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Dr Kritika Samsi
Name:
Dr Kritika Samsi
Job title:
Senior Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
Area of Research:
Dementia, minority ethnic, social care, qualitative methods, family carers
How is your work funded?
Fixed term (short term) contracts, dependent on grant income
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve worked in dementia research for over 12 years, and gerontological research for 15. Main areas of work are social care in dementia, and research that supports family carers make challenging decisions about respite and planning for long term care. I am originally from India, with my parents still living there and have strong roots to India. Outside of work, I am mother to 2 young kids, which is very intense to juggle around the demands of academia and the poor work-life balance it engenders. I love to cook and if I had any ‘spare’ time, I would fill it with yoga.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love celebrating my birthday! With each birthday, I feel “this is the age I am meant to be” – it’s either the cause or the by-product of gerontological research.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I can’t say specifically! I was always drawn to gerontology and psychology – and dementia combined these 2 interests. Qualitative research methods opened up the complexities of dementia in startling detail, and I still don’t feel I’ve plumbed the depths yet, so I’m still here!
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Find a good “home” – a boss supportive of early career researchers, and colleagues you can trust and be friends with.
Dr Jodi Watt
