Rate My Professor Frankie Gaston

Frankie Gaston is a professional in student support services at the University of Otago, with a strong academic foundation in forensic psychology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Otago and subsequently completed a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. Her master's thesis, "Young People's Comprehension of the Rights Caution in New Zealand," was associated with the Applied Developmental Psychology Lab at the University of Otago. This research investigated how young people understand the Rights Caution provided during police interrogations, contributing valuable insights into child and youth forensic interviewing practices. The thesis has been referenced in key New Zealand Law Commission publications, including the Issues Paper on access to justice for children and young people and reports on the use of DNA in criminal investigations, underscoring its impact on policy discussions surrounding youth rights and legal comprehension in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Currently, Frankie Gaston holds the position of Manager of Training and Development at Te Whare Tāwharau, the University of Otago's dedicated Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Centre, part of Student Services. In this leadership role, she manages training programs designed to educate students and staff on preventing sexual harm and intimate partner violence. These initiatives include workshops such as CommUNIty 102, which cover topics like peer pressure, gender norms, consent, and bystander intervention strategies. Gaston's involvement was highlighted in a March 2026 University of Otago Newsroom article announcing the centre's move to a new location at 63 Clyde Street in North Dunedin, where she was pictured alongside Centre Manager Hahna Briggs and members of the 2026 peer facilitator team. Prior to this, she served as an Administrator in the Divisional Services and Administration for Academic and Central Services, including support for the Centre for Sustainability. In 2024, she also took on the role of General Manager at the Otago Mental Health Support Trust, advancing community mental health support efforts.

Gaston's career demonstrates a seamless integration of her expertise in forensic psychology with practical applications in wellbeing, prevention education, and administrative leadership within higher education.