity to reflect on how you can use what you've learnt to achieve the next goal. That's exciting!!

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

I never take setbacks personally, whether that's a journal rejection, an idea/manuscript that people don't think is good, or grant outcome. I'm sure there are lots of people who could be doing a better (or worse) job than me, but I am the one who is doing it - so I just remind myself that if it wasn't me, it might not be anyone producing these outputs.

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

Prioritising sleep!

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

Working and studying with researchers at NDARC showed me the power of efficiency and what can be achieved in a small amount of time. I think because of this, I'm more organised and diligent with my workload, which can be a challenge in research, where timelines can be long and projects are so self-driven.

Dr Chrianna Bharat

Undergraduate and Honours in Applied Statistics; PhD in Epidemiology

Post-doctoral Research Fellow and applied biostatistician, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney.

A bit about me...

I like good food, big adventures, and days spent outdoors.

Quick fire Q&A

1. Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?

"Don't waste energy on things out of your control"

2. What are you reading/listening to?

Listening to everything Glass Animals

3. What advice would you give a student approaching the end of their degree?

Listen to the advice of people you trust/admire

4. How do you remain resilient in your line of work?

I try to give more energy to the successes than the knockbacks, and I look for support from those around me - their words stay with me much longer than any feelings of loss or negativity do.

5. What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?

I will forever be learning from the habits I picked up in 'Smart Work' by Dermot Crowley, which I was introduced to by a fellow NDARC PhD candidate!

6. How did your time at NDARC help shape who you are today?

My time at NDARC has provided me with the opportunities, connections and independence to discover and establish my role as an academic researcher.

7. What was your most memorable experience from your time at NDARC?

My first role at NDARC involved several months of training with some brilliant minds at Harvard Medical School. I will never forget the feeling of walking those halls and grounds.