I am an eco-community-critical psychologist whose work explores psychologically-informed approaches to sustainable wellbeing across individuals, communities, and environments. My research focuses on the interconnections between mental health, human–nature relationships, community wellbeing, and transformative education, with the broader aim of supporting both human and planetary wellbeing. Drawing on community psychology, environmental psychology, critical psychology, and participatory approaches, my work seeks to address contemporary societal challenges including mental health inequalities, social disconnection, ecological crisis, and environmental disengagement.

I completed my BSc (Hons) in Psychology at the University of Stirling in 2008, followed by a PhD at the University of Leeds, awarded in 2013. My doctoral research explored human–environment interaction and meaning-making through Walking and Solo Experiences (WSEs) in UK wild places. Using qualitative and experiential methodologies, this work examined how immersive encounters with nature can influence identity, wellbeing, reflection, and connection. Facilitated through my experience as a qualified Mountain Leader, this research laid the foundation for my ongoing interest in sustainable wellbeing, therapeutic landscapes, ecotherapy, and psychologically-informed nature-based practice.

Since joining Sheffield Hallam University in 2013, I have developed an interdisciplinary and applied research profile centred on sustainable wellbeing, eco-community psychology, and community-engaged practice. My work examines how nature connection, participation, creativity, and community engagement can support wellbeing, empowerment, ecological citizenship, and pro-environmental behaviour. I am particularly interested in the role of meaning-making, identity, place, and social relationships in fostering more sustainable and connected ways of living.

A key strand of my research explores community wellbeing and placemaking through participatory and co-produced approaches. Drawing on community psychology and critical perspectives, I investigate how communities experience, shape, and respond to social and environmental challenges, and how grassroots, creative, and collaborative methods can support collective wellbeing, resilience, inclusion, and positive social change. My work increasingly engages with sustainable wellbeing and climate-related concerns through psychologically-informed and relational approaches, with a particular interest in eco-anxiety, environmental stewardship, and ethical practice in higher education and community settings.

My research is strongly interdisciplinary and impact-oriented, bringing together psychology, creative health, environmental studies, education, and public engagement. I have contributed to projects focused on nature connection, student wellbeing, creative health, therapeutic environments, environmental engagement, community connectedness, and participatory sustainability initiatives. Alongside my research, I lead and contribute to scholarship and practice relating to inclusive and ethical psychology education, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and applied learning approaches within higher education.

My current and future programme of work focuses on developing psychologically-informed approaches to sustainable wellbeing through four interconnected areas:

• Human–nature relationships and nature-based wellbeing
• Community wellbeing, participation, and connectedness
• Transformative and sustainable psychology education
• Creative, participatory, and co-produced methodologies

Across these areas, I aim to develop applied research and partnerships that generate meaningful social, educational, and environmental impact. My work seeks not only to understand wellbeing and environmental relationships, but also to support practical change through collaboration with communities, students, educators, and external organisations.

Central to my longer-term vision is the development of collaborative networks and projects that integrate research, teaching, and public engagement to support sustainable wellbeing and community resilience. Through interdisciplinary partnerships, participatory research, and creative engagement approaches, I aim to contribute to the development of inclusive, ethical, and evidence-informed responses to contemporary mental health, social, and environmental challenges.

Overall, my research and practice develops sustainable wellbeing as an applied system that connects human–nature relationships, education for sustainability, and landscape-scale practice through psychologically-informed, participatory approaches that operate across learning, community, and environmental settings. As such my work has 3 domains of application:

• Domain 1: Experiential & embodied nature-based practice (Ego to Eco) - how individuals and communities develop sustainable wellbeing through reflection, nature connection, identity work
• Domain 2: Landscape & systems practice (Landscape Lab / Blue-Green Infrastructure) - how wellbeing is shaped by environmental systems, planning, and ecological infrastructure
• Domain 3: Educational systems & human development (SoTL) - how institutions cultivate sustainable wellbeing, ecological citizenship, and graduateness

Through my research, teaching, supervision, and community partnerships, I aim to contribute to a more connected, sustainable, and psychologically-informed understanding of wellbeing — one that recognises the interdependence between people, communities, and the natural world.