Q&A with Dr Liz Halstead

Dr Liz Halstead is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology and Human Development and teaches about sleep and mental health.

What attracted you to take up your position at IOE?

The department is very welcoming, and there are many great colleagues to work with. I have found that working at IOE has broadened my knowledge and thinking for my research areas.

How long have you been at IOE? If less than 5 years, what was your previous role?

In 2018, I started as a Senior Teaching Fellow, working in that role up until I was appointed as a Lecturer in 2021.

What do you most enjoy about your position and why?

I enjoy seeing students succeed, however they define that success for themselves.

I supervise students who are at the undergraduate level, as well as those undertaking Master's, PhD and doctoral studies. I like to work with and develop students so they can achieve their goals in their research projects.

We have many students at IOE who all bring their own knowledge and experience, meaning no two supervision experiences are the same.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I led on the development of a mobile app that assists in the collection of sleep data for veterans and provides insight to the therapist for treatment.

This was an international project that involved several teams working closely together, and it was both challenging and rewarding to be part of.

What is the focus of your research and what benefits do you hope your discoveries and/or insights will bring?

My research focuses on sleep and wellness.

I work as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist for Insomnia, so I am keen to improve sleep and wellness through behaviour change.

I am currently working with students to improve their sleep. In addition, I work with families and individuals who have experienced negative life events to explore how their sleep has been affected, and develop ways to improve their wellbeing.

Do you think being in London and at UCL benefits your work and why?

Yes absolutely!

The network of academics at UCL provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.

In my research, I have worked with app developers, joined labs and have a wide range of resources available to me for my research. I have also experienced great mentoring at a departmental level to develop myself and my work.

What other subject outside of your area of specialism interests you?

I have always had an interest in forensic psychology and do read quite a bit outside of my research areas on these topics.

What might it surprise people to know about you?

I have a love for animals and I have a full Fleetwood Mac vinyl collection.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experiences at UCL or IOE?

I am proud to work at UCL and look forward to all the future opportunities it may bring.