Claudette Pretorius

Dr. Claudette Pretorius is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD). With a rich background in human-computer interaction and psychology, Dr. Pretorius specialises in digital mental health, focusing on the intersection of technology and well-being. Her research integrates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore and enhance online help-seeking for mental health, particularly for young people.

She has been awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and has collaborated with various disciplines and international researchers through the TEAM-ITN initiative. Her research has significantly influenced the design of online mental health services, with her recommendations being adopted by local Irish mental health organisations.

Dr. Pretorius holds a PhD in Computer Science from UCD, where her thesis focused on designing technologies to support young people’s online help-seeking for mental health difficulties. She also possesses an MA in Counselling Psychology from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and a BA (Hons) in Psychology from the University of South Africa.

Her professional affiliations include memberships with ACM SIGCHI, the International Early Psychosis Association, and the International Association for Youth Mental Health. Dr. Pretorius is dedicated to advancing the field of digital mental health through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.