Qualifications

PhD Psychology

University of Nottingham, 2019 – present.

Research Summary:

I am currently studying an ESRC-funded PhD in Psychology. My research investigates how sense of agency develops across adolescence. Sense of agency refers to our awareness of our authorship over our own actions and the consequences of those actions. My research focuses on mapping the trajectory at which this ability develops as individuals move through adolescence. I’ll also be looking at how the development of this ability differs in neurotypical adolescents vs adolescents with conditions that have been shown to struggle with this ability. Check out my current research here.

Training courses completed:

  • Python Programming
  • MATLAB Programming
  • R Programming & RStudio
  • JavaScript Programming
  • NVivo qualitative data analysis software
  • Teaching skills training (incl. class preparation, lecture/seminar delivery and providing feedback)
  • JASP data analysis software
  • Neuroimaging data analysis software (FMRIB Software Library, FSL)
  • PsychoPy study design software
  • Pavlovia online behavioural experiment website
  • SQL Programming
  • Research Integrity and Ethics
  • Online teaching and Microsoft Teams training
  • Turnitin marking training

Further details about my training can be found here.

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant for the “Practical Methods and Seminars in Psychology” undergraduate-level module
  • Seminar tutor for the “Foundations in Qualitative Research Methods” postgraduate-level module
  • Project Supervisor for undergraduate-level final year dissertation projects
  • Member of the Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training community (FORRT)
  • Member of the European Society of Psychology Learning and Teaching (ESPLAT)
  • Graduate member of the British Psychology Society
  • PsyPAG Quarterly Editor
  • Reviewer for Psychology Teaching Review
  • Reviewer for Postgraduate Pedagogies Journal
  • Mentor for the Inspiring Women in STEM campaign
  • Coordinator for Positive Minds peer support group
  • Co-coordinator for ADAPT postgraduate peer support group
  • Trained Peer Support Facilitator for Student Minds
  • Graphic Designer for Student Minds
  • Belly Dancing, competed both as a soloist and within a group at a National Belly Dance Competition.

MSc Psychology Research Methods – Distinction Class

University of Nottingham, 2018-2019.

Topics Covered:

  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Philosophy of Social Science Research
  • Research Design
  • Practical Applications of Psychological Research
  • Research Internship
  • Use of vBOT apparatus and basic C++ programming

Final Thesis:

In collaboration with Dr Katherine Dyke and Professor Stephen Jackson, I explored the development of motor timing in 3-12 year-olds. Participants heard a series of tones delivered at different frequencies. Participants were instructed to tap their index fingers in time with the tones. The task gave an indication of the impact of age on participants’ ability to accurately align their movements with the timing of an external stimulus.

Grade: Distinction

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant on the “Foundations in Quantitative Research Methods” postgraduate-level module.

BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience – 1st Class

University of Nottingham, 2015-2018.

Topics Covered:

  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Statistics (incl. SPSS software)
  • Neurological Psychology
  • Social Neuroscience Research
  • Motor System Research
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Personality and Individual Differences
  • Behavioural Psychology
  • Vision Research
  • Psychology of Aging
  • Psychology of Road User Behaviour
  • Use of fNIRS device and software
  • Use of NITES1 Driving Simulator and related software

Final Dissertation:

With the support of Dr Chloe Robbins and Professor Peter Chapman, I investigated the efficacy of functional near-infrared spectroscopy as an online measure of within-subject variability in inhibitory control. The task was completed within the Nottingham Integrated Transport and Environment Simulator (NITES1). Participants wore a functional near-infrared spectroscopy device throughout the task. Participants drove to a series of road junctions within the virtual reality environment. On each trial, an oncoming car was positioned at a variable distance away from the junction. The task was designed to investigate the ability of fNIRS to measure fluctuations in inhibitory control.

Grade: 1st Class

Awards:

  • Highest Graduating Student Award
  • British Psychology Society Undergraduate Prize
  • Nottingham Advantage Award
  • Union Prize
  • Gold Leadership Award
  • Volunteering Award
  • Students as Change Agents Award

For more information on my awards, see here.

Extracurricular Activities:

  • Undergraduate Education Representative
  • Undergraduate Course Representative for 2nd/3rd year BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience students
  • Vice President/Treasurer/Publicity Officer at Supporting Young Minds Volunteering group
  • Creator of Psych and Neuro 101
  • Research Assistant in the School of Psychology
  • Peer Mentor to 1st year BSc Psychology students
  • Xerte Online Toolkit training
  • Assistant Director and Combat Choreographer at Nottingham New Theatre.

For more information on my volunteering activity, see here.