Dr Gemma Reynolds

School Faculty of Science and Technology
Department Psychology
Location London

Research activities

Dr Reynolds' key research interests lie within neurodiversity and atypical childhood development, with a particular focus on associative learning mechanisms. Currently, her research focuses on the following areas:

Firstly, investigating the development of emotions such as fear, anxiety and disgust during childhood, and identifying interventions that could be used to prevent maladaptive emotions developing.

Secondly, exploring the associative mechanisms and remediation of stimulus over-selectivity; a common characteristic of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, general learning disabilities, acquired neurological damage, and the elderly.

Thirdly, exploring expressive writing as a brief intervention in reducing anxiety, academic stress, and depression in higher education students.

Fourth, investigating the benefits of forest schools for primary school aged children.

Fifth, neurodiversity in higher education, and the under-recognition of masking in autistic girls.

Current Teaching

PSY1110 Psychological Science from Individuals to Society

PSY1115 Changing the World with Psychology

PSY2210 Social and Developmental Psychology - Developmental Psychology Module Leader

PSY3130 Psychology in Education - Co-Module Leader

PSY4210 Social and Developmental Psychology - Developmental Psychology Module Leader

PGR Supervision:

Emilie Edwards (PhD)

Shereen Mohamed (PhD)

Tali Sayers (dProf)

Tatiana Sobolewska (PhD)

Joanne Shapiro (MRes)

Maria Chifa (MRes - Completed)

Karen Manville (PhD - Completed)

Biography

Dr Gemma Reynolds is a developmental psychologist at Middlesex University whose research focuses on neurodiversity, emotional development, and inclusive education. Dr Reynolds was awarded a first class (with Hons) BSc degree inPsychology from Sussex University (2005-2008). She went on to achieve adistinction in MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology at Swansea University(2008-2009). She remained at SwanseaUniversity to pursue a PhD with Professor Phil Reed. In 2012, she completed her PhD and wasoffered a post-doctoral position at Kingston University. She then joinedMiddlesex University in 2014 as a Developmental Psychology Lecturer. She becameSenior Lecturer in the summer of 2016 and has previously served as a member of theResearch Leadership Team (RLT). A Senior Fellow of the HEA, Dr Reynolds combines research withteaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, aimingto bridge theory and practice to support children’s well-being and inclusion.

Qualifications

Title: BSc Psychology (with Hons) - First Class

Institution: Sussex University

Title: MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology - Distinction

Institution: Swansea University

Title: PhD Psychology

Institution: Swansea University

Title: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education

Institution: Middlesex University

External activities

Member of the Editorial Board for Learning and Motivation, NA,

External Examiner - University of Hertfordshire, University of Hertfordshire,

External Examiner - University of Derby, University of Derby,

Publications

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