Dr Sarah Gunn

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

I currently hold UKRI funding from the 2022 Healthy Ageing Catalyst Awards, with which we are investigating impacts of cognitive change in typically-ageing adults.

I am also pursuing research in the following areas, with collaborators from interdisciplinary backgrounds:

Cognitive, behavioural and emotional difficulties in people diagnosed with Huntington's disease, related therapeutic approaches, and stressors and dynamics in HD-affected families.
Uses of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people affected by neurological conditions.
Formal and informal caregiver burden in neurological settings, and accessibility of related services.
Changes in cognition in typical and pathological ageing (e.g., Alzheimer's disease).
The impact of self-compassion on wellbeing in long-term illness, e.g. diabetes.
Effects of self-perception and others' perceptions in visible health conditions.

Scientific Inspiration

As an academic researcher and practicing clinical psychologist, I look up to a wide range of colleagues who successfully use their clinical expertise to inform research breakthroughs and improve clinical practice.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Collaborative, student-centred, and detail-oriented.

Provision of Training

We will support you to develop the skills you need through a tailored programme, which we will adapt according to your existing skills. This will include learning cutting-edge experimental techniques, using appropriate analytic and statistical methods, and gaining experience in applying key concepts such as open science principles. You will also gain experience of writing and submitting academic papers at a publishable standard and working within an active community of researchers in related areas.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We would meet weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs at that time (and as you progress and gain confidence into your third year, you might feel you’re ready to meet less frequently – but we would decide that together). We would expect to keep in touch between meetings by email, to ensure that you always had support available and could seek advice when needed. Goals will be set collaboratively, ensuring that you have input and guided by our experience.

Communication

We respond quickly to email and are usually in the office, so consultation can be arranged when needed. We would generally expect the bulk of communication to be part of the regular supervisory meetings, supplemented by email or ad hoc meetings as needed in between. There are a range of student- and early career researcher-led groups in addition to the core group of researchers in the department, either focused on academic issues like open science, or on maintaining and developing supportive links between those working on similar projects.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

The meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone and I am usually contactable for a response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Vicky McGowan.