Dr Darja Kragt is a lecturer in work psychology at the School of Psychological Science. Her primary area of research is leadership and leadership development. Darja is passionate about  developing leaders and leadership through evidence-based research and practice, so that everyone can have a better boss!

Darja's other research interests include volunteering and retirement. At the core of her research lies the concept of identity that unites these seemingly different areas. For example, Darja is interested in how a volunteering identity develops over time, particularly among formal and informal volunteer leaders. She is also interested to explore how strong occupational identity may both inhibit and support a healthy transition to retirement.

Darja has a track record of succesful industry research collaborations and is highly experienced in data-driven program and intervention evaluation.

Darja has completed her PhD at the University of Western Australia Business School under the supervision of prof. David Day. Her dissertation investigated the role of identity in leadership development. Darja holds two Master degrees in International Business and Business Research from the Maastricht University. Prior to current position, Darja was employed as a research fellow to lead a Bushfire Natural Hazards CRC funded project into volunteering sustainability.