Becky has been working with Alex Fanghanel and Carol Withey to develop a programme of activities and resources to reduce sexual violence on campus, notably in halls of residence, and to bring about cultural change regarding issues of sexual violence on campus.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a social psychologist, I work in the Institute for Lifecourse Development (ILD) as a practice lead for the centre for vulnerable children and families and for the centre for mental health. I’ve been lecturing in social psychology for 15 years and my research areas include ostracism, rape myth acceptance and stigma.
What challenges have you faced in the last 12 months?
I love my job but I do find it hard to stay on top of the demands of life as a modern academic. I am lucky to work in a really lovely team and have missed seeing them due to the Covid restrictions.
What are you looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to being able to put research into practice for the work on sexual violence prevention that the University is now undertaking. Once again, a great team of committed individuals hoping to make a really positive impact on the lives of our students, staff and the community. I’m also working on a very exciting project with TKAT schools, as a researcher of attitudes, being able to work with younger people to explore their attitudes towards sexual consent is a fantastic opportunity, again, in an area where we can have meaningful real-world impact.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by lots of people, many of my colleagues are inspirational in terms of their knowledge, their care for students and their compassion. I am inspired on the deepest level by people who have the courage to show vulnerability and to be open about how success can be, and often is, a struggle. As a person who lives with depression, I think it is important to tell this side of the story. On a lighter note, laughter is often the thing that can keep me going; so, I’ll say Bob Mortimer.
