Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background and experience in neuroscience and psychology.

I completed my BSc in Psychology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ, Brazil), and I am now a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (UK). Since my years as an undergraduate student, I’ve been fascinated by understanding the brain and behaviour, especially the topics of neuroplasticity and how it can be modulated by environmental and nutritional factors. That led me to an MSc in Biological Sciences and a PhD at the neurobiology programme of the Institute of Biophysics at UFRJ (Brazil).

During my PhD years, I was also a visiting student at King’s College London. Being part of the King’s community is a passion that never left me. As a psychologist, I have experience as a cognitive-behavioural therapist in Brazil and as a coaching psychologist in both Brazil and the UK. My main current interests as a researcher and practitioner focus on designing and evaluating positive/coaching psychology-based interventions to promote mental health and resilience in different populations.

What’s your area of expertise?

Positive psychology, coaching psychology and neuroscience, and neuroplasticity.

What interests you most about the current mental health and neuroscience landscape?

These are such fascinating fields. What I find most interesting about the current landscape is the research unravelling the psychobiological basis of mental health-related conditions and how technology – for example, through gene-editing techniques – can contribute to future treatment of these conditions. But my fascination with the field doesn’t stop at the molecular/cellular levels; it’s so inspiring to see ground-breaking research on the effectiveness of anti-stigma campaigns and how strengths-based psychological interventions can inform optimal functioning and positive mental health in applied contexts, such as education, business and clinical practice

What key skills will our students take away with them?

Successful completion of Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health should contribute to an enhanced ability to critically appraise the scientific literature to inform an in-depth understanding of socially relevant issues related to mental health through the lenses of psychology and neuroscience. It should also help students develop the ability to sharpen their views of mental health in an evidence-based manner and articulate several lines of thought into more coherent and evidence-based arguments. This, in turn, should equip students with some of the key skills for a more positive and impactful contribution to society.

If you had to choose a favourite module from this course, what would it be and why?

Mental Health in the Community. This is a foundation module that draws on different areas of knowledge – from historical to social, psychological and biological underpinnings of mental health – to bring together a comprehensive understanding of the field, inspire better community services and, above all, foster acceptance and reduce stigma.

What would you say to a potential student deciding whether to apply for this course?

I’d ask them to reflect on how they believe their journey throughout the programme would align with and contribute to their personal development and professional goals. I’d also ask them to assess their readiness to start their journey in the programme; some of the modules will draw heavily on theoretical, experimental and methodological aspects of psychology and neuroscience. These more technical building blocks are a necessary foundation upon which more advanced and applied aspects of the course will be laid. However, this – besides the time commitment needed to successfully navigate a level 7 course – may be a cause of frustration to some students.

I’d also say that despite the inherent challenges of undertaking an MSc course, Applied Neuroscience offers students an exciting opportunity to be part of a thriving academic community and learn from world experts on the most recent, ground-breaking research in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and mental health.

What would you say to a potential student deciding between our Applied Neuroscience and Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health courses?

Both programmes draw upon cutting edge research to bring together an understanding of mental health that is current, multidisciplinary and evidence-based. However, students who wish to achieve an in-depth understanding of the neuroscientific underpinnings of mental health in academic and applied settings should consider the Applied Neuroscience programme.

Those aiming to understand mental health from both a psychological and neuroscientific perspective should consider applying for Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health, especially if they have a more focused interest in topics such as addictions, mindfulness, child and adolescent mental health and global mental health.

Do students need a background in neuroscience to be able to take this course?

Psychology and neuroscience are interdisciplinary areas, and students from backgrounds other than standard psychology or biology degrees should navigate the content with success, provided they have the time commitment and independent learning skills necessary to catch up with the content.

This is a level 7 qualification, so a sustained level of excellence from students will be the standard expectation. Besides, the successful completion of foundation modules, for example, will largely depend on the student’s ability to engage with content that is based on technical, methodological and experimental paradigms in psychology and neuroscience. Prospective students must be aware of this so they can make an informed decision on whether our programmes are the most appropriate academic route for them.

What do you look for in a postgraduate student?

Above anything, I look for a student who is passionate about the field, who wants to broaden their horizons and use scientific evidence to impact society positively. In terms of specific academic skills, I expect a postgraduate student to be an independent and self-directed learner, to have exceptional time management and organisational skills, to be open for learning and receiving feedback and to be ready for engaging with the programme team and their fellow students in ways that also contribute to the continual development of Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health as a thriving and supportive academic community.

What research are you involved in at this moment in time?

My current research focuses on the design and evaluation of positive psychology/coaching psychology interventions to promote mental health and wellbeing in different populations. I’m also very interested in pedagogical research and understanding how we can support students in learning more effectively. In that sense, I’m delighted to be co-leading with Dr Brenda Williams (academic for King’s Applied Neuroscience Master’s) for a research project on turning our curriculum more internationalised, especially in terms of bringing in the strengths and knowledge from the global south to enhance the learning journey of all our students.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about studying with King’s?

Being part of a thriving community – one that values diversity, inclusion, creativity and that shares a collective passion for making the world a better place.