Health and Wellbeing

Ella Barclay

Health and Wellbeing 1+3
UWE Bristol, Health and Social Sciences

Start date: September 2021

Research topic: The importance of sexual and reproductive rights for undocumented migrants and their practical inaccessibility in the UK’s ‘hostile environment’

NHS charging practices within the ‘hostile environment’ have caused access to care for undocumented migrants to be the exception, rather than the rule. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the severely compromised sexual and reproductive rights (SRR) of undocumented women residing in the UK, with consequences of accessing such care ranging from extortionate medical bills to deportation. This indicates a severe disparity between healthcare rights in theory, and healthcare rights in practice. Through an ethnographic exploration, I hope to encapsulate the importance of SRR for displaced women, as well as their practical experiences accessing these rights.

Research supervisors: Michal Nahman, Sheelagh McGuiness

Email: ella2.barclay@live.uwe.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-barclay/

Twitter: @BarclayElla

Website/Blog: aquestionofhumanmobility.wordpress.com

Ella Sangmyr

ESRC +3
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2022

Research topic: Body, appearance, and health surveillance in female adolescent friendship contexts

Taking a trans-national perspective, my research seeks to examine how the ‘performative’ and individualised culture of schools in the UK and Sweden impacts on practices of judgement and comparison among pupils. Specifically, the research uses an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach to investigate body, appearance, and health monitoring in friendship contexts between adolescent girls. Bringing together theoretical contributions from poststructuralist, feminist new materialist and post-qualitative perspectives, my project involves end-users, eating disorder charities and schools in the co-creation of educational resources, designed with an arts-based, socio-critical approach.

Research supervisors: Dr Emma Solomon-Moore, Prof. Emma Rich, Dr Michael Donnelly

Email: ers63@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ellasangmyr

Florence Neville

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing ESRC (+3)
UWE Bristol, Health and Social Sciences

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: Autism and anxiety: are key diagnostic ‘deficit criteria’ actually effective strategies for the self-management of anxiety in autistic adults?

I aim to explore whether key autism diagnostic criteria, often seen as deficit traits or behaviours, are actually effective strategies for reducing anxiety in autistic individuals. For instance, “persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction,” “restricted, repetitive patterns” and “insistence on sameness” may be necessary strategies in reducing levels of novel or challenging stimuli to be processed and so reduce anxiety.

This will be an exploratory sequential study within a participatory framework. The research methodology will be underpinned by the social theory of disability which considers that autistic disability results from societal barriers rather than from autistic neurology.

Research supervisors: Dr Issy Bray (UWE Bristol), Dr Felicity Sedgewick (Bristol), Dr Jo White (UWE Bristol), Dr Stuart McClean (UWE Bristol)

Email: Florence2.Neville@live.uwe.ac.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FloNevilleNAT

Website/Blog: https://autismhwb.com/

Gemma Brailey

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Start date: September 2016

Research topic: Establishing physical activity patterns that are conducive to bone health in children and adolescents

There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that high impact, dynamic physical activity (PA) performed during childhood and adolescence induces positive adaptations in bone and leads to the attenuation of a greater peak bone density in early adulthood. This has a protective effect against fracture and osteoporosis later in life. However, the exact patterns of PA (type, frequency, intensity and duration) that bring about these optimal adaptations remain unknown and so my research aims to establish these by developing a measurement technique that allows the impact of PA on bone health to be assessed in free-living situations.

Research supervisors: Dr Victoria Stiles (Exeter), Dr Lisa Price (Exeter)

Email: gb422@exeter.ac.uk

Geneviève Stone

Health and Wellbeing 1+3
University of Bristol, School for Policy Studies

Start date: September 2021

Research topic: A biocultural study of the linkages between economic and social insecurity, dietary quality, and obesity in urban Mexican adults

I am interested in understanding how socio-economic insecurity shapes peoples experience of food insecurity, dietary patterns, and ultimately health outcomes such as obesity, in Mexico. Using a biocultural approach which includes considering the interaction between both sociocultural processes and human biology, I will aim to test the ‘welfare hypothesis’ that links weak national welfare structures with obesity. My aim for this study is to generate policy informative evidence around how welfare protection systems shape the effects of insecurity on mental wellbeing, diet, and body weight.

