Eliza Hartley is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology. Eliza completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology at Deakin University in Melbourne. After graduating, Eliza worked clinically in perinatal mental health in the public health system supporting parents with perinatal depression and anxiety, as well as serious mental health conditions, and the relationship with their infant. Eliza has also worked with child, adolescent, and young adult populations in private practice and as a school psychologist. Eliza is passionate about early intervention and working systemically with families to improve outcomes for children.
Eliza’s teaching focuses on assessment and intervention with children, adolescents and their families. Eliza is a PSyBA supervisor and has supervised early career and provisional psychologists. Eliza’s teaching and supervision style priortises warmth, collaboration and reflection to help students and supervisees get the most of out of their learning.
Eliza’s research has focussed on body image, weight and eating concerns during the perinatal period, and eating disorder services evaluation. Eliza has also undertaken research in perinatal and infant mental health and family therapy. Eliza has been an expert reviewer for journals BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth; Eating Behaviours; International Journal of Women's Health; and Body Image.
Professional Memberships
- Registered Psychologist with Clinical Endorsement – Psychology Board of Australia
- Circle of Security International - Parenting Facilitator
Potential research projects for HDR and Honours Students
- Body image, weight, shape and eating concerns
- Eating disorders
- Perinatal mental health
Research areas
- Body image, weight, shape, eating concerns
- Perinatal and infant mental health
- Family therapy
Teaching areas
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
Dr Eliza Hartley's specialist areas of knowledge include Perinatal body image, body image, weight, shape and eating concerns, perinatal mental health
In the news

How a buggy crash on his island home drove Tim Ives towards a career in paramedicine
16 SepAfter a dramatic buggy rescue on remote Scotland Island, Tim Ives was inspired to study Paramedicine at UniSC and is now saving lives as an NSW Ambulance paramedic

Nundi the turtle’s second chance at life is helping UniSC researchers save her species
12 SepTo the cheers of rescuers, Nundi the green sea turtle dives into the ocean after months of rehabilitation – carrying with her vital clues in understanding a dramatic increase in sick, injured and diseased marine turtles.

Helping Māori and Pasifika teens see they belong in university
10 SepAn inaugural UniSC Māori and Pasifika mentorship program is helping Moreton Bay high school students connect with mentors, take part in hands-on workshops and campus experiences, and discover pathways to university — all while celebrating their culture and building their confidence.

World first: UniSC’s koala vaccine approved to fight deadly disease
10 SepIn a world first, Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator has approved a vaccine – developed by UniSC – to protect koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia.

UniSC at epicentre of brain, lifestyle and nursing science
8 SepAs Australia’s ageing population grows, UniSC researchers and students are driving solutions to help Australians live longer, healthier, and more connected lives

Education, not incarceration: How Nicole’s lived experience is shaping her future in law
4 SepFrom addiction and prison to law school and international advocacy, Nicole Chee wants to use her lived experience to advocate for justice reform and prove that education, not incarceration, changes lives

Sweet! New test finds seven potential Aussie ‘health honeys’
3 SepUniSC researchers have developed a rapid, affordable test that can help identify the next premium Australian honeys

Nanine Stewart's journey back to high school is a full circle
3 SepIn a full circle moment, Nanine Stewart has found herself teaching at the high school she went to – and she's loving every minute of it!

Fuelling dreams: Moreton Bay City backs UniSC students with $1.1 million towards their futures
2 SepCity of Moreton Bay will continue its Scholarship and Bursaries Program with the University of the Sunshine Coast, taking its investment in supporting UniSC’s Moreton Bay students to $1.1 million since the program was introduced six years ago

When life unexpectedly changed course, Bonnie found her true calling
2 SepBonnie McLean has just graduated with a UniSC Communication Degree when a cancer diagnosis derailed her life – and ultimately became the catalyst for a new career path

Calissa’s romantic affair with creative writing
29 AugUniSC student and emerging author Calissa Baylow is turning her passion for romance and fantasy into a career through creative writing, publishing studies, and building her own online book community

Uniting knowledge and culture to protect K’gari’s future
27 AugA UniSC symposium will share insights and strengthen partnerships to help shape the future of K’gari, one of Australia’s most iconic World Heritage-listed landscapes.

