I am a senior lecturer in psychology, specialising in the fields of cognitive psychology and psychological research methods. My research is focused on the use of head-mounted displays to experience immersive virtual environments (aka virtual reality). I have specific interests in the psychological basis of spatial presence in such simulations (the feeling of ‘being there’) and the application of virtual reality to a range of practical situations (e.g. pain management, relaxation, education).
Qualifications
- Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice, York St John University, 2011
- PhD, Passive interference of working memory’s visual functions, Lancaster University, 2007
- BSc (Hons), Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 2002
BSc (Hons) Psychology
- 1PY401 Cognition
- 1PY403 Experimental Research Methods and Statistics
- 2PY405 Investigating Cognition (module leader)
- 3PY340 Dissertation
- 3PY345 Memory Improvement (module leader)
- MPY100 Psychological Research Methods
Virtual reality is having an increasingly positive impact on society with significant technical advances being made. However the virtual reality experience is not just a technical one, it is also a psychological one. My research is focused on the fundamental psychological science which underpins the virtual reality experience, and how this can be positively applied for the benefit of society. I have particular interests in the feeling of ‘being there’ that the technology evokes, and applications that exploit it's attention grabbing capabilities. As the technology becomes more widely used it is important to understand the psychological aspects that underpin it. The central aim of my research is to add to this growing body of knowledge.
Higher Education Academy Teaching Development Grant Reviewer (since 2013)
Academic Associate of the Higher Education Academy (since 2012)
Editorial Board Member for Psychology Teaching Review (since 2012)
External Examiner for the University of Worcester (2012-2015)
Panel Member for the OCR Psychology Consultative Panel (2011-2014)
Committee Member of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers (2011-2013)
