Dr Kennedy is a Research Fellow in the Youth Mental Health program at the Thompson Institute – University of the Sunshine Coast. Dr Kennedy’s research focuses on how students adjust to school transitions (to primary and high school), with a focus on both neurotypical and neurodivergent students experiencing emotional and behavioural issues. She is the Team Leader of School Programs at the Thompson Institute, regularly delivering talks to schools (executive staff, teachers & parents) on translating the relationship between child and adolescent brain development and mental health & wellbeing.