Elliot is currently doing his PhD. His PhD project investigates biopsychosocial risk and protective factors that drive the stress response in emergency responders (NHMRC-funded project). His Honours research explores the epigenetic mechanisms by which childhood maltreatment can lead to negative health outcomes in later life. Before this research, he spent the last 7 years as a front line counsellor, with the last 3 specifically working with children. It was the experiences of working with these clients that motivated him to pursue research in the field of childhood maltreatment.