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Dr Chloe Fawns-Ritchie
Name:
Dr Chloe Fawns-Ritchie
Job Title:
Lecturer
Place of work / study:
University of Dundee / University of Edinburgh
Area of Research:
Psychology / Cognitive Ageing
How is your research funded:
N/A
Tell us a little about yourself:
I have an MA (Hons) in Psychology, an MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology, and a PhD in Psychology, all from the University of Edinburgh. While completing my PhD, I worked as a psychometric testing officer at the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology (University of Edinburgh) and a research assistant for the Dementias Platform UK. Both these roles involved developing cognitive assessments for large-scale studies.
After completing my PhD in 2019, I worked as the Questionnaire Officer and a Postdoctoral Researcher on the Generation Scotland study, a large family-health study where I lead on the design and implementation of the online questionnaires and psychological assessments given to Generation Scotland participants. I am currently Psychology lecturer at the University of Dundee where my teaching focuses on cognitive ageing (amongst other topics). I will be returning to the University of Edinburgh in August 2024 to take up a post as lecturer in Psychology. My research focuses on association between cognitive ageing and health.
I investigate health factors that might partly explain why some people’s cognitive function declines faster than others, as well as exploring the impact of faster cognitive decline on managing health in older adulthood. I have a particular interest in investigating the relationship between chronic pain, opioid prescribing, and cognitive ageing. A related research interest of mine is exploring the impact of poorer cognitive function and greater cognitive decline on tasks that are important for functioning independently in older adulthood, including the ability to manage money.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When I was a child, I wanted to be a biker with pink hair and an Egyptologist!
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
Since my undergraduate degree, I’ve been especially interested in understanding why some older adults have lower cognitive function and steeper cognitive decline than others.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Try not to compare yourself to other early career researchers but instead compare where you are now to where you were a few years ago (easier said than done)!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Facemaker by Linsdey Fitzharris. The book is about the life of Harold Gillies, a plastic surgeon who focused on developing techniques to repair facial injuries of soldiers during World War I. Very much recommend!
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Getting outdoors for a hike or a run with my wee dug, Bonny.
Favourite film of all time?
Not sure.
Can we find you on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn?
Follow Chloe Fawns-Ritchie on LinkedIn
