The School of Psychology welcomes new member of staff, Dr Emma Berry, Lecturer in Health Psychology. Emma graduated with a BSc Psychology from Queen's University Belfast in 2012, and obtained her PhD in Health Psychology in 2018.

Emma's PhD studies focused on exploring the psychological and social factors underpinning emotional distress in Type 2 Diabetes using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques:

• Beliefs held about Diabetes, communication with loved ones, and coping strategies are important determinants of adjustment in Type 2 Diabetes
• A key focus of the PhD was the development and evaluation of an evidence-based psychological intervention to address emotional distress in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and their partners

During the PhD Emma worked as a research assistant for the Centre for Public Health at Queen's University, involving projects surrounding the enhancement of quality of life among persons with neurological conditions.  She also travelled extensively to destinations such as Wurzburg, Copenhagen and San Diego, from which she has developed international links that it is hoped will be sustained and strengthened as her research evolves.

Emma has further developed connections with Diabetes UK through research activities, having attended as guest speaker at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland support groups and conferences.

Emma's current and prospective research avenues include:

• Progressing the intervention work with couples living with Type 2 Diabetes
• Exploring the support needs and preferences of children, young people and parents affected by Diabetes
• The use of alternative modes of therapy such as mobile apps and eHealth counselling techniques, with the aim of exploring these growing pockets of health research

Welcome to the team Emma!