Dashboard – Psychology Zone

About Me:

I am a second-year psychology PhD student, and I live in London with my husband and our dog Luna. I enjoy aerial silks, ballroom dancing and going to shows.
My pronouns are:

she/her
My Work:

I am a PhD student studying how we learn in social environments. I use brain scanning to look at the way that people’s brains coordinate during teaching and learning.
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I am interested in finding out how the brain works during learning. There is a theory that some parts of the brain are active at the same time in a teacher and student when learning is taking place, and this might help them remember more information afterwards.

I use brain scanning caps which shine light into the brain to find out which areas are active while a lesson is being taught. My research will help us to work out how to improve teaching methods so students can learn more in class.
My Typical Day:

I spend half of my time working on my PhD project and half as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. When working on my PhD, I spend time reading articles, writing essays and designing methods for my experiments. I also spend time learning to code and attending meetings with other researchers.

During my teaching time, I help students with their learning, mark their work and do administration to help the courses run smoothly. I also sometimes give lectures.
What I'd do with the prize money:

I would use this to create a fun and interactive workshop about brain scanning to promote the work of Birkbeck Babylab and Toddlerlab. This could be run in schools and be attended by parents and their children to build interest in the work going on at Birkbeck and encourage parents to sign up for their children to take part in fun experiments.

Candidate CV questions (extra)

Education:

Clarendon House Grammar School in Ramsgate, Kent, 2004-2009

Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School in Canterbury, Kent, 2009-2011

University of Sussex, Brighton, 2011-2014

Birkbeck, University of London, 2019-2021
Qualifications:

GCSES – Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Art, Geography, French, Music

A-levels – Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Music

Degree – Neuroscience

Master’s Degree – Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology
Work History:

Before starting as a PhD student, I previously worked in digital communications. I managed the social media channels and the website for the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. Before this I also worked in a children’s education centre.
Current Job:

PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant
Employer:

Birkbeck, University of London

My Interview
- What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  Science TV presenter
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  I would be a medical doctor
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  ABBA
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Jaffa cakes