About the Editors
Dr Marc Chao
Marc is a Lecturer in Psychology with the College of Healthcare Sciences at James Cook University Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) Campus, where he also serves as the Academic Advisor for the Bachelor of Psychological Science.
His research applies psychological science to public health challenges, focusing on mindfulness-based interventions, global consciousness, critical thinking to counter misinformation, and associative learning in human behaviour. By integrating these areas, Marc seeks to develop culturally responsive, evidence-based strategies that strengthen mental health, resilience, and adaptive behaviour, particularly in vulnerable and underserved populations. His doctoral research examined learning across multiple contexts in classical and instrumental conditioning and its influence on the recovery of first-learned associations, offering new insights into extinction learning mechanisms.
Marc is a passionate educator whose philosophy centres on equitable access to learning and inclusive teaching practices. He has consistently achieved high subject (4.9/5 for SP52 2023 PY2111) and teacher ratings (5/5 for SP52 2023 PY2111) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
His qualifications include a PhD in Psychology from James Cook University (passed with no amendments), an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health (Distinction) from King’s College London, an MSc in International Business Management (Top Graduate) from Edinburgh Napier University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Distinction) from the University of Liverpool, and a Specialist Diploma in Career Counselling from Republic Polytechnic, Singapore (endorsed by the Career Industry Council of Australia).
Dr Muhamad Alif Bin Ibrahim
Alif (pronouns: he/him) has a PhD in Society and Culture from James Cook University, Australia. His doctoral study examined the resilience of LGBTQ couples against the socio-political stressors they experienced in Singapore. His research provided pertinent insights into the challenges that LGBTQ couples face in Singapore and the ways in which they cope and maintain their relationships in a socio-political context that continues to marginalise their relationships and families.
As a social scientist, Alif draws from the disciplines of psychology and sociology. His research interests include relationships and families in the LGBTQ community, qualitative research methodologies, coping and resilience, and critical approaches to health and illness. Alif is also actively involved with various internationally recognised societies, including being an International Representative of the International Society for Critical Health Psychology (ISCHP) and a New Scholar Member under the Publications Committee of the International Association for Relationship Research (IARR).
Beyond his PhD research, he has over 12 years of research experience utilising social science knowledge, theories, and methods at the intersections of health and public health. He is experienced in utilising such knowledge and tools to develop and improve health services and interventions for healthcare workers and individuals from the LGBTQ community. Alif is also a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. He believes that research can be a powerful tool for promoting social change.
