BACKGROUND AND RESEARCH INTERESTS

With a background in anthropology, since 2009 Alice has explored the links between respiratory illness and mental health, most recently (2015-2020) as a co-applicant of the inter-disciplinary Life of Breath project www.lifeofbreath.org. She is a member of  the Expert Faculty of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG). Alongside this Alice has continued collaborating on research into other chronic conditions prevalent in primary care, mainly mental health, diabetes and eczema as well as the primary care response to domestic violence and abuse (DVA), most recently, an adapted trauma informed MBCT intervention for survivors of DVA (BRC funded CoMFORT study-ongoing)

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT AND INCOME

She has been PI, Qualitative Lead or Co-applicant on 15 research grants worth £45 million (including three public engagement grants) since 2008.

METHODOLOGICAL EXPERTISE

Alice has two methodological interests and areas of expertise: Qualitative Evidenece Synthesis (QES) using meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative research findings; and the use of cognitive interviewing techniques to critique quantitative assumptions of measurement. Currently Alice is framing her work in terms of sensorial anthropology, exploring the process by which lived sensations become measurable symptoms.

IMPACT AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Alice has collaborated with arts health practitioner Elspeth Penny (2BUProductions) in a series of public engagement workshops, using therapeutic creative writing with those experiencing breathlessness. This has culminated in qualitative data being incorporated into pieces of choral composition by Toby Young, 'Under The Surface' and an art installation by Louise Jenkins called 'Suspended Breath'.

MINDFULNESS BASED COGNITIVE THERAPY (MBCT)

Alice is a qualified MBCT teacher, having trained at the Centre for Mindfulness research and Practice in the psychology department at Bangor University (2009-2013). Since 2011 Alice has taught the 8 week course in mindfulness based cognitive therapy to university staff and undergraduate medical students-the latter are referred from student health services, the counselling service or the student advisory service.

Alice contributes to the field of mental health and wellbeing within the University. She is regularly approached to run workshops in mindfulness based approaches, both locally (inside the department and wider University) as well as at other institutions (e.g. Severn Deanery/ Bristol CCG). Alice's expertise in academic applications of mindfulness is also sought from other institutions (e.g. Exeter, Oxford, Southampton) for PhD supervision and as external examiner. 

TEACHING

Alice is co-Director with Christie Cabral on a 3 day course in QES: using Meta-ethnography. She has writen course materials and given lectures for other PHS short courses in the past, including qualitative approaches to critical appraisal. She has run tutorials for MB21, such as Behavioural Social Science, designed and delivered Student Selected modules, including setting and marking assignments. She has supervised medical students, clinicians and researchers, including MSc and PhD students. She has coordinated co-teachers to deliver lifelong learning courses and overseen the administration of these courses. Markers of her expertise in teaching are being awarded a University Teaching Award in 2015 and being invited to be PhD/MSc supervisor at other institutions on account of her subject expertise in MBCT and mindfulness based approaches: e.g. Universities of Exeter, Bangor, Bath