Research supervisors: Angeliki Papadaki , Mhairi Gibson , Tania Griffin

Email: genevieve.stone.2021@bristol.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geneviève-stone-15aba3124/

Georgina Wort

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2019

Research topic: Overcoming Physical Activity Inequalities in Primary School Children.

Physical activity is important for children’s development; low physical activity can negatively impact physical and mental health. Previous research has found children are not meeting current physical activity levels with large inequalities between children, particularly between girls and boys and those from different socio-economic backgrounds. To date interventions have been unsuccessful in addressing these issues. My research aims to address this by using a mixed-method and interdisciplinary approach, before co-designing an intervention to increase primary school children’s physical activity levels.

Research supervisors: Professor Dylan Thompson, Dr Simon Sebire, Dr Oliver Peacock, Dr Gareth Wiltshire

Email: gw597@bath.ac.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/george_wort

Joe Lillis

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences / Medical School

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: Investigating the relationship between multiple environmental exposures and inequalities in common mental disorders in England.

Two topics fascinate me: the environments we live and grow up in, and the way that health is unequally patterned in society. I intend to explore and develop new understanding of how our local environment and its many characteristics protect or harm our mental health. Working closely with Public Health England will allow me to create evidence that directly informs those with the power to utilise it. Importantly I will also geographically map the results, allowing a wider audience to visually engage with the findings.

Research supervisors: Dr Ben Wheeler (University of Exeter), Professor Chris Metcalfe (University of Bristol)

Email: jl1108@exeter.ac.uk / joelillis@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joejlillis

Joshua Culverhouse

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Start date: September 2018

Research topic: Understanding the influence of patterns, types, and contexts of physical activity on health, wellbeing and quality-of-life in older-adults receiving support for independent living, and those in long-term care: a mixed methods approach

Research supervisors: Dr. Richard Pulsford, Dr Lydia Collison, Prof Melyvn Hilsdon, Dr Cassandra Phoenix

Email: jwc216@exeter.ac.uk

Julia Groot

Health and Wellbeing +3
University of Bath, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

Start date: September 2021

Research topic: An evaluation of the effectiveness of digital health technology to support mental health and wellbeing

Digital technology has a great potential to support mental health and wellbeing. It has many benefits over face-to-face treatment, including higher cost-effectiveness, wider reach and reduced support-seeking barriers, however, it is often impeded by high levels of dropout and non-usage attrition. My research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital mental health and wellbeing support. Specifically, I will aim to understand strengths and weaknesses of mental health and wellbeing support; how and for whom digital mental health and wellbeing support is effective; and understand engagement with mental health and wellbeing support in a target autistic population.

Research supervisors: Dr Ben Ainsworth, Prof Mark Brosnan, Dr Christopher Clarke

Email: jmdg20@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-groot-60b344169/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaGroot

Kayley Birch-Hurst

ESRC 1+3
UWE Bristol, School of Social Sciences

Start date: September 2022

Research topic: Psychological Approaches to Radiological Training: Assessing cognitive mechanisms underlying medical image perception and developing a novel training protocol

Radiological error is detrimental to both the health and wellbeing of patients. Despite the prevalence of radiological error in practice, the processes underlying such error are poorly understood, and current human and artificial intelligence (AI) training strategies are far from optimised. My proposed research project aims to gain a better understanding of the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that contribute to radiological error with eye-tracking technology; develop human-intervention and AI training protocols to improve diagnostic accuracy; and develop a database of authentic medical images for use in training of radiologists.

