College News

QE alumni goes from Psychology student to teacher

Staff and students at QE are always delighted to catch up with former students and hear about their exciting adventures beyond College. Lauren Bussey studied Psychology, Media Studies and Biology at QE before spending seven consecutive years at Northumbria University, completing a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Psychology. ‘I had a fantastic time at College’, she comments. ‘My teachers were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and knew when to push me to reach my potential. They helped prepare me for university life by striking the balance between delivering course content and encouraging us to be self-motivated to complete coursework and exam revision.’

During her time at Northumbria University, Lauren worked as a demonstrator, supporting undergraduates on their research method modules. Her thesis explored whether rosemary and lavender essential oils can improve memory and mood in older adults and featured in the BBC programme ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’. After obtaining her doctorate, Lauren spent seven months working in the Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust as a Project Officer in Obesity before accepting her current job as a Psychology lecturer at Teesside University. She explains: ‘I am the module leader for Psychological Research Design and Analysis and whilst teaching is my main role, I also supervise undergraduate and doctoral level students in their final research projects. Research plays a prominent role too as I often work with colleagues to submit grant proposals for competitions where successful applications are awarded funding to carry out research projects’.

Lauren’s advice for QE students is: ‘Study subjects which will help you achieve your goal, however if you enjoy a subject which isn’t directly related to your chosen career path, I’d encourage you to take it. I’ve used the practical skills and knowledge gained in Media Studies throughout my career’. Lauren’s advice for students hoping to pursue a career in Psychology is: ‘It’s important to choose an undergraduate course which is accredited by the British Psychological Society. I would also recommend attending open days to see the facilities on offer and exploring the modules taught as each course is different with how they are assessed, whether there is the opportunity to engage in research etc.’.

If you are a former student and have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. If you could email qe@qeliz.ac.uk with your details, a member of staff will be in touch.