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
14 May, 2020
1 April, 2020
Strange Days Indeed
I don't know when this is going to end. I hope it's sooner than later, but I suspect it is probably later rather than so...
9 December, 2019
Smartphones at school
Many private schools in NSW are now banning smartphones during school hours and all the feedback I have heard is extreme...
29 October, 2019
Why are video games addictive?
Quite simply they are designed to be addictive. There are literally millions of different games available. Video game de...
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...