Overview

Leah is completing her PhD at the University of Exeter funded by NIHR School for Public Health Research. Her project is exploring how we can tackle early years health inequalities by creating place-based parenting support services that are sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged communities. This is being explored through a realist investigation of ‘what works, for whom, how, and why’ when these services utilise community engagement (consultation, co-production, etc.) to inform the design and delivery of their services, leading to positive outcomes for families.  Leah is supervised by Dr Jenny Lloyd, Professor Vashti Berry, and Dr Ruth McGovern (Newcastle University).

Prior to joining the University of Exeter Leah worked as a research assistant at the University of Massachusetts Boston during a professional training year in her undergraduate degree. Following this, Leah worked as a programme lead for a summer camp serving children with developmental disabilities, and then spent three years working as a research assistant at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. During this time, Leah worked on a range of research projects evaluating and co-creating support for neurodiverse children. Her recent shift into public health research reflects her interests in health inequalities and the social determinants of health.

Qualifications

• BSc Hons Psychology (with Professional Training Year) – University of Plymouth (First Class)

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Research

Research interests

Leah is broadly interested in the social determinants of health, tackling health inequalities, and poverty-informed approaches to prevention and support. Leah also has keen interests in qualitative methodology, realist methodology, and co-production.

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Publications

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External Engagement and Impact

Committee/panel activities

• HRA Newcastle and North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee member

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