Psychology
UNDERSTANDING 2020: Community Cohesion
You’re invited to join us for this free presentation on community cohesion and the positive effect that has on our attitude in difficult and trying times.
Meet our speakers

Dr Cassandra Hayward, Senior Lecturer
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne
After receiving her Ph.D. in experimental social psychology, Cassie Hayward (nee Govan) spent two years in the USA as a Research Associate and Co-Director of the Behavioral Lab at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business before returning to Australia.
Cassie is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences and she is the Convenor of the Master of Applied Psychology. The Master of Applied Psychology (MAP) is designed for psychology graduates who want to develop practical skills in the applications of psychology to the world of business, government, the non-profit sector, marketing, consumer and social research, and health.
Cassie’s academic research has concentrated on the use of non-conscious attitude measurement tools, ostracism, negotiation, juror decision-making, and the framing of inequity. She has published in top academic journals and books and presented at psychology and and marketing conferences across the USA and Australia.

Dr Kathy Avent, GM Social Innovation & Impact
Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation
Kathy Avent, PhD, joined Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation as the new General Manager Social Innovation & Impact in January 2020. Her role includes managing the LMCF Grants and Impact Team to support the collaborative development of innovative solutions to tough social and environmental challenges in the Greater Melbourne Region.
She has extensive experience in developing and managing long term multidisciplinary collaborations between university, industry and not for profits organisations with the intention of leading to social, economic, environmental, policy and behavioural changes for broader community benefit. A key focus of her new role is demonstrating and maximising the impact of the Foundation’s grants and initiatives.
Kathy undertook her PhD in Biomedical Science, conferred by The University of Queensland in 2001, stemming from an interest in mental health.
About the ‘Understanding 2020’ event series:
These fortnightly online events are designed to delve into a range of topics focussed on very current and relevant topics, with evidence based research and leading psychologists driving the thought provoking discussions.
MELBOURNE CONNECT is creating a connected innovation ecosystem by co-locating industry, research, talent and entrepreneurs, establishing Melbourne as a global innovation destination. Melbourne Connect opens late 2020. Find out more by visiting melbconnect.com.au
THE MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES fosters innovative research and educational programs that elevate the human condition and supports students and psychologists whose research, projects, and intervention programs help individuals and communities worldwide, making a global impact.
Their research program is broad, with strengths in clinical science, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, and developmental and social psychology. They benefit from strong interdisciplinary collaborations across the University, and from a remarkable collection of hospital and research institute partners. Find out more.