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Jacqueline Kerr
Name:
Jacqueline Kerr
Job Title:
Network Manager
Place of work / study:
NRS Scotland Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network
Area of Research:
Neurodegenerative disease research
How is your work funded:
Funded by Chief Scientist Office – Scottish Government
Tell us a little about yourself:
I have been working in the field of healthcare since 1996, where I qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in 2000 from the University of Paisley. In 2002, I completed further studies in a BSc in Nursing Studies Gerontology, and in June 2022, I completed my Master of Science in Global Issues of Gerontology and Ageing. My nursing roles involved working in ward, care home and community bases until 2006, I then shifted my career focus to research of Alzheimer Disease (AD) this very much felt like a natural progression for me. I was drawn to finding out about the how and the why aspects of AD and 19 years on, I am still as invested, driven and thankful for the many research participants I have met over the years and for the researchers committed to discovering new interventions and treatments for better outcomes for our patients. I joined the NRS Scotland Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network as a Senior Clinical Studies Officer in July 2015 and became the Network Manager in September 2023.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Not sure
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
Since my early days as a nursing student, my most enjoyable and rewarding placements were in the admission and assessment dementia care wards. During my time in the wards, community and laterally in research, I have met many lovely people and their families who were living with dementia, each with their own individual experiences as they progress through their dementia journey. This is where I felt I could contribute and make a difference, I wanted to learn and develop my knowledge and nursing to help provide the best possible care I could for the person living with dementia and their families.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Ensure you always have the participants and their study partners at the heart of what you are doing and hoping to achieve.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella – yes it is very funny
Favourite film of all time?
Not sure
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Listen to music
Dr Emma Law
