Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems

Investigating distributed situation awareness (DSA) and inter-agency coordination in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

Alison is a PhD student with the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, investigating distributed situation awareness (DSA) and inter-agency coordination in Search and Rescue(SAR) operations under the supervision of Associate Professor Gemma Read and Professor Paul Salmon.

Her research project will investigate DSA in the SAR environment examining how teamwork and interagency communication among organisations can be optimised. It will also investigate the role of information technologies to achieve effective communication, decision-making and goals in search and rescue.

After graduating with a dual degree in Psychology and Exercise Science (BA/BSc) Alison spent time living and working in Indonesia.  Returning to the University of the Sunshine Coast(UniSC) in 2016 she obtained a first-class honours degree, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) investigating distributed situation awareness between different road users.

Alison has worked as a research assistant at the Centre and at the Wesley Institute of Research in Brisbane. Prior to returning to study Alison was employed in the tourism industry, travelling the globe and researching other people’s holiday destinations.

As a masters’ competitor and volunteer in the surf lifesaving movement she has a keen interest in all of the Centres research themes of sport, health, transport and safety.

If you would like to discuss any of these interests with Alison, please contact her on: Alison.O’Brien@research.usc.edu.au