Director of Research, Education and Training at the British Psychological Society
Course: BSc Psychology, 1999
Sector: Education, Research
Debra is Director of Research, Education and Training at the British Psychological Society, where she leads work on psychology qualifications, course accreditation, research, publishing and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Debra has a Ph.D in psychology and previously worked as an academic researcher in psychology departments in the UK and USA for over a decade.
Prior to joining the BPS Debra worked as a researcher at AQA, the UK’s largest exam board. In this post she carried out research with 14–16-year-olds on their career aspirations and attitudes towards vocational learning. She has designed GCSE, A-level and vocational qualifications and carried out statistical analysis to set exam grades. Debra also led the Research and Analysis team at the Solicitors Regulation Authority, where she designed the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and pioneered the use of artificial intelligence, behavioural insights, and randomised controlled trials to regulate the legal market and increase access to legal services.
As the first person in her family to go to university, and having become a mother in her late teens, Debra understands the challenges of balancing real-life pressures with studying and creating a meaningful career without a roadmap. She is passionate about supporting students to build confidence, recognise their strengths and explore the many different pathways leading from a psychology degree.
To seek Debra's support, apply now to the Alumni Leadership Mentoring programme.