Research supervisors: Dr Kait Clark, Prof. Melvyn Smith

Email: Kayley.birch-hurst@uwe.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayley-birch-hurst-90513513b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmbirchhurst

Kelly Spurlock ANutr

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC +3)
UWE Bristol, Nursing and Midwifery

Start date: October 2019

Research topic: How does parental engagement with weaning advice affect wellbeing.

Using a mixed-methods approach I plan to explore how parents access infant feeding information by bringing together the medical model of nutrition and psychosocial determinants of health.

Parental feeding behaviours do not often reflect current infant feeding guidelines which can lead to reduced health outcomes.

Parents, particularly mothers, can experience judgment from healthcare providers for their feeding choices which may affect how they interact with services and information seeking to avoid feelings of guilt or shame.

I have a degree in Nutrition and practical experience providing weaning advice to mothers in the private and third sectors.

Research supervisors: Dr Sally Dowling, Dr Patricia Lucas

Email: Kelly.spurlock@uwe.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-spurlock-anutr-16b04776

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellySpurlock23

Kimberley Farrugia

ESRC 1+3
University of Bath, Department of Health

Start date: October 2022

Research topic: Exploring the experiences of fear before, during and after pregnancy from perspectives of culturally diverse pregnant women, mothers and allied health professionals.

My research will use a mixed methods approach to explore women’s experiences and health care professionals’ experiences of physical activity throughout pregnancy and motherhood. These experiences will involve different cultural perspectives and how support (or a lack of) is provided for these women. Psychological and sociological theoretical frameworks will be applied to support my research, including the self-determination meta-theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000), psychological empowerment (e.,g Zimmerman, 1995), and theories of fear (judgement, harm). This research will be a foundation for future interventions, knowledge exchange event, podcasts and mainstream dissemination, to improve culturally diverse mothers’ wellbeing and identify appropriate physical activity for their needs, health, culture and lifestyle.

Research supervisors: Dr Peter Rouse, Dr Richard Pulsford

Email: kf503@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/Kimberley-Farrugia-SWDTP

Lewis Youngson

ESRC 1+3
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2022

Research topic: The impact on quality of life of kitesurfing for disabled people: a mixed methods study

My PhD will consider how the physical, psychological, and sociological health outcomes found from kitesurfing interact to improve QoL for disabled people. The study will identify the benefits of kitesurfing across health disciplines and the challenges and barriers to participation, the benefits to family and caregivers, the outcomes in different settings, and the effectiveness of new therapeutic interventions. I will conclude with a list of recommendations for kite schools and the government on the health benefits of kitesurfing and how to implement it most effectively.

Research supervisors: Jefferey Lambert, Charlie Foster

Email: ly732@bath.ac.uk

Matthew Northcote

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (1+3)
University of Bristol, School for Policy Studies

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: Physical activity and the growing family: A mixed methods study of how physical activity participation changes as a result of the reconfiguration of interrelated practices after the arrival of a new baby.

My research will provide a detailed understanding of the changes to the physical activity of household members after the arrival of a new baby. Physical activity is complex, and its analysis necessitates precise objective measurement using advanced quantitative methods. Also, insight into the contexts in which physical activity behaviours occur will be obtained using rigorous qualitative methods where practice theories will provide a novel theoretical lens. This mixed-methods approach will provide insights that are genuinely innovative and highly interdisciplinary which, through partnerships with Public Health England, Sport England, and Bristol City Council, will help inform policy and practice.

Research supervisors: Dr Charlie Foster (Bristol), Dr Fiona Spotswood (Bristol), Dr Richard Pulsford (Exeter), Professor David Evans (Bristol

Email: av20205@bristol.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-northcote-142465131/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthcoteMatt

Natalie Bennett

ESRC 1+3
UWE Bristol, College of Arts, Technology and Environment

Start date: October 2022

Research topic: An arts-based approach to understanding what shapes the intimate adult relationships of non-normative parents and how this impacts on their emotional wellbeing

I will consider how non-normative parenting identities understand their experiences of love, intimacy, and emotional satisfaction in their adult relationships and if they are impacted on by broader structures.

