Sonya Girdler
Sonya Girdler
“There’s a lot of opportunity to pursue my research interests at ECU.”
I decided to accept an academic career with ECU in 2007 because of their strong industry-linked research focus and ability to sustain work-life balance as a mum.
I've enjoyed setting up a new Occupational Therapy course and being able to structure things the way I want.
Our research areas in disabilities and psychosocial interventions in health care work closely with industry partners which means students are able to directly make a difference to the lives of children with disabilities or people living with chronic illness.
I now supervise PhD and honours students as well as overseeing the honours program. It’s challenging work but very rewarding to watch students progress from an honours degree to doctoral studies.
Senior Lecturer, Occupational Therapy