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Teresa Atkinson
Name:
Dr Teresa Atkinson
Job title:
Senior Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester
Area of Research:
Improving quality of life for people living with dementia and those who support them
How is your work funded
Predominantly through funding research grants
Tell us a little about yourself:
I have been a social researcher using qualitative methodologies for more than 20 years. I am interested in the lived experiences of people who are affected by cognitive impairment, such as dementia or neurodevelopmental conditions. The outcomes of my research centre on providing better mechanisms of support to improve quality of life, whether this be more appropriate housing, better understanding of carer support, or new approaches to undertaking research in under researched areas.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love doing anything ‘crafty’ such as knitting (competent), crochet (beginner), painting (not reached Monet level yet) and being the proud owner of a crazy whippet.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I chose working in the field of dementia because I believe everyone has the right to experience their best life. If I can discover something, or anything, that makes their world a better place to be, then I have completed part of that complex jigsaw puzzle.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Expect the unexpected
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Game of Thrones – I love the complex, clever characters and plots
Favourite film of all time?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Walking in the woods with my whippet
Nathan Stephens