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Profile – Dr Chloe Waterman, University of Birmingham

Chloe Waterman

Name:

Chloe Waterman

Job title:

PhD student (out of date)

Place of work / study:

University of Birmingham [1], Research Associate at Kings College London

Area of Research:

My PhD thesis investigates how people with dementia are affected by mental capacity law in England and Wales. I have used discourse and conversation analysis to conduct this socio-legal research.

In my research associate role, I work within the health and social care workforce research unit. I am currently involved with projects investigating how community led support programmes work, and how digital tech innovations can be used to improve social wellbeing for older community dwelling adults.

How is your work funded?

My PhD is funded by the ESRC DTP AND my research associate role is funded by the NIHR ARC programme

Tell us a little about yourself:

I completed my undergraduate dual honours degree in Psychology and English back in 2016, it is thanks to an internship in the psychology department that I became interested in conversation analysis. I then completed a master’s in health and wellbeing psychology, before applying to study for a PhD. I’ve also worked on various projects looking at language in different contexts (police calls, helplines, court documents, counselling, solicitors offices). I started my Law PhD in 2017 and am now almost ready to submit my thesis. Unlike other PhD’s I applied to the project which had been drawn up by my supervisors. I became interested in working with dementia after working as a carer in a nursing home, and the project was a great fit. I’ve gone from psychology, to law, to social work (my current research role), and I love that I can use my skills across these disciplines.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself:

I love to quilt, sew, and bake cakes.

What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?

There are so many great opportunities when starting as a researcher, try to prioritise and seek out the things that you will love and enjoy, and don’t feel pressure to take everything that comes your way.

What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?

I’m currently reading ‘The Cat and the City’ by Nick Bradley [2] in my downtime, and I would highly recommend it.

Can we find you on Twitter & Instagram?

Follow @ChloeEWaterman_ [3]

Want to share your playlist?