Breakthroughs and Brews: Minds in a Changing World

Join the JCU Psychology Association and JCU Psychology Department for Breakthroughs & Brews, an evening bringing psychological research out of the lecture theatre and into the community. Three JCU researchers will take on fascinating questions about the way we think, feel and navigate a changing world, with short, accessible talks, audience Q&As and time to grab a drink and chat between speakers. No psychology degree required. Just bring your curiosity. 🧠 🎤 Meet the speakers Dr Dan Miller Can you spot a fake? Detection of deepfake media Deepfakes are becoming increasingly realistic, but how good are we at actually spotting them? Dr Dan Miller explores how well people can identify AI-generated deepfake media and whether interventions can help improve human deepfake detection. Dan is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU whose research examines how emerging technologies shape human behaviour, well-being and society. Dr Sam Teague What Happens When People Help Design Their Own Mental Health Care? Mental health programs are often designed for people. But what happens when they're designed with them? Drawing on evidence from 43 trials involving 7,991 participants, Dr Sam Teague explores whether co-designed mental health interventions can improve outcomes and what meaningful involvement looks like in practice. Sam is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Senior Research Fellow at JCU whose research spans child development and digital mental health. Dr Amanda Krause More than a soundtrack: Can music become a therapeutic tool? Most of us already use music to change how we feel. But what happens when we use it deliberately as part of a therapeutic experience? Dr Amanda Krause explores how music and bodily awareness can help people connect with their emotions, gain new insights and support their well-being. Amanda is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at JCU and President of the Australian Music & Psychology Society. What to expect This isn't a night of hour-long lectures. Expect three short psychology talks, audience Q&As, breaks between speakers and plenty of time to chat and enjoy the venue. There’ll also be prizes drawn throughout the evening, so make sure you’re registered and in the room. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a JCU student or staff member, interested in psychology, or simply curious about how people think and behave. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from Townsville Brewing Co throughout the evening. Breakthroughs & Brews is presented by the JCU Psychology Association in partnership with the JCU Psychology Department.