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Staff Profile

Dr Laura McGowan

Research Associate

Background

My background is predominantly in Behavioural Science and Health Psychology. I completed my PhD in Psychology at the University of Manchester in 2020, having previously completed my BSc and MRes in Psychology. I joined the Population Health Sciences Institute at Newcastle University in May 2020, working on a Policy Research Programme (PRP) National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) funded project exploring health interventions for those experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage. I joined the Policy Research Unit in Behavioural and Social Sciences in June 2022.


 

Qualifications

PhD Psychology - University of Manchester

MRes Psychology (Distinction) - University of Manchester 

BSc (Hons) Psychology (First) - University of Manchester


Professional Memberships

Chartered Member (CPsychol) of the British Psychological Society and Full Member of the Division of Health Psychology

Associate Member of Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health


Research

As a leading behavioural scientist, I specialise in novel, theoretically informed health interventions to tackle enduring challenges and inequalities within health systems. My work generates evidence for policy innovation, with my expertise particularly sought by policymakers to support populations under-served by traditional health services or systems. Conceptually my work centres around empowerment: of the public in their health journeys, of healthcare professionals in driving change, and of systems in removing constraints for innovation. 


I have a particular interest in physical activity and sedentary behaviour, with my PhD thesis comprising the development of an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in older adults. I have also led the evaluation of co-produced community physical activity interventions for older adults across Greater Manchester, and of a remotely-delivered sedentary behaviour reduction intervention for older adults with frailty. Within the NIHR PRU Behavioural and Social Sciences, I have led projects on the implementation of virtual wards in the NHS, consideration of risk and safety in medical tourism, and exploration of enhancing capacity within the nursing workforce. Methodologically, my expertise lies within qualitative research methods, though I also have experience in quantitative and mixed-methods research.


I currently co-supervise a PhD student on a programme of work exploring how human-organismic perspectives can be used to enhance the effectiveness of physical activity systems in tackling physical activity inequalities. I am happy to be approached for future PhD supervision.


Teaching

I deliver lectures and workshops on physical activity and exercise psychology, health psychology and behaviour change, intervention development and evaluation, and advanced qualitative and mixed methodologies across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including: MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology, MSc Forensic Psychology, MSc Sports and Exercise Psychology, MDiet, BSc Sport and Exercise Science, and BSc Psychology.


I have supervised numerous BSc and MSc students to complete their research dissertations. 

Publications