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Diana Tan

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Macquarie University

Biography

I grew up in Singapore and moved to Perth, Western Australia in 2012 to pursue my Honours and PhD degrees in Psychology in the University of Western Australia (UWA). I completed my PhD in 2018 where I investigated biological mechanisms underlying the development of autism using physical characteristics such as facial structures. Prior to joining Macquarie University in 2021, I worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the School of Psychological Science in UWA and CliniKids in Telethon Kids Institute where I built on my PhD research by examining facial characteristics expressed as a broad autism phenotype among siblings and parents of children on the autism spectrum. My PhD and early postdoctoral work has equipped me with a critical mind and advanced quantitative research skills. In my current role at AutismMQ, I aim to apply these skills to conduct meaningful and impactful research in collaboration with the autistic and autism community. My current research work involves examining factors influencing the inclusion of autistic individuals in research beyond merely as passive participants but also as active collaborators. I am also interested in understanding stigma and prejudice associated with autism, and the impact of social camouflaging on the wellbeing of autistic people.

Interests

  • Participatory autism research
  • Stigma and prejudice
  • Autism phenotypes

Education

  • PhD in Psychology, 2018

    University of Western Australia

  • BSc (First Class Honours) in Psychology, 2013

    University of Western Australia

  • BSc in Psychology, 2012

    University of Western Australia

Skills

R

Statistics

3D Analysis

Experience

 
 
 
 
 

Incoming Macquarie University Research Fellow

Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University

Dec 2022 – Present AU
 
 
 
 
 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Macquarie School of Education, Macquarie University

Apr 2021 – Dec 2022 AU
 
 
 
 
 

Honorary Research Fellow

School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia

Apr 2021 – Present AU
 
 
 
 
 

Honorary Research Associate

CliniKids, Telethon Kids Institute

Sep 2020 – Present AU
 
 
 
 
 

Visiting Researcher

Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge

Nov 2019 – Apr 2021 UK
 
 
 
 
 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Autism Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute

Apr 2018 – Mar 2020 AU
 
 
 
 
 

Postdoctoral Research Associate

School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia

Apr 2017 – Apr 2021 AU
 
 
 
 
 

Visiting PhD Student

Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge

Jun 2016 – Nov 2016 UK
 
 
 
 
 

Research Assistant

Business School, University of Western Australia

Apr 2012 – Apr 2014 AU

Recent Posts

Contact

  • +61 2 9850 8639
  • 29 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW 2109
  • Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00