Stephanie Bennett

Role

I have recently left the role of Scientific Officer (which I held for 4 years) to become a full-time Ph.D. student here at the University of Plymouth. My research is entitled - 'the development of vocational interests and abilities'.  This is a continuation of work I have been involved in for the last 3 years on a part-time basis working with schools locally in Plymouth. Following on from a distinct lack of students graduating with engineering degrees UK-wide, our research team were asked to develop a battery of tests which measure engineering aptitude in Year 7 children. Alongside this measure we also ask children about their hobbies/interests - the results of which help children think about what kinds of jobs their interests would lead them to in the future. Currently the results of such testing are used by 1 local grammar school to select students for an engineering enriched curriculm (extra science, maths and engineering) Years 8-11 - students who display both a high level of aptitude and interest in engineering are selected (with parental consent).

This project is going to continue to run for 3 years in the first instance and will involve both longitudinal and cross-sectional components, testing children from local grammar/comprehensive schools and colleges.

Qualifications & background

B.Sc. (HONS) Psychology with Certificate of Professional Experience (Clinical Psychology).

M.Sc. Psychological Research Methods

G.T.A. (Graduate Teaching Assistant)

Professional membership

Roles on external bodies