معرفی
Associate Professor Elissa Pearson is a faculty member at the University of South Australia, affiliated with the School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy and UniSA Justice & Society. Her research focuses on conservation psychology, environmental education, and the psychological benefits of nature connection, with a particular emphasis on human-animal interactions and biodiversity conservation. She collaborates with organizations like Zoos Victoria to evaluate conservation education programs, such as those addressing endangered species awareness and sustainable consumer behavior.
Her teaching spans undergraduate psychology programs, particularly online courses, emphasizing practical applications of psychological knowledge. She supervises research degree students and contributes to initiatives fostering psychological literacy and student well-being through nature-based learning. Pearson’s work integrates conservation education with behavioral science, exploring how social media, community engagement, and zoo-based interventions can drive pro-environmental attitudes and actions.
Key research highlights include evaluating the impact of zoo campaigns like ‘Don’t Palm Us Off’ and ‘Seal the Loop,’ assessing marine wildlife entanglement awareness, and investigating the role of parental attitudes in children’s outdoor play. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges psychology, environmental science, and education to address global sustainability challenges.
