Laura McDowall

Alumni of the Department Human Perception, Cognition and Action
Alumni of the Group Perception and Action in Virtual Environments
Alumni of the Group Recognition and Categorization

Main Focus

During my 7 months internship, I am participating in a project initiated by in collaboration with and (Swansea University, UK).  This project investigates the influence of active exploration and viewing position on face recognition.  This project involves the use of avatars viewed in a Virtual environment

A study based on the scientific question ''What role does perpective and self-motion play in the the ability to recognise faces?''. The experiment will be designed using virtual reality (VR) equipment, using virtools, sketch up, tracking technology and head-mounted displays (HMD).

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Profile

A reliable and enthusiastic Psychology undergraduate with experience teaching and working with children.

Key Skills

Dependable and Resilient: I am a self-motivator who works well independently but also as an effective and helpful team player. This has been demonstrated when working as an independent teacher in ‘Smiley Camp English School’ abroad and also when working as part of a community of workers, designing and running a Pyramid Club for the British NHS.  I feel I am an efficient reflective practitioner who can analyse my performance and work to improve it. I remain calm and considered under pressure.

Strong interpersonal skills: I am an effective communicator, a necessary skill developed when teaching children to swim for a club, or to speak English. Teaching abroad allowed me to perfect my language skills, and I am fluent in Spanish. I have managed all my work experience with an amicable and patient disposition, something I feel is very important. This is always maintained in my university work, which is underpinned by high personal standards and expectations. My good sense of humour and my determination ensure I can cope with any unexpected situations that may arise.

Inquisitive and Insightful: I am an open-minded person who is naturally curious and investigative, always willing to learn new things. I am not afraid of challenges and enjoy the opportunity to have new experiences.

Education

2009-Ongoing: Cardiff University- I am currently studying for a BSc with Professional Placement degree within the                                             department of Psychology, first year grade 2:1.

2007-2009: Bexhill college, Bexhill-on-sea - four A-levels; Psychology (A), Politics (A), English Literature (A), Spanish (B)

2002-2007: Bexhill High School, Bexhill-on-sea - 10 GCSEs - Spanish  (A*), Psychology (A*), English (A,   A*), French (A*), Science (B, B, C), Mathematics (B), Design Technology (C).

Work Experience

2004-2009      Swimming Teacher, Barbarians Swimming Club, Hastings.

I was responsible for the Safety and learning of groups of children aged 4-14, working as both a leader and a member of a team. I gained Swimming Teaching Beginner qualifications and achieved a National Rescue Standard in First Aid.

Spring 2010 Pyramid Club leader, Cwrt-yr-Ala School, Ely, Cardiff.

I ran a club for children who were not reaching their academic potential because of social problems. This included planning and organising sessions, budgeting the club’s finances, engaging with the children and joining in the social activities of the group

Summer 2010 English teacher and assistant, Smiley Camp English School, Vila Seca.

I taught set classes on a variety of  topics to Spanish children aged 8-9. I took care of smaller children speaking only in Spanish, helping them learn English through play.

Summer 2011 TAP Leader at Shaneglobal, Warrior Square Garden, Hastings

This job involved taking large groups of chinese students and managing them effectively whilst helping them to learn English and enjoy their time, teaching them the local and national history in the process. It improved my time management and team work skills, but in particular my individual leadership qualities.

Interests

Swimming – achieved a national rescue standard (NaRS) first aid and life guarding qualification and swim regularly to keep fit and maintain this skill.

Travel – continuing to enjoy an exchange with friends in Madrid every summer, since the age of 12.

Current Affairs – I have an active interest in politics, culture and the world around me.

Volunteering –I feel it is important and enjoy giving something back to my community. All my teaching positions and that in Pyramid club were entirely voluntary and unpaid.

Relaxation – I read with a keen interest in fiction, both English and Spanish, and also in non- fiction books relating to all areas of psychology.

Personal Details

Full name: Laura Eluned McDowall       Date of birth: 26th August 1991           Nationality:  British

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