UniSC Law alum Shelly Brown named Queensland’s top graduate lawyer
27 AugQueensland Law Society has honoured UniSC Law alum Shelly Brown as Graduate Lawyer of the Year, highlighting her legal achievements and published research on coercive control reforms in Australia

Scale-up dream: $1 million ‘Ultimate HQ’ prize for visionary business
26 AugA bold new initiative is offering one innovative business the chance to secure their very own Ultimate HQ, rent free for five years, in booming South East Queensland

Beyond technology: why people hold the key to productivity
26 AugWhile technology drives innovation, true productivity gains depend on people says UniSC's Professor Mark Loon

UniSC welcomes national code, prepares gender-based violence prevention taskforce
26 AugUniSC today welcomes the introduction of a new national code to further empower safety across Australian campus communities

Queensland cancer research: UniSC’s collaborative approach to a growing health crisis
25 AugBy the time they reach age 85, one in every two people in Queensland will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, and that’s why UniSC has formed a Cancer Researcher Cluster to bring together leading researchers dedicated to advancing our understanding of cancer

Walking to her own beat – how Taylah J is carving out a name for herself in hip hop
25 AugUp-and-coming rapper Taylah J is pouring her personal struggles into music, becoming the first in her family to attend university in the process as she builds her career in hip hop

Eating disorder symptoms in teens can be traced back to family hardship, new study shows
25 AugChildren from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk of developing eating disorder symptoms, challenging the myth that these conditions only affect the affluent

From saving lives to shaping them: Matt’s Paramedicine journey comes full circle
25 AugMatt Hill always knew he wanted to help people.

New funding for UniSC to deliver 550 aged care specialist nurses
22 AugThe University of the Sunshine Coast has received $2.2 million from the Australian Government to deliver 550 more specialist aged care nurses to rural and regional areas by 2027.

UniSC advances commitment to responsible and ethical use of GenAI
21 AugUniSC is building a culture of integrity in the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence across its campuses, reaffirming its commitment to fair access to education, innovation and student success.

‘Super snail’ modifies slime to fight pesticide: new research
20 AugA secret ingredient in snail trails is helping the pests save themselves from poisons spread to protect farms and gardens across Australia

Leading by example: UniSC graduate brings Indigenous voice to classroom
19 AugNew UniSC Primary Education graduate and proud Yuggera man Michael O’Shea is challenging stereotypes in the classroom

Attention! Road safety trial to measure brain activity in older drivers
18 AugUniSC researchers are seeking older drivers for a new trial measuring age-related changes in attention, as part of a broader program to develop a screening method for assessing cognitive fitness to drive

Adam Hindmarsh gives up the recipe for Nana's Pie creative success
12 AugFrom jamming in a van by the beach to playing packed-out shows with Nana’s Pie, Adam Hindmarsh has built a creative career fuelled by passion, persistence and good people

Australian birds in surprising sex switching discovery
12 AugA University of the Sunshine Coast-led study has uncovered evidence that sex reversal is more common in wild birds than previously thought – with potential implications for threatened species

Cancer research success boosts graduate’s medical career – at just 22
12 AugA young aspiring doctor is already on the cutting edge of cancer research after a national journal published her findings on Australia’s “hidden” skin cancer epidemic

Your lifestyle could be affecting your brain’s ‘brake system’ and putting you at a higher risk of dementia
8 AugResearchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute believe lifestyle risk factors may be leaving chemical warning signs of decline in your brain – long before any symptoms of dementia play out.

Will the RBA drop cash rate on 12 Aug? UniSC experts available
7 AugWith some banks already cutting interest rates in anticipation of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 12 August meeting, four experts from the University of the Sunshine Coast are available to offer insights

Shark tales, a sinking city and a breathless cop thriller: what to watch in August
6 AugThis month’s streaming highlights bring a little bit of everything, from gripping true crime, to thought-provoking political drama, and a nostalgic music documentary on the life and times of piano man Billy Joel

Sheep herding ‘robodogs’ to take centre stage at Ekka
6 AugWe're using robodogs as part of a demonstration to herd sheep at the Ekka as part of a Mechatronics student's project to test AI-powered farming tech, exploring how autonomous machines could one day help farmers in the paddock

Tyranny is an ever-present threat to civilisations. Here’s how Classical Greece and China dealt with it
5 AugJust months into Donald Trump’s second term as US president, his rule has been compared to tyranny.

Design your future with a business degree from UniSC
30 JulIn today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business world – shaped by rapid technological advancements, shifting global markets, evolving consumer expectations, and emerging challenges like sustainability and digital disruption – adaptability is more valuable than ever.

