AWARDS FEATURE
Research Career Development Grant : Dr Eleanor Curnow Eleanor is a researcher based at Queen Margaret University , Edinburgh . She has many years ’ experience working as an occupational therapist in clinical and community settings , with people with dementia .
She recently had her PhD examining assistive technology provided for people with dementia living at home . Since then , she has worked on research projects , which include investigating the support people need after being unwell during the pandemic and developing clinical guidelines for the use of functional electrical stimulation to support walking .
This award will support Eleanor to continue her investigations into understanding assessment processes which support the effective delivery of assistive technology to people with dementia .
Early Researcher Prize ( pre-registration ): Laura Johnson Laura was drawn to occupational therapy whilst working in the care sector alongside an amazing occupational therapist who empowered people to live well with disability , following illness , or in old age . While studying at York St John University , Laura focused her MSc research on ‘ the dark side of occupation ’. Laura realised that not only was there misunderstanding around this topic , but it also posed complex ethical questions for our profession .
She hopes her research can further shine a light on the importance of occupational therapists being supported to work with a diverse range of people and their equally diverse occupations , and she is grateful to be recognised by RCOT for the Early Researcher prize .
Since graduating in January this year , she has been working in North West London as part of a community stroke rehab team , supporting people to engage in meaningful occupations in their homes and communities . Laura is looking forward to a long , exciting and varied career in occupational therapy .
Early Researcher Award ( post-registration ): Laura Rossister Laura completed her Occupational Therapy BSc at the University of Southampton in June 2020 . Since graduating , Laura has worked in various roles involving research and project management at the University of Southampton .
She has worked as a research assistant on an RCOT-funded project investigating the impact of cancerrelated fatigue and as a research fellow exploring the use of simulation to prepare allied health students for placement . Laura is also project co-ordinator for OT Time Out , a network to support newly qualified occupational therapists funded by the Elizabeth Casson Trust .
Whilst working in these posts , Laura has continued to work clinically , meeting one-to-one with university students with mental health or learning needs to help them to overcome any barriers to study .
She intends to develop her study and research skills further with her MSc , which starts in September 2021 . Laura will be completing this part-time alongside her other roles .
It ’ s not too late to apply for a 2022 RCOT Annual Award for learning , development and research . The deadline for receipt of applications by RCOT is 5pm on Friday 29 October 2021 : www . rcot . co . uk / practice-resources / research-and-development .
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