Name:
Katie Gambier-Ross
Job Title:
PhD Student
Place of work / study:
University of Edinburgh
Area of Research:
Using qualitative research to better understand the experience of living with dementia (my PhD specifically focuses on the experience of going out and being at risk of going ‘missing’ for people with dementia and their care partners/ family).
How is your research funded:
Alzheimer’s Society
Tell us a little about yourself:
My background is in neuroscience and psychology. Although I recognise the importance of lab-based research, it wasn’t the place for me so I jumped ship to become a social scientist in the field of health. I think my varied background gives me a strong appreciation for the importance of both care and cure research in dementia. Although I am new to the field of dementia research, it’s a place where I feel at home and where I can see myself working for a long time.
Outside of academia, I like to make the effort to explore Scotland and visit friends who live abroad as much as possible! I also spend waaay too much money on fancy coffee and justify this spending habit by dog sitting regularly to earn some extra cash (note to other PhD students, if you’re an animal lover but can’t commit to owning a pet right now, pet sitting is a great way to fill that void in your life AND make some extra money)!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When I was 16, I was a part of the youngest crew to sail non-stop around Ireland in aid of Mercy Ships. We completed the trip in 6 days!
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My Mom was a dementia specialist nurse and I saw first-hand how working in that field brought her so much joy and fulfilment. Nursing wasn’t my calling but I’ve found my own way into the world of dementia research. I chose to work in dementia because there are so many misconceptions about it and I believe I can play a part in understanding people with dementia’s experience, learning how to support them and helping to tackle the stigma they face.