Dr Katie Cebula

Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology; Director of the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre

Biography

Background

I did a degree in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, then a PhD on the experiences of families with an autistic child who were using the Son-Rise Program. After completing my PhD I worked for three years as a Research Fellow on an MRC-funded project on socio-cognitive development in children with developmental disabilities such as Down's syndrome and fragile X syndrome. This project focused on two areas in particular - children's developing understanding of emotional expressions and the use of collaborative learning for children with developmental disabilities. In 2004 I began a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, exploring the sibling relationships of autistic children. Since 2005 I have held an academic post at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. I am also a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Qualifications

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 1997
  • PhD, University of Edinburgh, 2001
  • PFHEA, 2024

Postgraduate teaching

Pathway Co-ordinator:

  • MSc Education (Child and Adolescent Psychology)

 

Course Organiser:

  • Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Open to PhD supervision enquiries?

Yes

Areas of interest for supervision

I am keen to supervise research in the areas listed in the research tab.

Current PhD students supervised

  • Miranda Eodanable
  • Becky McGinney
  • Kyleigh Melville
  • Elena Santi

Past PhD students supervised

  • Ghaleyah Alajmi: Executive function in children and adolescents with Down Syndrome: a systematic review and Kuwait-based intervention (co-supervised with Dr Josie Booth & Dr Gale Macleod) (2021)
  • Juliet Scott-Barrett:  Listening to children on the spectrum: exploring opportunities for meaningful interactions during research. (co-supervised with Prof Lani Florian)  (2019)
  • Hsiao-Wei (Joy) Tsai: The Psychological Adjustment of SIblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) In Taiwan and the UK: INfluences of BAP characteristics, coping strategies, demographic factors and social support. (co-supervised with Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson) (2016)
  • Ruth Glynne-Owen : How/ in what ways does the diagnostic process for Autism Spectrum Disorder impact on parental perceptions of their pre-school child (co-supervised with Dr Gale Macleod) (2016)
  • Kaori Kimura: Attachment and amae: A comparative study of mother-child close relationships in Japan and Britain (2011)
  • Ai Keow Lim: A longitudinal cross-cultural investigation on the role of make-believe play in children's socio-cognitive development - crossing boundaries (2011)

Research summary

  • Experiences of families with neurodivergent children
  • The sibling relationships of neurodivergent children (Williams syndrome and autism)
  • Supporting the educational experiences of neurodivergent children
  • Mental health in students in higher education
  • Teaching of potentially emotionally sensitive topics in higher education
  • Participatory and co-produced research

Affiliated research centres

Current project grants

- Sibling Data Cafes 2024-2026 (Research Data Scotland)

Past project grants

- The role of family system factors in psychological outcomes for children with rare genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disabilities. WIth Dr D Riby (Durham University) and Prof R Hastings (University of Warwick). 2017 - 2019 (£90k: Baily Thomas Charitable Fund).
- Too close to home? Student support in mental health teaching. With Dr G Macleod, Dr K Stone, & Dr S Chan (University of Edinburgh. 2017 (£4k: University of Edinburgh Development Fund Innovation Initiative Grant).
- Experiences of Disabled Students in Initial Teacher Education. With Dr G Macleod (University of Edinburgh) 2006-2007 (DTRF)
- Interventions for Autism: Effects on Siblings 2004-2006 (Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship)
- Collaborative Learning for Children with Learning Disabilities. With Prof J G Wishart (University of Edinburgh) & Ms D S Willis (Napier University)2005 -2007 (Down's Syndrome Scotland)
- An Integrated View of Research on Autism: From Theory to Practice. Scottish Autism Research Group seminar series. With Dr E McGregor (University of Edinburgh), Dr M Núñez (Glasgow Caledonian University) & Dr J Gómez (University of St Andrews)2005-2007 (ESRC Seminar Grant)
- An Integrated View of Research on Autism: Bringing Together Neurocognitive, Clinical/Diagnostic and Educational Processes. Scottish Autism Research Group seminar series. With Dr E McGregor (University of Edinburgh), Dr M Núñez (Glasgow Caledonian University) & Dr J Gómez (University of St Andrews)2002-2004 (Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust; University of Edinburgh Development Trust; British Psychological Society)

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