Name:
Dr Robyn Dowlen
Dr Robyn Dowlen
Job Title:
Teaching and Research Associate
Place of work / study:
Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester
Area of Research:
‘in the moment’ experiences; music and dementia [1].
How is your research funded:
I have been funded by the ESRC, AHRC, and NIHR.
Tell us a little about yourself:
My work focuses on exploring the ‘in the moment’ experiences of people with dementia and finding ways to create meaningful connections through the creative arts. As a qualitative researcher, I use a range creative methods to gain deep insights into the lived experiences of those affected by dementia.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
A fun fact about me is that I’m a musical theatre enthusiast and I can probably sing along to the entire soundtracks of more shows than I’d like to admit. What I love most about musical theatre is how it combines storytelling, music, and artistry to create unforgettable experiences.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I’ll be honest, I entered the world of dementia somewhat accidentally. When I moved to Manchester I became a Dementia Friend and it opened my eyes to the world of dementia. I then saw the advert for what became my PhD, exploring the ‘in the moment’ musical experiences of people with dementia. I am so fulfilled by my area of work and it has been a privilege to hear the stories of people with dementia and the people who support them over the years.
What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I read ‘Bitch: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution and the Female Animal’ by Lucy Cooke on a recent holiday. A really good example of accessible science writing with a bit of humour thrown in. Thoroughly recommend.
Can we find you on X or Instagram?
Would you like to share your playlist?
Rather than share my own, I thought I would share some favourites of a group of people with dementia who we are currently working with to understand the role of music in their lives