Bob Geary

Investigating strategies to improve the quality of life and self-management skills in young people with food allergies. (PhD Candidate 2023)

Food allergies affect approximately 5% of young people in Australia (Sasaki et al., 2018). Young adults, who may have previously relied upon their caregivers to avoid allergens, need to develop new skills as they begin to live independently. Given the poor outcomes that often occur when young people assume management of their food allergies, it is important to understand how to improve their self-management and quality of life. This research will  identify interventions to deliver age-appropriate  strategies for young people with food allergies at risk of anaphylaxis as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Community Organisations, Social Media and Membership: Exploring Facebook's Potential ( MPhil 2015)

I investigated the use of social media as a possible solution to declining and ageing memberships in community organisations, increasing recruitment and retention. Focusing on Facebook use in Rotary International clubs in South Australia and beyond, I analysed newsletter and Facebook content, online surveys, and interviews with members from selected clubs, and argued that Facebook has the potential to build a sense of belonging among younger community members, who might be disaffected by traditional club structures and communication channels.