DOCTORAL RESEARCH

​​Ben has a strong professional and research interest in emergency department care, driven by his work in a major trauma centre. He values the problem-solving and adaptability required in trauma imaging and finds fulfilment in providing compassionate care in high-pressure situations. This clinical expertise, combined with his drive to reduce health inequities for neurodivergent people, inspired his PhD research.
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Ben’s PhD research, funded by a School of Health & Psychological Sciences studentship, explores the emergency department experiences of neurodivergent individuals, specifically autistic and ADHD adults. The project is supervised by Dr Christina Malamateniou and Dr Themis Karaminis.

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As a neurodivergent individual himself (autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic), Ben brings a unique dual perspective to his research, drawing on both his professional expertise and lived experience. By sharing his time between his clinical practice, working predominantly in the emergency department X-ray, and his PhD project, Ben ensures his research is grounded in current professional practice. 

Emphasising collaborative and participatory research methodologies is a core principle of Ben's work. Neurodivergent individuals will not merely be subjects but will act as equal collaborators, giving community members a role in shaping the research that intends to serve them. This approach is essential for driving change and ensuring the proposed solutions are tangible and resonate with those they are designed to support.

The findings aim to drive systemic change by informing policy, improving clinical training, and promoting a more accessible and inclusive healthcare environment across the NHS and beyond.