09/2020 - Present RESEARCH METHODS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW - ONGOING
Courses include: Professional Skills, Data Skills, Qualitative Research Methods, Cognitive Brain Imaging Methods, Introduction to Matlab, Research Methods in Cognitive Science, Statistics, and a Master’s thesis project.
09/2017 – 11/2018 CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY MSC, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE - MERIT
Courses include: Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Neuropsychology Related to Medical Conditions, Clinical Psychology Related to Medical Conditions, Health Psychology Related to Medical Conditions, as well as a professional placement and a large research project exploring depressive symptoms in dementia.
09/2013 – 06/2017 PSYCHOLOGY BSC, UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING – 2.1
Courses include: Neuropsychological Assessment, Pediatric Palliative Care, Research Methods, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Clinical and Health Psychology, Individual Differences, Cognition, Brain and Behaviour and a final year research project.
11/2019 - 09/2020 POST DIAGNOSTIC DEMENTIA LINK WORKER - NHS LOTHIAN
As a Dementia Link worker with NHS Lothian, I helped people recently diagnosed with dementia, and their families, come to terms with their diagnosis, build resilience, and live well with dementia. I implemented Alzheimer’s Scotland’s 5-pillar model of support, which focused on: understanding the diagnosis and managing the symptoms, planning for future decision making, planning for future care, developing means of peer support, and facilitating socialization. Whilst here, I developed several pieces of documentation which are now used within the Older Person’s mental Health Team, including a dementia friendly Person-Centred Support Plan, an extensive list of amenities in West Lothian categorised by type and location, and a “What If?” Index, designed to bridge the gap between 5-pillar and 8-pillar models of support. I received training in: Dementia Awareness, Violence & Aggression, Control and Restraint (level 2), domestic abuse in the elderly, and resuscitation. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, I was redeployed to acute psychiatric and over-65 psychiatric wards, where I fulfiled the role of healthcare support worker.
full details in Previous Projects
MASTERS RESEARCH PROJECT
I conducted a research project exploring the cognitive and neural correlates of depression in early stage Alzheimer’s disease, for which I achieved distinction. I gained practice in preparing and analysing T1.5 and T3 MRI scans of Alzheimer’s patients, using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 and the CAT12 toolbox. T-tests and regression analyses models were designed and conducted on these scans to explore differences in grey matter volume between depressed and non-depressed patients, and to explore any linear relationships between grey matter volume and the severity of depression. I enhanced my skills in using MATLAB and SPSS and gained experience of working with neuropsychological batteries such as the WAIS-IV. This built on experience I gained in neuropsychological assessment in my undergraduate, from time spent studying with Professor Lindsay Wilson at the University of Stirling. I was incredibly proud of this project and achieved distinction overall. This really cemented my desire to progress on to complete a PhD.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROJECT
My dissertation project at undergraduate level explored the relationship between mindfulness meditation and time perception. I began practicing mindfulness at 15 years of age and this was an incredibly exciting experience, being able to conduct novel research in an area I felt passionately about. Here we used heart rate variability as a psychobiological measure of arousal, and had participants complete a simple reaction time test, before and after completing a guided mindfulness meditation. This project gave me an excellent opportunity to develop my skills in recruiting and working with participants, as well as improving my skills in using SPSS and MATLAB. This experience was pivotal in cementing my desire to become a successful researcher and helped provide my competency in statistical analysis. For this project I achieved a 2.1 and was proud to be able to present my research at the University of Stirling psychology conference 2017.
STRESSBUSTERS
I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to lead a CBT based stress-reduction workshop for university students at Strathclyde. Here I called upon training I have received in CBT, person centred therapy, and motivational interviewing to effectively communicate the course content to the service users so that they could better manage their stress. My high empathy and skills in communication and public speaking allowed me to complete this task and provided me a chance to develop my professional identity. We used a psychoeducational approach to teach service users about their stress response, the effect it can have on the body, and useful methods of reducing their stress levels.
THE SPORTING MEMORIES FOUNDATION
From April to November 2019 I was a volunteer with the Sporting Memories Foundation and was one of the founding members of the Sporting Memories group in Glenrothes. Here I led groups of primarily older people, with an interest in sport, who are living with depression, loneliness and isolation or a dementia diagnosis. The focus was to provide a group setting and encourage conversations which allow everyone to reminisce about sporting events they remember from the past. This can bring about amazing short-term improvements in those living with the symptoms of dementia, as well as offering carers some respite. Several wives of attendees have expressed that for a short while after the meetings, they have their husbands back. Comments like these are wonderful to hear. The group setting also provides welcome social interaction for those living in isolation.
SCOTTISH GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SGSSS) - STUDENTSHIP
In 2020 I was awarded a position at the University of Glasgow, to complete my PhD. This position took the format of a 1+3 SGSSS funded PhD studentship. From which I will graduate in 2024.
THE MACLAREN CLAN BURSARY (£500 per annum)
During my undergraduate I was awarded a grant from the Maclaren Clan Society. This amounted to £500 per annum whilst studying, and ended after my first MSc. I continue to be a member of the clan.
Available upon request.
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