Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Improving recognition of autistic young people’s stress behaviours in mainstream and specialist Nottingham schools
What were you doing before starting this PhD?
Before my PhD, I had completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Criminology and a masters in Psychological Research Methods. Throughout these degrees, I volunteered with local charities such as Framework in the SSBC team and at Childline as a volunteer counsellor. I also took on part-time work as an Education Assessor for QA Research. At the time of applying for the PhD I was working in the Legal Aid Agency in the Civil Service.
What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?
As soon as I found out about this project I felt like it was the perfect opportunity for me to continue my academic journey. A big focus of both my undergraduate and masters projects was social interaction, stress, anxiety and human behaviour, all of which are at the centre of this project. This PhD has given me the opportunity to research topics that I am truly passionate about whilst providing a platform for me to develop key relationships with local Nottingham communities.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
My hope for this research is that it will make a positive change in the lives of autistic young people across Nottingham and their educators. At the heart of this project is a desire to improve understanding of autism, the current challenges faced by SEND provisions and how this impacts school culture. Overall, I hope that this project can be a leading example of how schools in Nottingham and beyond can recognise stress behaviours and how young people can be supported enabling them to thrive both academically and individually.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally)
After completing my PhD I would like to continue as a researcher, possibly even venturing into some lecturing. Having attended university as a mature student, I found the support of lecturers and supervisors fundamental to building my own confidence and guiding me through my academic career. I’d love to be able to provide that same level of support and encouragement to someone else.