I am a developmental psychologist with a particular interest in the influence of education on the development of children’s creative abilities. Other areas in which I have research expertise are the effect of television on children’s behaviour and university student’s engagement with feedback.
I rejoined Staffordshire University as a lecturer in developmental psychology in September 2014. Prior to this I have spent time working at Keele University, the Open University and in the NHS as an assistant psychologist. My roots are at Staffordshire University though as this is where I studied my Undergraduate degree and more recently a PhD in psychology!
Professional memberships and activities
Academic qualifications
PhD on 'The development of drawing abilities and the attitudes and practices towards children’s drawings in Steiner and National Curriculum Schools”, School of Psychology, Staffordshire University, 2014
PG Cert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Keele University, 2013
BSc (Hons) Psychology (First Class), Staffordshire University, 2005
Expertise
Developmental and educational psychology
Interviewing and working with children in a research context
Research interests
My main area of research interest is the development of children’s drawings and understanding of pictures. I have worked on a variety of projects in this area, investigating educational influences on drawing ability, the attitudes and practices that children, where children’s ideas for their drawings come from, their parents and their teachers have about drawing and the effect of drawing for different audiences.
I am also very interested in the effects of digital media, particularly television, on young children. With colleagues at Keele University I have investigated the short term behavioural consequences for young children of watching fast and slow paced television.
As well as my research interests in developmental psychology I am also involved in pedagogic research particularly surrounding student’s perceptions and engagement with feedback.
Enterprise and commercial interests
I have worked with Emily Buckley on a tendered literature review into research into work-life balance. This was funded by the Learning and Skills Council (via Adjust the Balance Project, EQUAL funding). I have also assisted colleagues at Staffordshire university in evaluating the Walking Bus Scheme for Staffordshire County Council.
I have worked with the Higher Education Academy facilitating events for new academics and reviewing grant applications.
Teaching
Publications