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A very natural and relaxed conversation with my brilliant Research Assistant, Brier Michelsen
I am an Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at Macquarie University. I was awarded my PhD in Psychology in 2014, and went on to do postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Minnesota and Macquarie University before being awarded three consecutive competitive fellowships.
I'm working to improve the assessment, diagnosis, and classification of psychopathology based on the specific patterns in which symptoms of mental disorders tend to co-occur. My research uses these patterns in symptoms and disorders to characterise the nature, causes, and consequences of mental illness across the lifespan. You can read some examples of my work in this space here.
My new fellowship focuses specifically on what we can learn about the mechanisms underlying mental illness when we use empirically derived constructs, rather than traditional diagnostic categories.
I'm working to improve the assessment, diagnosis, and classification of psychopathology based on the specific patterns in which symptoms of mental disorders tend to co-occur. My research uses these patterns in symptoms and disorders to characterise the nature, causes, and consequences of mental illness across the lifespan. You can read some examples of my work in this space here.
My new fellowship focuses specifically on what we can learn about the mechanisms underlying mental illness when we use empirically derived constructs, rather than traditional diagnostic categories.
Interested in doing a PhD with me?
I'm planning to take on two new PhD students in 2027 to work with me on my program of research. If you are interested and have relevant experience in quantitative psychopathology research and methods, please send me:
- A 1-page personal statement describing your general research interests and how they relate to my work (e.g., what research questions or topics are you excited about?), as well as an overview of your research experience (e.g., your specific roles and the skills you have developed).
- Your CV, including names and contact details of two academic references who can be contacted about your application.
I will review applications in September and set a time to meet with shortlisted candidates.
Some relevant information for applicants considering Macquarie University for a PhD:
- If you have a Master of Research or equivalent research masters (e.g., with a research thesis ≥20,000 words), or more than 12 months experience working and publishing in a research lab, you are likely eligible for direct entry into the PhD program. Other candidates may need to enrol via the MRes to PhD pathway.
- Applicants with exceptional academic track records will be competitive for scholarships to support their study.
- You would be based in the School of Psychological Sciences and the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre.
- You can read more about undertaking a PhD at Macquarie University, including fees and available scholarships, here.
NHMRC Investigator Grant Projects
Redefining Psychopathology: Empirical Phenotypes Offer a Path to Discovery
This research is extending work to move away from traditional approaches to diagnosing mental illness, instead following the patterns in how symptoms naturally co-occur to define so-called ‘empirical phenotypes’.
Creating an Empirically Based Classification System for Mental Illness
This study strengthened the foundations for work on improving the way mental illness is assessed and identified in research and practice.
Recent Publications
Examining the foundational assumptions of the hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology.
Aftab A., Wright A. G., Rodriguez-Seijas C., Hankin B. L., Clark L. A., Forbes M. K., ..., C. G. DeYoung
Preprint on PhilPapers, 2026
M. K. Forbes
Preprint on OSF, 2026
Chau T., Carmichael J., Tiego J., Forbes M., Kerestes R., Ure A., ..., & Bellgrove M.
Preprint on ResearchSquare, 2025
Faulkenberry R. S., Lee K. Y., Linscott R. J., Forbes M. K., Kaczkurkin A. N., Naragon-Gainey K., ..., & Sellbom M.
Preprint on OSF, 2025
Where do cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders fit in dimensional models of psychopathology?
M. K. Forbes
C. Hopwood, C. Sharp, Dimensional Diagnosis: Practical and Conceptual Issues in the Integration of Personality and Psychopathology., Guilford Press, 2025
View all
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When my plant was still alive
Contact
Miriam K. Forbes, PhD
School of Psychological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences
Macquarie University
2109