Biography

I am a Trainee Health Psychologist, a graduate member of the British Psychological Society and full member of the Division of Health Psychology. I joined the School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Science in July 2023, and I am a member of the Clinical, Health and Rehabilitation research Team (CHaRT). 

I graduated in 2020 from the University of Worcester with a BSc(Hons) in Counselling Psychology (2:1), and in 2021 graduated with a MSc in Health Psychology from University of Derby. I'm currently in the third year of my Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at Staffordshire University, due to become a qualified Health Psychologist in 2025. 

My Professional Doctorate portfolio explores long-term conditions including Dementia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. As part of my Professional Doctorate, I also complete Health Psychology interventions working either on a 1-1 basis or on a group basis to change health behaviours including: stress management, increasing physical activity levels, healthy eating and ensuring good quality nutritional intake. Examples of other health behaviours include weight management, smoking cessation, adherence to medical treatment and developing a good sleep hygiene routine. 

My previous research has examined the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism, social media, body image and motivations for food choice in a healthy population group. 

My current research for my Professional Doctorate is a piece of quantitative research examining the influencing factors for nutritional intake and motivation for food choice for individuals living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I am passionate about raising awareness for rare/under-diagnosed long-term conditions within her research; highlighting practical applications which Health Psychology can offer for individuals living with these conditions to improve physical and psychological well being. 

Research interests

My primary research interests are focussed on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. EDS is a rare/under-diagnosed long-term condition, of which there is very limited research and therefore little support for individuals living with the condition. By researching this condition, focussing on elements such as quality of life, nutrition, pain, fatigue will allow for awareness to be raised for EDS. This will aim to bridge research findings into practical applications and provide suggestions that Health Psychologists can utilise to support individuals living with the condition. 

Broad research interests include:

• Effectiveness of Public Health Campaigns.
• Factors influencing nutritional intake and food choice (in both healthy populations and/or individuals living with long-term conditions).
• The impact of physical activity on an individual's self-perception of health and wellbeing.
• Quality of life for individuals living with long-term conditions. 
• Factors influencing physical Activity for individuals living with long-term conditions. 

Teaching responsibilities

• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (Level 4) - Module Coordinator
• Conducting Research in Sport & Exercise Psychology (Level 4)
• Psychosocial Perspectives on the Management of Sports and Physical Activity (Level 4)
• The Evolution of Sport and Exercise Psychology (Level 4)
• Psychology of Sport & Exercise (Level 5)
• Preparing Research, Innovation, or Enterprise Projects (Level 5)
• Biopsychosocial Approaches to Physical Activity (Level 6)
• Undergraduate Research Projects supervisor (Level 6)
• Psychology of Exercise and Physical Activity (MSc)