About Me
Education
In my final year I conducted research exploring the relationship between mindfulness meditation and one’s perception of time. This was supervised by Professor Roger Watt. Whilst studying here I completed an elective course in Neuropsyhological Assessment, led by Professor Lindsay Wilson. This was where my interest in neuropsychology began.
Graduation Day at Stirling - Declan McLaren
The knowledge that I gained from this course at Stirling was put to the test when I began my first MSc, in Clinical Health Psychology, at the University of Strathclyde. At Strathclyde I developed a deep interest in dementia and in particular, the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with it. I completed a research project exploring the cognitive and neural correlates of depression in Alzheimer’s disease; which led well into my employment as a Dementia Link Worker. I also completed qualitative research exploring the relationship between mindfulness and sleep quality in post graduate students. The two have led quite nicely into my research at PhD level, exploring insomnia in adults following a stroke. See Previous Projects for details on projects completed whilst studying here.
Interests and Hobbies
Since my mid-teens I have practiced Muay Thai. Throughout my undergraduate I took part in many ‘Interclubs’, and have fought in several universities across Scotland, including the debating chamber of Glasgow University. I also consider myself incredibly lucky to say I’ve also been able to travel to, and train in Thailand!
Muay Thai Training in Krabi - Declan McLaren
Elephent Sacntuary in Chiang Mai - Declan McLaren
Unfortunately, Covid has impacted how often I can train, but I hope to join the Glasgow University Muay Thai club in early 2021. For the meantime, I keep fit by enjoying some of the fantastic running routes around Glasgow!
I am an avid guitar player, playing mostly on my acoustic, Pearl, pictured below. Dreams of being a rockstar are gone with my youth, but I do enjoy a gentle Jack Johnson sing along most nights.
Pearl - Declan McLaren
Lockdown has given me lots of time to play, as well as developing new hobbies. For example, this summer I began Munroing. I’ve only managed to tick off a few, but I’m enjoying it greatly so far.
Schiehallion - Declan McLaren
Schiehallion - Declan McLaren
My most recent method of filling my time has been making terrariums. It requires a lot of patience so take cuttings, wait for them to root, find the perfect container for them and design the terrarium to my liking. The final product is always worth the wait!
Terrariums - Declan McLaren