This week we’d like to introduce Jessica Opie, PhD student and ATP lab co-manager. If you’ve visited the ATP at the Royal Children’s Hospital for a Gen3 play session you might have had the pleasure of meeting Jessica in person!
Q1) How long have you been involved with the ATP?
“I started my PhD with the ATP in 2015, and in early 2016 I took on the role as the ATP lab manager at The Royal Children’s Hospital”
Q2) What is your favourite part about your role with the ATP?
“I really like getting to know the Generation 2 parents and Generation 3 children before and during the observational play sessions. It is so lovely to watch the little Gen3 kids grow up between visits. I also really enjoy working with a group of colleagues who are bright, supportive and experts in their field.”
Q3) What is the hardest thing about your role?
“Being a PhD candidate, lab manager and a casual academic can result in a pretty big workload at times! However, I find I am most productive when I am busy, and I am definitely getting better at prioritising all the different components of my life. It helps that I really enjoy everything I do.”
Q4) How do you think the ATP is making a difference?
“It is really important that the ATP is collecting data that is specific to the Australian population. Based on the social and emotional research I read, most data is collected in Europe and America. Whilst this research is fascinating, it is really crucial that we also understand the unique make-up of Australian people and their families.”
Q5) When you are not at work, how do you relax?
“To unwind I spend time with family and friends, play with any animal I can find, attend yoga classes, decorate my apartment, watch Netflix and read romantic novels!”
