I completed my first degree in Psychology at the University of Westminster and remained to do my doctorate with the Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group (PSRG). I completed my PhD in 2007 with my thesis entitled ‘The awakening cortisol response: methodological considerations and relationships with state and trait psychosocial variables.’ I then secured a two-year Post-Doctoral Research post with the PSRG (funded by the Bial Foundation) before becoming a Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Psychology at the University of Westminster.
I am a member of the Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group (PSRG). My research primarily investigates the physiological pathways by which stress and well-being can affect health. In particular I study studies patterns of cortisol secretion, a hormone important in the regulation of day-night cycles as well as stress responding. I am interested in the methodological issues associated with measurement of salivary cortisol, particularly the impact of delayed sampling on assessment of the cortisol awakening response.