Dr Darwinkel has a PhD in the field of Forensic Psychology, specialising in investigative interviews of sexual assault and child abuse. She established the Safer Community program for campus threat management at Victoria University, and currently manages Speak Up at La Trobe University. Dr Darwinkel is experienced in responding to and managing complex cases relating to problem behaviours. She has previously worked as a trainer in investigative interviewing, as well as a lecturer and a researcher in Psychology, most notably completing research for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. She is currently working on research examining campus threat assessment and management in Victorian Universities.