Name:
Dr Holly Walton
Job title:
Research fellow
Place of work / study:
Department of Applied Health Research, University College London
Area of Research:
My PhD research focused on evaluating implementation of complex interventions to improve independence in dementia. Within this, I focused on fidelity of delivery and engagement. My current job is working as a postdoctoral researcher on the Coordinated Care of Rare Diseases (CONCORD) project, within this I mainly do qualitative research.
How is your work funded:
My PhD research (2015-2018) was funded by the UCL ESRC doctoral training centre. My current postdoctoral position is funded as part of an NIHR health service and delivery research grant.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I graduated with my BSc Psychology from Nottingham Trent University in 2014. I then received a 1+3 studentship from the UCL ESRC Doctoral training school. As part of this I completed my MSc Health Psychology and then my PhD. My PhD research focused on evaluating the implementation of social interventions to improve independence in dementia. I now work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Applied Health Research at University College London.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Outside of work I enjoy going running outside.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
During my degree, research experience and volunteer work created a passion for wanting to make things better for people living with dementia and to help people living with dementia to maintain their independence. When my PhD opportunity came up and I was able to evaluate whether those interventions aimed at improving independence were delivered as planned and engaged with, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to help make a contribution to dementia research.