Zoe Isabella Young

Zoe Isabella Young, Ph.D., leads the Community Engagement Initiative at the University of Melbourne.

It's a crisp Tuesday morning in April when I find myself walking through the sun-dappled courtyards of the University of Melbourne, located in the heart of Parkville, a vibrant suburb just north of Melbourne’s bustling city center. The scent of eucalyptus fills the air as students bustle around, their chatter blending with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Today, I’m here to meet Dr. Zoe Isabella Young, whose pioneering work has placed her at the forefront of community psychology. Her office, nestled within one of the university's historic sandstone buildings, is a testament to her dedication: walls lined with books on sociology and psychology, interspersed with colorful artwork from local artists.

Dr. Young directs the Community Engagement Initiative, a program designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. Through this initiative, she and her team collaborate closely with local communities, aiming to address social issues and improve quality of life. Her approach is refreshingly hands-on; she believes that true understanding comes not just from reading or theorizing but from engaging directly with the people and environments being studied.

In our conversation, Dr. Young shares stories of projects that have transformed neighborhoods, empowered marginalized groups, and even influenced policy changes. She speaks passionately about the importance of empathy and active listening in her work, values that are evident in both her professional and personal life. As we talk, it's clear that for Dr. Young, this isn't just a job—it's a calling.