I began studying the Psychology BSc at the University of Exeter in 2009 where I first became interested in research with real clinical applications. My research project in the final year examined the ‘broaden and build’ theory, specifically how positive emotions and self-compassion can broaden cognition. In the following year I completed the Psychology Research Methods MSc, graduating with a distinction and the Dean’s commendation for outstanding achievement. My research apprenticeship investigated the relationships between children’s (aged 8-11) ability to engage with CBT, metacognition, theory of mind and empathy. After my Master’s degree, I worked in the Neurosciences department at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals in Bristol. Here I worked with patients to ameliorate behavioural problems as a result of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Currently, I am carrying out a PhD (funded by the ESRC SWDTC) investigating the neural correlates of working memory training in children with ADHD.