Saving legs and lives: Trial of new treatment for artery disease
29 JulA UniSC trial is offering a new path to post-surgery recovery from peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects more than a million Australians

Ballerina and weightlifter raise the bar in physiotherapy degree
24 JulA former professional ballerina and a competitive weightlifter are among the first students in UniSC’s new physiotherapy degree, using their sports backgrounds to help meet growing demand for health professionals in regional areas

The incredible impact of Ozzy Osbourne, from Black Sabbath to Ozzfest to 30 years of retirement tours
23 JulOzzy Osbourne helped shape the sound and spectacle of heavy metal, from his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to launching Ozzfest and staying on the road for decades.

Crime and criminology isn’t what it used to be – and neither is policing
21 JulThe world has become more technology driven – the world of crime has evolved too, now encompassing complex issues such as deepfakes, and AI-driven abuse.

Expert comment: Climate change debate to continue after landmark court case
17 JulDr Shannon Brincat comments on this week's Federal Court of Australia ruling on a case brought by two Torres Strait Islanders who filed a lawsuit against the Australian Government for failing to protect the Torres Strait from climate change.

Explore your teaching path: early childhood and primary education degrees at UniSC
16 JulChoosing a career in education means choosing to make a lasting difference – whether you're drawn to the creativity of early learning, or you feel called to guide young minds through their primary school years, UniSC’s education degrees give you the flexibility to align your studies with your passions.

Who falls for political deepfakes? National study seeks to find and protect most vulnerable
16 JulAs artificial intelligence evolves, deepfakes and misleading digitally created content have become increasingly difficult for people to distinguish from reality, impacting national security, elections and trust in media

Study shows how body image bullying affects teenage girls' brains
16 JulUniversity of the Sunshine Coast researchers have shown, for the first time in Australia, what happens in the brain of adolescent girls when they see someone being subjected to body image-related cyberbullying (BRC)

Fostering belonging: UniSC joins national diversity and inclusion network
15 JulUniSC has joined a national network that reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture of belonging across all campuses and in the wider community.

What are police allowed to do at protests and who keeps them in check?
10 JulProtests are powerful expressions of collective frustration and calls for justice, but what happens when emotions run high and authority steps in?

How a wedding and funeral engineered James's destiny to follow in the family footsteps
8 JulAfter a wedding and funeral changed everything, James Dolan found purpose in engineering.

Review finds Mediterranean diet may play key role in managing ADHD
7 JulIt’s the superhero of the nutrition world, and now a scientific review by UniSC has shown the power of the Mediterranean diet to help manage the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

New tool to help stop injuries in the workplace and on outdoor adventures
2 JulUniSC researchers will develop and evaluate a new tool to help workplaces spot risks early and learn from past incidents – aiming to help to stop injuries before they happen

A Little heart goes a long way in the advertising world
2 JulFrom dismantling a luxury car to building award-winning campaigns, Chris Little’s creative career has been driven by heart.

Beyond playgrounds: how less structured city spaces can nurture children’s creativity and independence
30 JunLet’s build urban futures where children don’t just play, but can have positive adventures, says UniSC lecturer in Urban Planning Gregor H.

Coral-eating starfish’s scent could help protect coral on Great Barrier Reef
26 JunResearchers have found a new, naturally derived technology that could help control outbreaks of the coral-munching crown-of-thorns starfish – by mimicking one of its own scents

The sound of change: how Leah Barclay is designing sounds of the environment
25 JunDr Leah Barclay blends art, science, and technology in her pursuit of ecoacoustics, capturing natural soundscapes to inspire climate action and community engagement

Healthy ageing forum offers blueprint for living stronger, longer
23 JunA Healthy Ageing Forum on the Sunshine Coast is offering residents insights on staying strong, connected and resilient as they grow older

EOFY panic? How to do your first tax return without freaking out
20 JunIt might not be as much fun as the End of Financial Year retail sales, but lodging a tax return is an EOFY must for most working Australians, including many university students with casual, part-time or full-time jobs.

Making an impact! UniSC in global top 25 for five key United Nations goals
18 JunWhen it comes to helping protect animals, restore forests and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems, the University of the Sunshine Coast is proving to be among the best in the world.

