My career spans two passions - public policy and developmental psychology. As well as being a government policy adviser on international affairs, I studied infant brain development where I observed how our social environment influences the development of children's emotions. I grew curious about how traditional norms of masculinity can hinder the adaptive expression and regulation of emotions in boys.

Terms like 'toxic masculinity' are frequently used pejoratively about men. Yet, as a mental health volunteer I often talk with men who struggle to make sense of their emotions, a difficulty that isn't biologically determined by gender but is instead socially conditioned in males from a young age.

My project focuses on factors that drive healthy emotional development in boys. I will work with scientists and educators to explore how school-based interventions can play a key role. I hope my findings lead to better support for boys, so they develop a more empowering relationship with their emotions and feel better connected to their social world. I look forward to sharing my research with my professional networks and schools, and to look at the implications for public policy.