I joined the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland as a lecturer in 2006. Before returning to New Zealand, I was an ESRC postdoctoral fellow at the University of Edinburgh and a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Education at the University of Auckland.

I mostly teach in the developmental programme, where I try to bring a critical and social justice lens to the topics I teach. I get a real buzz out of seeing students’ eyes shine when they connect with the content and start to see the world in different ways.

My research has taken me in multiple different directions, but if I had to pick a theme at its heart, it would be enrichment. Currently, I am particularly interested in the topic of failure (perceived and actual) and how to manage and grow from it. I am also interested in imposter syndrome, which is the belief that someone is going to find out that we lack the skills or competence or don’t belong, and someone is going to find out.

I am also very fortunate to work on Growing Up In New Zealand, a multidisciplinary longitudinal study following approximately 6800 New Zealand children from birth. I have been involved in the study since its inception. Most of my research in this study is focused on trying to understand the factors associated with educational outcomes, socio-emotional and behavioural development, and wellbeing of NZ tamariki.

Outside of academia, Kevin and I have two wonderful boys. I love going for walks in our beautiful forests or along the beach, having yummy kai, or just hanging out with friends and family.

I grew up in Australia and have lived in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2008. Previously I worked as a research assistant and data analyst with the Woolf Fisher Research Centre, and have now returned to the University of Auckland nearly a decade later to begin my PhD. My doctoral research will combine Education and Psychology and use the Growing Up in New Zealand data. My research interests mostly centre around developmental psychology, particularly in primary school-aged children.

Outside of study, I spend most of my time looking after my two daughters. On the rare occasion that I have free time, I enjoy reading, bush walks and kayaking in our beautiful city.

I am deeply engaged in researching and enhancing youth mental health, with a focus on understanding new methods. My journey began with an undergrad project in 2020, where I collaborated with Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, Selena Lee, and Morgan Solecki. Using data from the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort, we explored positive youth self-concepts, presenting our findings at the Centre for Longitudinal Research (He Ara ki Mua) Conference in 2022. In 2021, I partnered with Dr. Peterson and Dr. Shiloh Grooth to craft an equity, belonging, and inclusion module, funded by the University of Auckland. The following year, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (First Class Honours), focusing on how intellectual humility affects university students’ sense of belonging, supervised by Dr. Peterson. Now, I am preparing for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Auckland, while working as an independent contractor in research consultancy. My aspiration as a data scientist with a focus on youth mental health trends has led to collaborations with entities like the Ministry of Education and their Auckland Youth Advisory Group. You can reach me at rodolfo@villanueva.co.nz.

Outside research, I find tremendous value in supporting young people in their times of mental strife. I am privileged enough to work in a variety of front-facing roles. In psychoeducation, helping schoolchildren who have recently undergone significant change and loss in their lives at Seasons for Growth. In crisis counseling, with the phenomenal team at Lifeline Aotearoa. In peer support and neurodiversity advocacy, through the ADHD Hangout Group at the University of Auckland Inclusive Learning. When I get super bored, I backflip off wharves, read Irvin Yalom, and listen to Frank Ocean (not necessarily in that order).

I was born in Auckland and have spent most of my life in New Zealand, with a brief time living in Melbourne. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Otago, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Psychology from the University of Auckland. I am currently working on my Masters thesis, using the Growing Up in New Zealand data to look at student perspectives on school engagement. Alongside studying, I work as a Youth Community Support Worker, play tennis and walk my dog as much as possible.

Kia ora. I started my journey at the University of Auckland where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and English. I moved to London (where I was born) in my early twenties to work and travel, spending a total of five years there. On my return to New Zealand, I worked in government roles in Wellington, before settling in the Waikato where I now live with my Labrador, Jane. I commute to Tamaki Makaurau for university, where I am currently completing my BSc (Hons) in Psychology. My thesis is focused on what 14-year-olds tell us motivates them to attend school. Outside of study I work at the psychiatric unit at Waikato Hospital. In my spare time I love walking with Jane, watching a bit of TV, reading in the sun, and doing jigsaw puzzles.