Elissa Pearson

Background

About Elissa Pearson

I am passionate applying psychological knowledge and methodologies to contemporary societal issues. My research focus is conservation psychology, which explores our relationships with the natural world as well as ways of making these relationships more sustainable. I have a particular interest in environmental education, protecting endangered species, and the ways in which our contact and connection with the natural world supports our physical and psychological well-being. Recent projects include working in collaboration with Zoos Victoria to evaluate their ‘Love Your Locals’ and ‘We’re Calling on You’ conservation education programs regarding boosting the public profile of endangered local native species to support their conservation and raising community awareness about the importance of mobile phone recycling to protect gorilla populations and their habitat. As an educator, I draw upon my research and professional experiences facilitating nature-based programs for children to draw connections between theory, research, and practical applications of psychological knowledge. My teaching is driven by the desire to contribute to the education of the next generation of psychology professionals so they too can apply their knowledge of the science of psychology across the interesting and diverse careers they pursue.