The weight loss drug Mounjaro has been approved to treat sleep apnoea. How does it work?
17 JunMounjaro, a weight-loss drug commonly used for diabetes treatment, has just been approved to tackle sleep apnoea – so how exactly does it help you breathe easier at night?

Could it be PTSD? New free online screener to help people identify symptoms
16 JunA new two-minute survey could be all it takes to encourage people with undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to seek further help

Biosphere champion: Young researcher earns United Nations award nomination
16 JunUniSC research assistant Olivia Herrmann has been endorsed as Australia’s nominee for a global United Nations Young Scientist Award

Those ‘what I eat in a day’ TikTok videos aren’t helpful. They might even be harmful
11 JunThe ongoing popularity of social media videos that appear to promote healthy daily diets is having very unhealthy impacts on some viewers, according to a UniSC clinical psychologist who works with people with eating disorders

Why data analytics is the skillset of the future
11 JunThink of data as the new oil—valuable, but only after it's been refined.

UniSC graduate sells first feature film The Edge to Netflix
10 JunAn elite sprinter-turned-filmmaker with a University of the Sunshine Coast doctorate in creative arts has sold her first feature movie to global streaming giant Netflix.

Study finds violent youth assaults on police often triggered by past trauma
6 JunA UniSC study has found most young people charged with assaulting police had experienced childhood abuse, poverty, unstable housing and institutional failures.

The surprising power of photography in ageing well
4 JunUniSC's Tricia King explores how photography can support healthy ageing – enhancing memory, identity, and social connection for older adults through creative expression

UniSC expert: Cookbook recipe feud raises multiple legal issues
2 JunThe ongoing public feud about recipe exclusivity in cookbooks raises a legal minefield, according to a UniSC professor who specialises in intellectual property law in relation to food, plants and agriculture

UniSC Brasserie set for modern upgrade, more choices
30 MayThe dining experience at the University of the Sunshine Coast campus at Sippy Downs is about to undergo a major transformation.

Computer science graduate focuses on sustainable future
30 MayCoding at high school, computer science at university, climate technology at work –Nathan Cavalli has written his own algorithm for career success.

What do engineers do, and which field is right for you?
30 MayExplore the different fields of engineering, to find the perfect fit for your interests and career goals.

'Marigurim Yan’: A path to new possibilities for First Nations youth
29 MayMarigurim Yan – the Butchulla word for ‘strong walk’ – is the inspiration behind a research-based educational program guiding First Nations youth to dream big and think deeply about their futures

Facing the past, forging the future: the spirit of reconciliation
26 MayNational Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week offer all Australians a chance to learn from the past and the opportunity to create a more respectful future.

Why do I procrastinate and what can I do about it?
23 MayUniSC Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology Dr Catherine Houlihan explores why people procrastinate and what they can do about it

Boredom gets a bad rap. But science says it can actually be good for us
23 MayIn small doses, boredom has been shown to be the necessary counterbalance to the overstimulated world in which we live.

Hands-on learning helps university students shape their future careers in Gympie
22 MayWith a strong interest in making urban environments more resilient to climate change, aspiring town planner and University of the Sunshine Coast student Cameron Milne is gaining hands-on experience as a student planner with Gympie Regional Council

How whale song unlocks the psychology of tourism: new findings
21 MayAs Australia’s east coast tourism industry dives into a new whale migration season, a study has revealed the emotional and behavioural effects on people who hear the sounds of the ‘awe’-inspiring marine mammals

Beach birds are being impacted by 4x4 use, global study finds
21 MayCoastal birds are suffering negative impacts caused by off-road vehicles on beaches according to a University of the Sunshine Coast-led study

UniSC expert: Coalition 'highly likely' to reunite before next election
21 MayThe Coalition risks political suicide if it does not reunite before the next election, according to a UniSC expert in politics

Scientists, startups, space and sea: Queensland’s next-gen accelerator launched
19 MayAcoustic sensors detecting military threats and drones gathering vital frontline data on natural disasters are some of the expected outcomes of a bold new University of the Sunshine Coast program backing dynamic high-growth startups with the power of research.

More than a degree: Social Work graduate takes life-changing journey
16 MayFacing her fears to enrol at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Fraser Coast campus led to new Social Work graduate Sarah Leahy discovering she was more capable than she ever imagined.

