Qualifications

Overview
PhD Psychology, University of Nottingham (2019 – 2023)

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Thesis focus: Investigated adolescent agency development — how young people develop awareness of control over their actions and consequences, engaging with sociological, philosophical, and developmental debates.

Approach: Designed online behavioural experiments using Python; collected data from children, adolescents, and young adults, including those with Tourette Syndrome. Tailored data collection and recruitment strategies to each age group, collaborating with parents, schools, and charities to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

Analysis: Applied statistical modelling (two-horse rise-to-threshold models, Bayesian learning models) using MATLAB and Python to explore action-anticipation and risky decision-making.

Outputs: Shared findings through podcasts, newsletters, and artist collaborations to engage both academic and public audiences.

I completed training modules and courses on:

  • Programming & Data Analysis: Python, MATLAB, R, JavaScript, NVivo, FSL.
  • Experimental Software: PsychoPy, Pavlovia.
  • Teaching: Lecture delivery, seminar prep, feedback provision.
  • Research Integrity & Ethics.

Further details on training available here: https://hannahslack.wordpress.com/training/

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Member of the Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training community (FORRT).
  • Editor of the BPS Postgraduate Affairs Group (PsyPAG) Quarterly.
  • Group Coordinator and Trained Peer Support Facilitator for Student Minds Nottingham.
  • Mentor for the Inspiring Women in STEM campaign.
MSc Psychology Research Methods, University of Nottingham (2018-2019)

Grade: Distinction.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Thesis focus: Development of motor timing in children (3-12 years) using gamified finger-tapping; assessed alignment of movement with external stimuli as a basis for agency awareness.

Topics included: Quantitative & qualitative methods, philosophy of social science, practical research applications, and research internship involving vBOT robot and C++ programming.

BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, (2015-2018).

Grade: First Class Honours (Ranked 1st in cohort each year of degree).

Dissertation focus: Evaluated the efficacy of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as an online measure of within-subject variability in inhibitory control while driving. This study was conducted using the Nottingham Integrated Transport and Environment Simulator (NITES1), where participants wore an fNIRS device while navigating virtual reality road junctions.

Topics Covered:

  • Research Methods, Statistics (including SPSS software).
  • All primary areas of psychology, including Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Behavioural Psychology, and Personality and Individual Differences.
  • Specialist topics, including Neurological Psychology, Social Neuroscience, Motor System Research, Vision Psychology, the Psychology of Aging, and the Psychology of Road User Behaviour.

Awards Summary: Recognised with multiple academic and leadership awards, including the Highest Graduating Student Award, BPS Undergraduate Prize, and Gold Leadership Award.

Full list available here: https://hannahslack.wordpress.com/awards/

Extracurricular Activities: Actively contributed to academic life and student wellbeing as Education and Course Representative, Research Assistant, and Peer Mentor. Co-led mental health volunteering group (Supporting Young Minds), created public-facing resources (Psych & Neuro 101), and contributed to student theatre as Assistant Director, including choreographing a staged fight scene. These experiences shaped my values around inclusive education, creativity, and community.

More details here: https://hannahslack.wordpress.com/volunteering/

Check out Psych & Neuro 101 here: https://psychandneuro101.wordpress.com/