Psychology

Profile

Background

In 2003, Chantal Avellino gained a first degree in Psychology with English at a subsidiary level and in the following year she gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Probation Services, both awarded by the University of Malta. Having developed an interest in the field of forensics, in 2006, Chantal went on to read for a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology at the Glasgow Caledonian University, in Scotland. Her studies focused upon exploring the experiences of female police officers in the Police Force.

Chantal then returned back to Malta and took on the role of Probation Officer and visiting assistant lecturer at the Department of Criminology, at the University of Malta. Having gained some experience in the field Chantal realised that there was a dire need to conduct more research especially with respect to risk assessment in probation and therefore decided to further her interest in forensics by commencing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Portsmouth.

Research Interests

Chantal is currently reading for a PhD under the supervision of Prof Alan Costall, Dr Michelle Newberry and Dr Adrian Needs. Through her research Chantal seeks to introduce a risk assessment and management strategy to the Maltese Department of Probation and Parole.

Chantal is a warranted forensic psychologist, a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), a member of the Maltese Psychological Association and a registered member of the Malta Criminology Association (MACA).