Dr Melanie Muniandy
Award for Excellent PhD Thesis in Psychology

Award type: Science

Melanie completed her PhD at La Trobe University's Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC). Her thesis provides a comprehensive and in-depth examination of coping and resilience in Autistic adults and how these constructs may underpin the mental health outcomes in this population.

Through six empirical studies, she validated a coping measure and illustrated diverse interactions between coping strategies and resilience. These findings can inform the development and design of stress and mental health supports in Autistic adults. Based on her thesis, Melanie has published six first-author publications and was awarded the prestigious Nancy Millis Medal for a thesis of exceptional merit.

Melanie is currently a postdoctoral researcher at OTARC and continues to conduct resilience research with hopes of uncovering the strengths of Autistic individuals, identifying environmental barriers, developing targeted supports and informing systemic change to reduce the stress and adversity this population faces.

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