Miss Mary-Claire Hanlon

Biography

Since completing my B Science (Honours) in 2004, I have concentrated on a number of facets of mental health research. While I have had some academic experience, my focus so far has been on research.

Firstly, I have embarked on a PhD (Psychiatry) investigating the way people with and without schizophrenia interpret sounds. What are the differences? Are those differences due to brain morphology or the way the brain processes sounds?

Secondly, I have been active in the merge of two major research bodies associated with Hunter Medical Research Institute. Namely, Hunter Neuroscience and Centre for Mental Health Studies. These merged, under the guidance of Prof Vaughan Carr and the management of myself, into the Priorty Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health. It is important that we foster the inter-disciplinary and collaborative nature of brain and mental health research.

Thirdly, I have become involved in a national epidemiological study into how people with psychosis do so. As one of two Site Coordinators in the Hunter New England region, I supervise the collection of data from individuals who live with psychosis. What do they do with their day? With whom do they spend their time? What are the struggles of life? What are the factors that make outcome better? This is a multi-site study, called the Survey of High Impact Psychosis, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and supported by SANE Australia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle, 2004
• Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle, 2003

Research

Research keywords

• ADHD
• Parkinsons Disease
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia

Research expertise

I have research experience in electroencephalography, functional and structural brain imaging (using MRI techniques), as well as psychological testing in terms of psychopathology, intelligence, and theory of mind.

My primary research interest is psychosis, in particular, schizophrenia; although I am also building a knowledge base in anxiety disorders such as as PTSD and other personality disorders like borderline personality.

My main question in all these areas, is, how does a person's understanding of self and others infiltrate or ameliorate their responses to life events and lead to either a positive or negative outcome?

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

Group

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• Member - World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry
• Member - Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research

Awards

Recognition.

2007	Best Debut Presentation Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (Australia) Best Debut Presentation
2007	Grant-in-Aid Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research (Australia) Outstanding Conference Abstract Submission

Research Award.

2005	Australian Postgraduate Award Schizophrenia Research Institute (Australia) PhD Scholarship Supplement over 3 years
2005	PhD Scholarship Supplement Schizophrenia Research Institute (Australia) PhD Scholarship Supplement over 3 years

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Administrative

Administrative expertise

I have managed research projects, (including staff, ethics, OHS and finances); as well as coordinating researchers and service provision staff from multiple sites and disciplines.

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Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Mental Health
• Parkinsons Disease
• Psychology
• Schizophrenia

Teaching expertise

I have taught introductory psychology and second-year statistics / use of SPSS.