I am a PhD student at the University of the West of Scotland working with the Alzheimer Society Centre for Policy and Practice (ASCPP). My research aims to examine the meaning of activity collaboratively with people with advanced dementia, their families and care home staff in order to increase quality of life and welbeing.

I have a background as a Freelance Artist where I worked with communities to help create social-connectedness and inclusion. I also qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2014 where I have worked in various settings including acute mental health for older people and people with dementia, paediatrics and a hospice. I have high ethical values and seek to advocate and empower others.

I am a creative and compassionate person with enthusiasm for and a keen interest in research, particularly qualitative and participatory methodologies which use creative and novel methods. As a novice researcher, I would love the opportunity to work with more experienced colleagues on the Research and Enterprise Advisory Committee. If elected, I would take a dynamic and creative approach to ensure that the student voice is represented and used to intiate positive change. Using my experience and knowledge as an occupational therapist, I would offer a disability-aware perspective and a high quality, best practice, collaborative outlook.