Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Personalised Digital Avatars for Inclusive Carer Training in Nottinghamshire Care Homes
What were you doing before starting this PhD?
Immediately before beginning my PhD, I was employed part time as a domiciliary carer, including caring for people with dementia. I also worked as a self employed dog trainer. Further back in my past, I have worked as a marine insurance adjuster, an IT contracts manager, and helped run a local café. I also volunteered running science fiction conventions, with a particular interest in making them more inclusive and available to people from diverse and under-represented communities.
What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?
When I completed my BSc Psychology in 2011, I intended to continue to a Masters degree in research methods. Unfortunately the Open University withdrew the course in the year I wanted to start it, and I was unable to find another workable option. My hopes to improve the lives of care home residents by researching and implementing improved care were thwarted. Little did I know that my activities in the following years would prepare me to return to my dream in 2026!
When Facebook showed me the advert for this project, I could hardly believe how well I fit the requirements. Having given myself a day to wonder whether this was actually real, I decided to seize the opportunity. I’m still not absolutely convinced this isn’t a wishful and incredibly detailed daydream.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
I hope to help Nottinghamshire care homes to be the first to introduce training on the diverse, sometimes conflicting needs of people with dementia, thereby supporting the care home populations, and their carers. in new ways.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time?
I hope to be in a role where I can expand the reach of the training I put together as part of this project, whether that is in academia, or in Local Authority or commercial care settings.