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Dr Connor McDonald
Name:
Dr Connor McDonald
Job title:
Early Career Researcher
Place of work / study:
University of the West of Scotland
Area of Research:
My research centred on developing a family centred approach to reminiscence to help keep families connected following a care home admission.
How is your work funded:
My PhD was funded by the Wendy Baxter Scholarship at the University of the West of Scotland.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I recently graduated with my PhD from the University of the West of Scotland, as part of the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice. Whilst this was at times a challenging experience, I loved every moment of it. I am looking forward to my next role and continuing to build on my research to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
During my PhD, I taught myself how to knit. This turned out to be an effective way of calming myself down, and a great way to give my eyes a break from looking at screens.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I chose to work in dementia research due to my own experience of caring for my dad, who was diagnosed with young onset dementia at the age of 52. This gave me a passion for dementia research, and trying to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early-career researcher?
Try to not get too stressed over things that are out of your control.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading “Memories of Ice” which is the 3rd book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series. It is a complex fantasy series but I am loving it so far.
Favourite film of all time?
Star Trek First Contact – I have lots of great memories watching this with my Dad growing up. Even after living with dementia for 10 years, he can still quote more than half of the lines from it.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I love to read and knit. I also go to a weekly pub quiz which is a great way to socialise and really helped me during the more intense periods of the PhD journey.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Doing my PhD
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
I love having holidays in London, it’s a great city to visit.
Do you collect anything?
Books and Magic the Gathering cards
NIHR
