Spotlight on Dr Katrina Scior

What is your role and what does it involve?

Like many academics I have a dual role. I am senior lecturer within the UCL Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, and my specialism is learning and intellectual disabilities. Additionally I am Academic Director of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I've been at UCL 12 years. Previous to this I worked as a clinical psychologist for Newham, on the community team working with people with learning disabilities.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I'm currently doing research into the stigma attached to people with intellectual disabilities and the attitudes, views and beliefs held about them by different groups within a multicultural society.

For the last six years I have been involved in a London-wide diversity group addressing the shortage of black ethnic minority professionals in this field. The scheme addresses the fact that many young people are not receiving the right guidance to gain the necessary qualifications to embark on clinical psychology courses. Possibly the next stage will be to work closely with sixth-form colleges in culturally diverse areas of north London to encourage more interest from young people.

What is your life like outside UCL?

I like to spend time with my family and we love travelling. At Easter we went to Thailand. We also go on trips and outings round London. We went on an amazing trip to Hampton Court and saw the very interesting reenactment of the wedding of Henry VIII to Catherine of Parr.