Dr Sugden is a researcher in the School of Psychology at Charles Sturt University. Her primary research area is psychological assessment. Within this area, her research has focused on the assessment of prospective memory, including the development of the Prospective Memory Concerns Questionnaire (PMCQ). Nicole has also investigated methods for estimating premorbid intellectual functioning and the impact of the Flynn effect on these estimation processes.

Other research areas include the experiences of university students in online learning environments (i.e., engagement with online interactive resources, forum usage, and approaches to study). In addition, Nicole is currently working on a collaborative project with CSU marketing and education researchers, looking at people with disabilities' experiences in embarking on tourism activities.

I am a member of the Charles Sturt University School of Psychology's Perception and Performance Research Group and am involved in the supervision of PhD and Honours students.