Erica Reid Underwood

Erica Reid Underwood (26 June 1907 – 1 February 1992) was an Australian expert in child psychology who became a radio broadcaster. She was recognised with an MBE for her community work.

Life Underwood was born in Albany in 1907. Her mother, Jessie Reid (born Clough), was born in Scotland and her father William Jenkins Chandler was a teacher born in Queensland. In the late 1940s, Underwood joined King and contributed talks and deputised when necessary. Her particular talent was her expertise in child psychology.

In 1974 the Western Australian Institute of Technology, which would become Curtin University, employed Underwood as the first woman on the establishment's council.

Death and legacy Underwood died in the Perth suburb of Shenton Park in 1992. Curtin University's student accommodation includes Erica Underwood House which houses over 300 students. Her name was chosen because she was the first woman on their council and because she was the first person trained to be a psychologist in Western Australia.