Dr Cara Sass
Name:
Dr Cara Sass
Job Title:
Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
Leeds University
Area of Research:
I joined the FReSH START project team in January 2020, looking at therapeutic approaches to self-harm. I completed my PhD in February, working with the Sporting Memories network to study the impact of sporting reminiscence on men living with dementia.
How is your work funded:
My current post is part of a programme grant from the NIHR. My PhD was funded by Leeds Beckett University.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve been working in dementia research for almost 5 years, working in dementia training for the health and social care sector before carrying out my own project to understand the impact of sporting reminiscence for men living with dementia. I’m now working in mental health research but still in contact with the fantastic groups from Sporting Memories and hoping to continue to work with them in the future. I’m a fanatical fell and trail runner, occasional cyclist and private violinist (because nobody should have to hear me play).
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I’m a current world record holder, for being one of 40 people to run the fastest marathon in a tandem costume. In full Viking attire, carrying a 25 metre-long boat all the way.
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
I applied to my first job in dementia research in 2015, simply because I had been looking for a change after working as a research assistant in mental health for a few years – I had no personal experience of dementia, only an interest in learning more about it. I started to realise that the field of dementia care and research [1] was very different to others I’ve worked in – much more close-knit and supportive, and I feel very happy to have found my way here.
Can we find you on Twitter?
Follow @sass_cl [2]