Vicki Heinrich
I commenced my PhD candidature at the University of Tasmania in 2019 after completing my undergraduate and honours in psychology at the University of New England in 2018. I have worked as a weather observer at the Bureau of Meteorology around Australia and in Antarctica. I have completed several seasons at the Australian Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic stations as the senior observer. My interest in psychology has stemmed from this experience, curiosity about human behaviours, and my work as a weather observer.
My honours research used structural equation modeling to test a theoretical model of preparedness behaviours and recovery response on a survey dataset taken after Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015. The model was based on protective motivation theory and affective perceived risk theories, and the research question of how preparedness and warning messages are related to preparation and recovery.
My PhD project is titled: Use of Climate and Weather Information: Risk perception and decision-making in Antarctica. My research focuses on how people use weather and climate information, examining risk perception and decision-making in the Antarctic context using metacognition, social, and behavioural theories. It will contribute to evidence-based, best practice and education in decision-making to reduce risk relating to human health and the environment in Antarctica, and improve forecasting products and services. This project is endorsed by the Year of Polar Prediction and aligns with research needs of the Polar Prediction Project, Societal and Economic Research and Applications (PPP-SERA) a part of the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UTAS Better Health and Marine, Antarctic and Maritime research themes.
My honours research used structural equation modeling to test a theoretical model of preparedness behaviours and recovery response on a survey dataset taken after Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015. The model was based on protective motivation theory and affective perceived risk theories, and the research question of how preparedness and warning messages are related to preparation and recovery.
My PhD project is titled: Use of Climate and Weather Information: Risk perception and decision-making in Antarctica. My research focuses on how people use weather and climate information, examining risk perception and decision-making in the Antarctic context using metacognition, social, and behavioural theories. It will contribute to evidence-based, best practice and education in decision-making to reduce risk relating to human health and the environment in Antarctica, and improve forecasting products and services. This project is endorsed by the Year of Polar Prediction and aligns with research needs of the Polar Prediction Project, Societal and Economic Research and Applications (PPP-SERA) a part of the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UTAS Better Health and Marine, Antarctic and Maritime research themes.
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Position
PhD Candidate in Psychology Faculty/Division School of Medicine Division of Psychology vicki.heinrich@utas.edu.au Address University of Tasmania School of Medicine Division of Psychology Private Bag 30 Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005 |
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons), University of New England (2018) - BEnvSc (Hons), University of Adelaide (2000) Research Interests - Risk Perception - Decision-Making and Metacognition - Polar Psychology - Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation |