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Elena tells us about her experience of the PhD programme and what she's gone on to do since completing her studies
Could you tell us a bit about your educational background?
I completed all of my studies at UCL: first, a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, followed by postgraduate studies in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience.
What were your motivations for pursuing a Postgraduate Research programme within the Psychoanalysis Unit?
Through my academic studies and work experience as RA, I was able not only to realise my passion for research but also develop strong research skills. Therefore, doing a PhD was the natural next step. The mission of the Psychoanalysis Unit to foster communication of psychoanalysis with other disciplines, whilst applying it to contemporary issues, was very appealing to me given my interdisciplinary background. Moreover, being supervised and taught by leading experts in their field was an invaluable learning opportunity that I did not want to miss, hence the unit was the right place for me to pursue my postgraduate research degree.
Why did you choose to study in London, and specifically at UCL?
UCL is one of the top universities in the world to study psychology so when I was offered a place for the bachelor in Psychology at the age of 17 I was thrilled. Completing all of my studies at UCL was not something I had decided early on, but my experience in this outstanding and vibrant environment for both study and cutting-edge research made me want to continue my studies here.
What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?
I have always been fascinated by the relationship between mind and body. My exposure to a psychoanalytic way of thinking allowed me to realise that while psychoanalysis may be irreducible to science, there is no reason why they cannot complement and inform each other. Under the supervision of Prof. Katerina Fotopoulou, I had the opportunity to combine psychoanalytic ideas with methods from experimental psychology and cognitive neuroscience to answer questions about the mind-body relationship and, specifically, how our perception of the body from inside and outside influences different aspects of our psychological self.
What are your career plans now you have completed your current programme of study at UCL?
Just before finishing my PhD, I started working as Research Tutor and, later on, Deputy Programme Director at the MSc Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology (UCL/Anna Freud Centre), the same MSc that I had completed! Working closely with Dr Alejandra Perez, Programme Director, our mission is to preserve the unique components of this course, while looking to bring in contemporary clinical applications and research. I truly enjoy this role as I am able to uniquely combine research with teaching, supervision and tutoring, as well as management responsibilities.
Has there been an element of your degree programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?
I found very valuable the teaching in the first year of the PhD as it allows students with different backgrounds, yet similar interests to meet and learn a lot from each other.
What would you advise anyone thinking of doing a PhD?
Choose a topic that really interests you because, despite the occasional disappointments that come with research, you will never lose your passion and you will constantly strive to learn more.
What was the most challenging aspect of the PhD?
Doing a PhD is sometimes a lonely journey that requires a lot of independent work. This, in combination with the fact that in research things not always go as planned, can be challenging. However, I was very lucky to be part of a lab so I had a great support network and met wonderful people with whom we became very good friends.