I am a cyberpsychologist specialising in social media and its intersection with health and wellbeing. My research investigates the digital experiences of vulnerable and stigmatised groups. I have conducted research with a range of groups, including people with dementia, carers, people with eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ individuals. My current research focuses on young-onset dementia and the role of social media in facilitating social connection, self-expression, and a sense of identity.
I am a qualitative methodologist, with expertise conducting interviews with people with cognitive disabilities and vulnerable groups. In my research, I often apply qualitative methods of analysis to social media data such as blogs, tweets, and Instagram posts to understand lived experience. I am also interested in feminist psychology, particularly in improving psychological science and amplifying marginalized voices.
I am passionate about science communication and often write blogs, take part in public engagement events (e.g. Soapbox Science), and speak to the media about my research. I am also interested in creative communication, having worked with an artist to produce an art exhibition (Truth & Beauty) based on my research on eating disorders and social media. For this work, I was shortlisted for Elsevier’s Researchers’ Choice Communication Award.
I am committee member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Cyberpsychology Section and the Early Career Researcher rep for the BPS Research Board.