I will ask participants to download the app 1 Second a Day to document every day a photo or video that captures their emotional wellbeing. I will then use these images as well as semi-structured interviews to create a piece of ethno-drama for the local community.

This will contribute to existing scholarship in health and wellbeing, the sociology of the family, the sociology of emotions, as well as performance-based research methods.

Research supervisors: Julia Carter, Toity Deavy

Email: natalie5.bennett@live.uwe.ac.uk

Nick Knowles

ESRC 1+3
University of Exeter, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Start date: September 2022

Research topic: An evaluation of the ‘Surfwell’ program for promoting mental health and wellbeing among emergency service personnel: A case study of Devon and Cornwall Police force

My research is investigating the impact of a novel mental health intervention called surf-therapy. Surf therapy programmes provide an opportunity to take on the challenge of learning to surf and to experience surfing in a non-judgemental, supportive group Surf therapy combines physical activity, exposure to nature, and peer support, all of which are reported to have beneficial effects on mental health, and specific mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and PTSD. I will be working with the ‘surfwell’ team who run the surf therapy program in the Devon and Cornwall Police.

Research supervisors: Dr Lisa Price, Dr Kim Wright, Prof. Fiona Gillison

Email: nk366@exeter.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-knowles-728886184/

Rebecca Reece

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3
UWE Bristol, Department of Health and Social Sciences

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: Comparing methods of exposure to urban environments and their effect on enhancing mental wellbeing.

The aims of my PhD research are to identify optimal urban environments which could confer similar benefits in immersive virtual reality (IVR) to real life; to explore the potential to use such technology and stimuli for the benefit of elderly populations with limited mobility, and; to pilot the effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention for this population. This will be an interdisciplinary project, involving Public Health and Applied Psychology, and will use a mixed-methods approach.

I am undertaking my MRes at the University of Bath and then studying my PhD at UWE Bristol.

Research supervisors: Dr Chris Alford (UWE Bristol) , Dr Issy Bray (UWE Bristol), Dr Lewis Elliott (Exeter)

Email: rr688@bath.ac.uk / rebecca2.reece@live.uwe.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-reece-a8b658153/

Rebecca Reed

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: September 2018

Research topic: Investigating the potential of selected teachers to become key leaders in long-term, school based, mental health interventions

Research supervisors: Dr Emma Rich, Dr Anne Haase, Prof Simon Fullager

Email: rr453@bath.ac.uk

Ruben Mcneil-Walsh

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
UWE Bristol, Health and Social Sciences

Start date: September 2018

Research topic: Exploring coping strategies demonstrated by young men in response to rheumatoid arthritis and pain; do they develop the skills for disease self-management while managing the challenges of multiple-transitions?

Research supervisors: Dr Caroline Flurey, Prof Chris Ecclestone, Dr Joanna Robson

Email: ruben.walsh@uwe.ac.uk

Russell Peek

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2019

Research topic: Thriving under pressure: How occupational stress affects the performance, progression, mental health, and well-being of doctors in training.

As a medical educator, I’m interested in the effect of occupational stress on doctors in training.  My PhD research programme aims to understand variability in response to stress from a psychophysiological perspective, and how such variability influences the performance, progression, mental health, and well-being of medical learners.  Developments from this research offer the potential to identify trainees who would benefit from targeted early support, and develop evidence based interventions to allow doctors to thrive under pressure. This helps safeguard the productivity and wellbeing of the future healthcare workforce and, ultimately, improve patient safety.

Research supervisors: Dr Rachel Arnold, Professor Mark Wilson, Dr Samuel Vine, Dr Lee Moore, Professor Andy Smith, Professor Peter Turnbull

Email: rjp74@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/russell-peek-19674b18/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/russell_peek

Samantha Eden

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC +3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: September 2016

Research topic: An interdisciplinary investigation of the exercise-nutrition- affect relationship

Research supervisors: Dr Javier Gonzalez, Dr Kim Wright

Email: s.l.eden@bath.ac.uk

Sarah Blake

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Bristol, School for Policy Studies

Start date: October 2019

Research topic: The impact of Electronic Patient Health Records on patients with potential vulnerabilities and complex needs and their relationship with their healthcare providers.

