She is currently studying for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Swinburne University. Her research is on the influences of basic needs, social support and migration in South Sudan. Still working for World Vision, Alison is employed by the Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs team, which has seen her undertake various overseas missions with considerable time living and working in Sudan. She is also a World Vision technical advisor on a research project for psychological first aid in low to middle income countries with the World Trauma Foundation and the World Health Organisation.