Dr Gianna Kohl
Name:
Dr Gianna Kohl
Job title:
Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
Area of Research:
Improving access to and the development of psychosocial support for people with dementia
How is your work funded:
NIHR Three Schools
Tell us a little about yourself:
My background is in psychology, and I have been working in dementia research since 2017. I completed my PhD at UCL, where I explored how people with dementia disclose their diagnosis and the role of stigma in this process. As part of my PhD, I also developed a web-based intervention to support people who feel fearful about disclosing their diagnosis. Following a postdoctoral position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, I joined UCL as a Research Fellow in the Department of Primary Care and Population Health. I am currently working on a project aimed at improving access to care for people with dementia who live alone and do not receive support from family or friends.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I have a habit of leaving the last third of every cup of tea or coffee unfinished.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
For my dissertation, I was fortunate to work on a research project that involved interviewing people with dementia and their family members. I really enjoyed working with this group and with older adults more generally, partly because I’m very close to my grandparents. I’m passionate about contributing to research that can make a meaningful difference to the lives of people living with dementia and those close to them.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Ask for help or advice if you’re stuck.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney – I like mysteries and thrillers, and this one fits this category quite well.
Favourite film of all time?
Forrest Gump
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Hiking and spending time in nature
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Probably moving to London to do my PhD. It was really challenging at times, but completing it shaped me in lots of positive ways.
What’s the best vacation spot?
Scotland
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