I am an interdisciplinary social science researcher, lecturer and communicator, specialising in high-impact mixed methods environmental psychology research. My research explores pro-environmental behaviour change and climate leadership, specifically how leading by example with high-impact, low-carbon actions can influence others' behaviours and attitudes towards climate change.

For instance, when high-profile leaders such as politicians, celebrities and CEOs change their lifestyles because of climate change, how does this affect our thinking and our actions? In contrast, if climate leaders travel by private jets or helicopters when there are practical lower-carbon options available, how does this impact their leadership credibility and the speed of the societal shift to low-carbon living? 

My research shows that leading by example sends powerful psychological signals that encourage others to follow-suit, while greatly increasing leader credibility and approval ratings. The research provides insights into how social influence and leadership can feed into the necessary and rapid transition to more sustainable lifestyles, contributing to ongoing debates about “individual action versus systems change”.

My interdisciplinary research draws on theories from psychology and sociology including social influence, identity, social norms, cultural evolution, leadership, and practice theory. 

I welcome doctoral students in social psychology and environmental psychology. 

I teach environmental psychology encompassing attitudes, values, social norms, identity, behaviour change and leadership.