profile
Dr Helen Foster-Collins
Associate Lecturer
Washington Singer 121
Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Perry Road, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
Overview
I'm an early career academic with backgrounds in professional education, psychology and philosophy, and past experience of working to support young people with additional educational needs in schools and colleges. I have experience of using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and am fascinated by research which crosses boundaries of methodology, discipline or professional field. Currently an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, I contribute to the delivery of teaching and supervision of student research projects, for undergraduate and masters programmes.
My current research looks at the benefits of community gardening initiatives for people with dementia and practical factors affecting their success, with the view to producing a set of guidelines for similar projects in the future.
Recent research has included: understanding the barriers and enablers to translating research findings into practice, in the context of improving prescribing in clinical settings. Also, exploring workplace support for newly-qualified doctors and teachers during their first year of practice.
qualitative research; mixed methods; professional education; nature and wellbeing; social and organisational psychology; translating research into practice.
Qualifications
2016-2020 PhD Education University of Exeter
2017-2019 LTHE ASPIRE/HEA Associate Fellowship & Level 7 University of Exeter
2014-2016 MSc Psychological Research Methods(Distinction) University of Exeter
2008-2014 BSc Psychology Hons(First class) The Open University
Jan-Dec 12 NVQ L2:Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Petroc College
1991-1993 BA Philosophy Hons(2:1) Lancaster University
Links
Research group links
Research
Research projects
My current research project, as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the College of Medicine and Health, aims to enhance the quality of life of people living with dementia by optimising the design and implementation of community-based gardening initiatives (CBGIs) for people with dementia. This work is being conducted in partnership with Age UK Exeter, Innovations in Dementia, a horticultural practitioner and also people affected by dementia themselves. This will lead to production of an evidence base, resources and guidelines to support development of CBGIs in future. The project is supported by an ESRC Impact Acceleration Account.
Previously, I have coordinated a collaborative multi-stakeholder project on Optimising Prescribing. Supported by ESRC Impact Acceleration funding, this project aims to improve understanding of the barriers and enablers to implementing educational prescribing interventions in clinical settings and produce a practical 'toolkit' of resources for clinical practitioners and policy makers.
My PhD research, undertaken within the Centre for Research in Professional Learning, explored the support which newly qualified doctors and teachers receive during their first year of practice. This comparative study was undertaken with supervision from Karen Mattick and Vivienne Baumfield, bringing together the fields of medical education, teacher education and workplace learning, to aid transitions for early career professionals. I have also undertaken course and service evaluations, for the perinatal clinical psychology training programme at CEDAR, and for SOFT UK.
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Publications by year
2016
Teaching
As an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, I contribute to the delivery of teaching and supervision of student research projects, for undergraduate and masters programmes. I have a particular interest in qualitative research and mixed methods.
Modules
- (PSYM202) Behavioural Science Research Skills
- (PSY2216) Qualitative Methods And Interview Skills
- (PSY2205) Personality and Individual Differences
- (PSY3401) Psychology Research Project
- (PSYM220) Research Project