Pat is an Associate Professor specialising in youth development and youth mentoring in the Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Auckland. Her teaching and research intent is driven by her desire to understand and enhance the lives of young people through applied and transdisciplinary research. As a researcher, she recognises the critical role of social justice in addressing systemic inequalities faced by young people and their families today. Her academic journey has been shaped by her experiences in youth development, youth mentoring, adolescent mental health, and service learning. Her primary research focus lies at the intersection of youth well-being and youth mentoring within educational contexts. She has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strengths-based culturally grounded youth mentoring programmes. Her practical experience with community organisations, educators and policy makers informs her research intent to create positive change for future generations. 

Distinctions/Honours:
University of Auckland Research Impact Award 2022
Faculty of Education and Social Work Early Career Teaching Excellence Award 2015
Vodafone World of Difference Fellow, Vodafone NZ Foundation 2014
Top Achiever Doctoral Scholar, Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, Ministry of Education 2003

Responsibilities:
Programme Director BA, BA(Hons), and MA (education majors)
Faculty Representative of the General Education Board of Studies
Named Investigator of Adolescent Health Research Group