Dr Nina Papalia announced as prestigious Fulbright Scholarship recipient for childhood maltreatment research

Forensicare Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Dr Nina Papalia has been announced as an Australian Fulbright Scholar for 2020.

The Fulbright foreign exchange program—which funds scholars to undertake further study and research at world-leading institutes and universities—is one of the globe’s most prestigious educational programs, aiming to increase binational research collaboration, cultural understanding, and exchange of ideas.

Nina’s reaction to the exciting news

“I was in shock when I got the call,” Nina said.

“I was so happy. It felt like such an honour to have been given such an incredible opportunity to expand on my research in an international setting.”

As a Fulbright Scholar, Nina will collaborate with world-leading experts at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, where she and her team will explore the psychosocial mechanisms that influence maltreated children to commit or avoid committing violence later in life.

“My project focuses on the so-called ‘cycle of violence’, which refers to the idea that children who have suffered various forms of abuse and neglect—which we refer to as maltreatment—are at a significantly increased risk of perpetrating a range of violent acts themselves as they mature,” Nina said.

“Our capacity to address this problem is—to some extent—undermined by our limited understanding about how maltreatment leads to aggression and violence, and why this cycle is perpetrated for some maltreated children, while others seem to grow up strong and resilient, despite their traumatic experiences.”

Important data may hold the key to better understanding maltreatment

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is home to a particularly important set of data that may hold valuable insight into better understanding the cycle of violence and childhood maltreatment.

“They have a really special data set,” Nina explained.

“It’s a body of work that began in the late 1980s involving a sample of maltreated and non-maltreated children who have been followed over time—so it includes decades of rich and important data.”

“I’m hoping that by analysing the data in different ways, we might gain some insight into how we can better respond to the cycle of violence, promote individual resilience and wellbeing, and how we can more effectively work with violent people who have experienced abusive and neglectful backgrounds.”

Working at Forensicare

Having completed her doctoral degree in 2017, Nina has worked in both clinical and research roles, through her position at Forensicare, as well as her role as a postdoctoral researcher for the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, a partnership between Forensicare and Swinburne University.

“I’ve really enjoyed working in both clinical and research roles, where I am able to translate my learnings from research into my clinical context, but also allow my clinical insights to inform meaningful research questions.”

“I definitely think my research activities would not be as rich, relevant or impactful if it weren’t for my clinical experiences working with Forensicare.”

 Nina works on the Moroka Unit at Forensicare’s forensic mental health service at the Ravenhall Correctional Centre, working with offenders who have complex, challenging behaviours associated with mental illness.

“I love my role. The work is challenging, complex and diverse, but I think that’s part of what makes it so appealing,” Nina explained.

“Working in a prison environment means that you’re often working with socially disadvantaged people. Many have not had opportunities to receive appropriate mental health supports in the community.”

“It’s really rewarding and meaningful work, and no two days are the same. It stretches and challenges you, but at the same time it allows you to develop a skill set that I think is highly sought after.”

For Nina, flexibility has been key.

“I’ve really valued the support Forensicare has given me in terms of transitioning out of being a student, to a fully-fledged early career psychologist.”

“They’ve always valued and nurtured my desire to work in both research and clinical roles, giving me immense support and flexibility to do my research, but also recognising that my research is important, and will be something that will enrich the organisation.”

“I’m not sure I would have had that flexibility in another organisation. I would absolutely recommend Forensicare as an employer —particularly for early career psychologists.”

Beginning her six-month Fulbright program later this year, Nina is eager get started.

“Not only does this research project address some critical issues in the field of child maltreatment and the cycle of violence, but the opportunity to live and learn in the rich and diverse cultural environment of New York City will develop me personally, and bring an international perspective to my research.”

“It will also allow me to learn from and network with world-leading experts in the field.”

 “I hope this will open the door to new and long-lasting research collaborations and joint ventures—I can’t wait.”

Congratulations, Nina!

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