Nicol Bergou

Pathway 1+3

Cohort 2020

1+3 Student

I obtained my BSc in Psychology at the University of West London, before joining King’s College London to complete an MSc in Psychiatric Research. After graduating, I worked for 2 years as a Research Assistant at KCL, working on an online research and resource platform for young people. I enjoyed the multidisciplinary research environment at KCL and life in South East London and decided to do my PhD there. 

I was drawn to the MRC DTP for three main reasons: 1. The wide range of projects on offer, with many aligned to my research interests, 2. The option to do rotations with different departments and diversify my research skillset before choosing a PhD project, and 3. The range of workshops and supplementary fund, allowing me to gain the knowledge and skills I need for my research. 

In my spare time, I produce and host a podcast called PhDeets where my co-hosts and I interview people working in and out of academia about topics relevant to doing a PhD in the UK.  

I am very keen on public engagement work, especially with young people. I have participated in I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here , produced a podcast called Beyond the HYPE  in collaboration with young people, delivered podcasting training to local sixth form students, helped organise and run the BRC Youth Awards  and Youth Takeover Challenge , and other initiatives. 

Websites

https://phdeets.buzzsprout.com/  

http://phdeets.com/  

https://twitter.com/PhDeets_podcast  

Rotations 

  • What impact do pharmacological treatments have on self-harm and suicide in psychosis? A pharmaco-epidemiological study.
  • The effect of Social Media on children and Adolescents: A Randomised controlled Trial (eSMART).
  • Using smartphone-based personal sensing to understand and predict risk of psychotic relapse at the individual level. 

Achievements 

  • Dean’s Medal for best postgraduate taught student at the IoPPN 2017/2018 
  • Sir Robin Murray Prize for best MSc Psychiatric Research student 2017/2018 
  • Prof Shitij Kapur Innovation Prize for innovation in research 
  • Alan Harvey Prize for best BSc Psychology student of the 2014-2017 cohort