Bethany Thomas

(she/her) | Assistant Lecturer @ Arden University | PhD Researcher @ Edge Hill University




Bethany Thomas

(she/her) | Assistant Lecturer @ Arden University | PhD Researcher @ Edge Hill University



About Me


Thank you for being here, in this section, you will learn a bit more about me, my background in Psychology, my teaching experience and awards.

Introduction

My primary interest lies in exploring identity and digital gaming.

With a strong background in Psychology, a passion for Gender Equality, and a keen interest in Digital Games. I am committed to exploring into the interesting realms of gender-based stereotypes and representation, social identity and intersectionality, digital games for good, identity construction, expression and performance in and digital gaming domains, and the intersection of identity and video games. I also have a strong interest in Qualitative Research Methods and Reflexivity.

My passion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is reflected in my research and outreach, as an ambassador for Women in Games (WIGJ): https://www.womeningames.org/ambassadors/individuals/ 
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At the heart of my academic journey lies an unwavering dedication to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion into Psychology, both through my academic work and further activates with stakeholders.

Thank you for visiting this website!

Education

Since Oct. 2021: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Edge Hill University.

  • I am currently completing my PhD based in the department of Psychology, under the supervision of Professor Linda Kaye, and Dr Andy Levy. My research explores the intersection of gender and gamer identity to establish a theoretical basis from which we can better understand female gamers. By doing so, my work seeks to contribute to the fifth UN sustainable development goal, to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. 
Jan. 2022-Nov. 2023: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education (PGCERT) - Edge Hill Univerisity.
  • The PGCTHE is a Higher Education Academy (HEA) accredited programme with the UKPSF, which provides an opportunity to improve professional practice and students’ learning. This programme employs a reflective approach to teaching practice, drawing upon pedagogic theory and empirical evidence within a collaborative learning environment.
Oct. 2020-Dec. 2021: Psychological Research methods with Advanced Statistics (MSc) - The University of Sheffield. 
  • Through my masters studies I engaged with advanced statistical methods primarily using Jamovi, R and RStudio, alongside SPSS syntax.
Sept. 2017- Jul. 2020: Psychology with hons (BSc) - University of Chester.
  • Some of the assignments I found most interesting during my undergraduate degree included: a critical analysis of social psychological theories based on the behaviour of the main character of a film, Deadpool and as part of the Psychology of Arts, Music and the Media I created a piece of work focused on “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, covered by Muse, and compared these considering psychological theories.

Teaching Experience

Since Aug. 2024: Arden University - Assistant Lecturer (Blended Learning) in the School of Psychology
  • Alongside my role as an assistant lecturer at Arden, I am a tutor in the Research Methods Support team, and part of the ArGen Gender equality network.

Oct. 2021-2024: Edge Hill University - Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Psychology
  • I have successfully completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education gaining distinctions on each assignment, and thus have been awarded as a fellow of the higher education academy (FHEA). My teaching approach is student-centered, where I strive to foster a supportive learning envrionment, facilitating students knowledge and skills. During my time with the Athena Swan Steering Group I contributed to the successful renewal of the Athena Swan Bronze award with no conditions (held untill 31st October 2029).

Awards

Since Nov. 2023: Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, AdvanceHE.
Since. Oct 2021: PhD Studentship, Edge Hill University

Jul. 2024: Best Presentation, British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Section Annual Conference.

Jul. 2023: Best Poster Presentation, British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Section Annual Conference.

Jul. 2023: Conference Ambassador Award, British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Section Annual Conference 2023. 

Sept. 2022: Best Work in Progress Presentation, British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Section Annual Conference. 

Sept. 2022: Conference Ambassador Award, British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Section Annual Conference 2024. 

Associations & Other Activities

Since Mar. 2022: Women in Games Ambassador

Since Sep. 2024: Psychology of Women & Equalities
Review
, Journal Reviewer.

Since Sep. 2024: Arden University ArGen Network.

Jun. 2024: British Psychological Society Cyberpsychology Annual Conference, Conference Ambassador Co-ordinator.

Oct. 2021-2024: Edge Hill University, Athena Swan Steering Group in the Department of Psychology.

Oct. 2021-2024: Edge Hill University, Social Cognition and Communication research group in the Department of Psychology.

Oct. 2021-2024: Edge Hill University, Post-graduate Research network in the Department of Psychology.

Oct. 2021-2024: Edge Hill University, Inclusion, Diversity, and Identity research network in the Faculty of Education.
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