About ME
I love science, surfing, surf life saving, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and especially my young family. I have two children aged 7 and 9 who keep me young and active. Because of them I have become involved in several programs in both primary and high schools. Oh, I'm also a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Macquarie University.
Read MoreI wasn't always a Professor!
I was born and grew up in a town in South West Victoria not far from the Great Ocean Road. To be honest I was not academic and I hated school. I spent more time skipping school than I did sitting in class rooms. It was the 70s/80s and life was pretty chaotic.
After leaving school I worked in a range of jobs from labourer, to car park attendant and night shift at a service station. Then I decided at 25 years of age to go back and get my HSC. I did well and got a place at University.
It was at University that I fell in love with learning and the importance of curiosity. I have never looked back!
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What I want!
To inspire everyone to be curious about the world around them. To enjoy science as much as I do. Or at least understand that science is important. This website is in response to the numerous questions I receive from parents and teachers who are interested in the latest research on learning, teaching and the brain. I hope to regularly update you with current issues from a scientific perspective.
Latest Blog
25 September, 2019
We need to Disconnect to really Connect
Have you ever thought what it says when you place a phone down on a table or desk? It clearly says, “I’m not 100% at...
9 September, 2019
Can you go back to a dumbphone?
Why should you consider switching to a dumbphone. You will have more time, be more efficient and more productive. I woul...
2 September, 2019
Why teaching kids coding is a waste of time and money
There has been a big push in recent years to increase the availability of computers and tablets in schools. Now many pri...
27 August, 2019
Should kids be learning on screens?
There has been a big push in recent years to increase the availability of computers and tablets in schools. Now many pri...
8 August, 2019
An alternative to screens in the car that we can all enjoy
I was chatting with a parent at school pick-up the other day. She told me that she really enjoyed my presentation on ‘...
5 August, 2019
Smart Phones are making us dumb!
At the beach recently I noticed a group of teenagers all sitting together. Every one of them was hunched over a mobile p...
5 August, 2019
Teens are addicted to smart phones
There is now a phenomenon called 'Phantom Vibration Syndrome'. It occurs when someone regularly has their phone set to v...