How Emma turned her first screenplay into an award-winning film
13 MayAfter pivoting from theatre to screenwriting during COVID, Creative Industries student Emma Morgan’s debut short film is winning awards and screening at international film festivals

Coding, teaching, talking tech – meet Dr Erica Mealy
12 MayDr Erica Mealy talks about her passion for tech and how it can change lives for the better

How editing trauma memories with Reconsolidation Therapy™ could change PTSD treatment
8 MayEditing memories to treat trauma might sound like science fiction.

The Power of Sleep: Supporting mental health in First Nations children
8 MayA five-year national research project led by the UniSC is aiming to improve the mental health of First Nations children through better sleep.

Student leaders celebrated at graduation ceremonies
8 MayFrom volunteering to innovation, 36 standout grads were honoured with Student Leadership Awards at UniSC’s April ceremonies

Gut microbiome link to ADHD reinforced in scientific review
6 MayThe link between a gut imbalance and symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has been further supported by a University of the Sunshine Coast scientific review.

Busted! 3 sports nutrition experts tackle 3 food-and-exercise myths
30 AprClinical educator Zara Nance, Professor Gary Slater and lecturer Dr Amy-Lee Bowler have decades of experience in advising athletes at the top of their game, here's their advice for three of the most common fitness and exercise myths

From study to the front line: A look at the Bachelor of Paramedicine
30 AprParamedics play a crucial role in providing unscheduled healthcare in the community.

‘I’m a failure’: how schema therapy tackles the deep-rooted beliefs that affect our mental health
23 AprIf you ever find yourself stuck in repeated cycles of negative emotion, you’re not alone – more than 40% of Australians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.

How Katrina found the right path in counselling – without a doubt
22 AprWhen Katrina Vlcek's friend opened up to her in a busy Sydney cafe, she didn't know what to do or say.

Scholarship and bursary recipients shine with academic recognition at graduation
17 AprStudents from the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus, who received the City of Moreton Bay Scholarship or Study Bursary, have graduated with top academic recognition

Blood pressure: New study predicts how climate change will jeopardise blood supply
17 AprClimate change will impact the health of blood donors worldwide and increases in disease and natural disasters may trigger a rise in the need for blood, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Planetary Health

Outdoors teacher Lynda’s now a university medallist – Scout’s honour!
16 AprAfter a decade guiding Scouts through nature, Lynda Aldridge went on to finish her double degree with top honours and her dream teaching job.

Students are neither left nor right brained: how some early childhood educators get this ‘neuromyth’ and others wrong
16 AprMany teachers and parents know neuroscience, the study of how the brain functions and develops is important for children’s education.

UniSC in global collaboration to find world-first solutions for disease and health disorders
11 AprUniSC has formalised a global clinical trials collaboration to conduct potential world-first trials and contribute to breakthrough medical treatments and therapies

‘Deep listening’ research project aims to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students
11 AprThe University of the Sunshine Coast will share in almost $170,000 in Queensland Government Education Horizon Grants to identify and evaluate factors associated with boosting school attendance and achievements for First Nations students

Your pathway to a rewarding nursing career
10 AprNurses and carers are often with people when they are at vulnerable moments in their lives – it is a rewarding, meaningful profession that is in high demand.

‘Feels like a new lease of life’: Graduate, 61, earns Chancellor’s honour as UniSC reaches 40,000 graduates
8 AprAs UniSC reaches a major milestone – 40,000 graduates and counting – a 61-year-old is celebrating an achievement of her own

Disaster Informatics – How Digital Technology is Transforming Disaster Management
8 AprTechnology is revolutionising disaster management by shifting from reactive to predictive strategies thanks to tools like satellites, ground sensors, geo-visualisation, and open data, which are improving early warnings, response times, and community resilience.

Next-gen innovation to 'take flight' with new high-tech labs
8 AprFive new specialist labs – including a final assembly hub for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles – will anchor a flagship Innovation Precinct at the University of the Sunshine Coast

The wave whisperer
4 AprHow Peruvian longboarder Javier Leon carved an Aussie academic career with sand in his toes – and the next generation on his mind

UniSC’s new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual identity
4 AprKabi Kabi artist Lyndon Davis was commissioned to create a vibrant artwork reflecting UniSC’s connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across it's Queensland campus locations.

Struggling with maths? Let animals be the teacher, says new paper
2 AprHelping students relate to maths is a challenge for primary schools through to universities, but a solution be found in patterns made by animals in beach sand and the bark of Australia’s Scribbly Gum trees, according to University of the Sunshine Coast academics