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Dr Patricia Masterson Algar
Name:
Dr Patricia Masterson-Algar
Job Title:
Lecturer in Health Sciences
Place of work / study:
Bangor University
Area of Research:
Psychosocial interventions – support for family carers with a focus on young dementia carers.
How is your work funded:
Health and Care Research Wales
Tell us a little about yourself:
I completed a BSc and a Research Master’s degree in Marine Sciences before making a career change and training as an Occupational Therapist in 2009. My interest in the evaluation and implementation of complex rehabilitation interventions led me to a PhD that investigated the impact of a targeted course of occupational therapy on people living in nursing and residential homes after suffering from a stroke. Following on from that I continued to do research focussed on improving the lives of families affected by a neurological condition such as dementia.
My research explores the impact that these conditions can have not only on the lives of those affected by them but also on the family as a whole. For the past five years my work has focussed on the young members of families affected by dementia, young dementia carers. I have worked with these young people on the development of the first online support programme tailored to their needs, iSupport for Young People. Following on from that work I have secured funding from Health and Care Research Wales to co-design an online peer support programme that will help these young people have their voices heard and feel less alone.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
My first two degrees were in Marine Sciences Research and after that, for a few years I worked as a marine research technician on fishing trawlers
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
I chose work with dementia because of a series of personal and professional experiences. The more families I speak to the more motivated I am to support them and to listen to them, what they want and what they need.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Remember that you are developing a series of transferable skills and you can take these skills in the direction you want! You don’t need to follow a set path!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Hallmarked Man (Cormoran Strike series) by R. Galbraith. Yes, defenitely recommend it!
Favourite film of all time?
Out of Africa (with the wonderful Meryl Streep and Robert Redford)
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
If raining, listen to a current affairs podcast whilst making an apple crumble. If sunny, a bit of doubles tennis.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
To change career path
What’s the best vacation spot?
Malaga – having some sardines sitting by the ocean
Do you collect anything?
No, I don’t like accumulating stuff!
