Anna is a Research Fellow with the Centre for Health Policy, School of Social Work and Social Policy. 

Anna’s intention is to contribute to evidence which supports policy decisions for a more equitable, just and healthy society.  Anna holds an MA (Hons) in Psychology, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Masters in Public Health.  Her background is in Clinical Psychology, and her experience of clinical practice in the NHS led her to consider the ‘upstream’ determinants of health and to move into public health.  Her research interests focus on the social and economic determinants of health, and health inequalities, particularly in relation to mental health and obesity.  Anna has experience of qualitative, quantitative and evidence synthesis methods. 

In 2016 she was part of a team who completed a systematic review of interventions intended to improve health, happiness and wellbeing for young people in the transition from adolescence to adulthood, funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh.  In 2018/19 she was Principal Investigator for two mapping overviews of universal and selective interventions for the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people funded by Barnardo’s. 

Anna also has experience of delivering knowledge exchange activities and of supporting international collaborations.  Between 2016 and 2019 she was Project Coordinator for the EU Horizon 2020 funded 'Citizenship, Recovery and Inclusive Society Partnership', which shared learning on social inclusion and mental health between Europe and the United States. www.crisppartnership.eu. 

Anna is a Member of the Royal Society for Public Health, and the Society for Social Medicine.  Between 2016 and 2018 she undertook secondments to Silver School of Social Work, New York University, and to the Finnish Association for Mental Health, Helsinki. 

My intention is to contribute to research evidence which supports policy decisions for a more equitable, just and healthy society.  My background is in Clinical Psychology, and my experience of clinical practice in the NHS led me to consider ‘upstream’ causes and to move into public health.  My research interests focus on the social and economic determinants of health, and health inequalities, in relation to mental health and obesity.  I have particular interest in pursuing substantive topics focused on the health, mental health and wellbeing of children, families and young people, as well as the impact of the food environment.  Methodologically, I have experience of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including analysis of the Growing Up in Scotland longitudinal cohort study.