Dr Stephen Jeffs

About my work:

I'm a research psychologist with particular interests in the neuropsychology of aging, and the behavioural psychology of reward-seeking.

I characterise early markers of later problems, such as how subtle navigation deficits predict later episodes of getting lost, or how declines in general motivation predict later interpersonal problems.

My recent work in Norwich aimed to provide early detection tools for people at risk of dementia, focussing on how a decline in navigation ability may pre-date other cognitive difficulties, such as memory complaints.

My PhD work at Sussex investigated the interplay between cognition, emotion, and motivation, within the context of tobacco health warnings. I showed that conscious awareness of nicotine availability was required for people to initiate smoking, but that their efforts to obtain nicotine could be suppressed by aversive health warnings.

I occasionally do things that have little to do with science.

Career:

My passion for all things mind, brain, and behaviour, began in my teens when a family friend had a stroke.

I wanted to learn more, and so completed a Psychology A Level under the nurturing guidance of Dr Rachel Baron. (Thanks Rachel.)

After a BSc in Psychology at Leeds, and MSc in Neuropsychology at Nottingham, I completed a PhD in Behavioural Psychology at Sussex.

Following my PhD, I worked as an Assistant Neuropsychologist, before becoming a Post-doc Research Assistant on a dementia project at Norwich Medical School.

I'm now a Lecturer in the Psychology Department at Exeter, where I use my diverse background to ensure an excellent student learning experience.