Our healthcare systems are currently going through vast changes. Possibly some of the most significant transformations since Enlightenment. The medical establishment, the technology industry and patients are integrating in a manner which has not been witnessed before. The technological changes in patient online access to Electronic Patient Health Records (EPHRs) is potentially more convenient for patients, empowers and enables them to take better control of their health and health behaviour, helps them to navigate a complex system, and may make services more efficient and cost effective. But there is also the possibility for unintended harm, particularly related to privacy and confidentiality, and patients with complex needs or potential vulnerabilities could potentially experience significant impacts to their healthcare and relationship with their providers.

Research supervisors: Dr Emma Williamson, Dr Andy Gibson, Dr Jeremy Horwood

Email: sarahblake200@hotmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-blake-26426082

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahblake200

Website/Blog: https://sarahblake.co.uk/

Sian Duncan

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing ESRC (1+3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2020

Research topic: The Psychological Response to and Engagement with Climate Change.

I will be studying the role of “negative” emotions and experiences, such as grief, fear, uncertainty, guilt and blame, as well as “positive” aspects, such as mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, hope and gratitude, and how these experiences relate to peoples’ ability to cope with the climate situation and future predictions. The role of emotions and practices in positive climate action will also be explored.

Research supervisors: Dr Elizabeth Marks (Bath), Professor Paul Chadwick (Bath), Dr Catherine Butler (Exeter)

Email: smd71@bath.ac.uk

Stacey Windeatt

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences

Start date: September 2011

Research topic: Social influence and action observation: The role of the actor in promoting recovery

Research supervisors: Dr Mark Tarrant (Exeter), Dr Joanne Smith (Exeter), Dr Afroditi Stathi (Bath)

Email: slmw202@exeter.ac.uk

Tess Legg

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC 1+3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: September 2016

Research topic: Corporate influence on health science

Health policies with potential for a profound effect on health status (such as reducing tobacco/alcohol use, and unhealthy diets) are frequently not being implemented. A major barrier to progress is the influence of corporations who prioritise profit over public health, and whose interests would be threatened by implementation of such policies.

Through my research I will create a typology of corporate influence on health science and policy. I will explore the ways in which policy makers evaluate evidence. I will investigate policy infrastructure and draw conclusions about how the use of science in public discourse and policymaking can be improved.

Research supervisors: Professor Anna Gilmore (Bath), Professor Stephan Lewandowsky (Bristol)

Email: tl706@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tess-legg-1902b040

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tess_legg

Victoria Christodoulides

PhD Researcher in Health and Wellbeing (ESRC +3)
University of Bath, Department for Health

Start date: October 2018

Research topic: A critical and creative exploration of childhood trauma recovery. Knowing-doing trauma-informed public pedagogy.

Victoria Christodoulides is an SWDTP scholarship PhD student within the Health Department at the University of Bath. Victoria’s project focuses on co-exploring how childhood trauma recovery literacies impact understanding and practising of recovery beyond the biomedical. Using co-constructive Participatory Action arts based approaches, Victoria looks to explore how informal public pedagogical spaces can support this extension. Victoria is utilising an interdisciplinary perspective incorporating sociology, policy and the arts with expertise from Universities at Bath and UWE. Working collaboratively with external organisations the project will develop an engaging experience through an exhibition examining these questions within public space. Victoria engages with post-qualitative inquiry and feminist new materialist thought to support the re-imagination of how recovery literacies are conceptualised and utilised, with particular attention to affective pedagogies.

Research supervisors: Professor Emma Rich, Dr Alinka Gearon, Professor Leslie Bunt

Professional memberships/Positions held:

Present Health Doctoral Student Representative

Social Research Association

Email: V.A.Christodoulides@bath.ac.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-christodoulides-98885552/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VChrist0