Profile

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Kirsten Russell

    • About Me:

      I am a Researcher in Psychological Science and live with my Husband in Glasgow. I enjoy CrossFit, going to gigs, and exploring Scotland!

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      I teach Psychology and am a Researcher at the University of Strathclyde. My research focuses on how young people’s mental health. When I am not teaching or doing research, I watch and take part in Crossfit and go to my favourite bands play live. I also love travelling and learning more about different parts of the world.

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • My Work:

      I am a Researcher in Psychological Sciences and am interested in young people’s mental health.

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      I teach Psychology to university students in Scotland. I teach them about human development and how humans change over their lifespan. I also teach students about a wide range of mental health difficulties. I conduct research as part of my job and in particular I am interested in learning more about young peoples sleep and mental health.

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up and have breakfast and then get the train to work. My day is made up of many different tasks such as teaching, meeting with the research students that I supervise to discuss the research projects that they are working on or doing some work on my own research projects.

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      I wake up and have breakfast and then get the train to work.

      On the days that I teach psychology, I do so for around two to three hours. I teach students about how humans develop and change and also about different type of mental health difficulties. I am very interested in these topics so I really enjoy teaching them to our students.

      When I am not teaching, I spend my time meeting with the students that I am supervising to discuss the research projects they are working on. We discuss how the research is going, anything they are findings challenging, and set goals and tasks for them to complete before our next meeting. I also work on my own research which focuses on young people sleep and mental health. This research can include reading about the results of other scientists who have researched this topic, creating and sharing surveys to gather data about sleep and mental health, or creating papers, posters, or presentations to share the findings of my research with others.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I am really interested in young peoples sleep and mental health. With the prize money I would develop fun and engaging outreach activities to teach young people and the adults in their lives (e.g. parent/guardians, teachers) about how important sleep is for physical and mental health. These activities would also share different ways that young people can get a better nights sleep. I would prioritise working with a group of young people to develop these activities with them. I would do this as I think it is really important that researchers listen carefully to the views and opinions of the people we want to help with our work, when we are developing activities like these.

    My CV

    • Education:

      I went to a state school in Glasgow.

    • Qualifications:

      I gained 8 Standard Grades (I did well in Biology and Modern Studies but found Maths, English, Drama and Chemistry really difficult).

      I gained 6 Highers when I was 17 (and studied Psychology for the very first time!)

    • Work History:

      My first job was in Primark and I also worked in Pizza Hut whilst I was studying at University. Since finishing my PhD, I have worked for the Government and have also taught Psychology at different University’s in Scotland.

    • Current Job:

      I am a Lecturer and Researcher in Psychology at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

    • My Interview

      • What did you want to be after you left school?

        A medical Dr

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        A nurse

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Metallica

        What's your favourite food?

        Pizza

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        1) to make a difference 2) to travel the world 3) to get better at Crossfit!

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