I have worked as an economist, a mathematics and statistics teacher and an asbestos analyst

Research

The project title of my PhD thesis is “can we really predict who will make a good (medical) doctor?”
This project seeks to discover if there are new ways of approaching medical student assessment which can be identified and can challenge traditional analysis theories combining qualitative and quantitative sources to generate meaningful models of performance.
A number of measures have been independently shown to predict success on MBBS courses including academic ability, socio-economic data, motivation and suitability. However, as yet there has been no comprehensive attempt to model these data to generate a predictive tool that can aid in medical student selection, support and training.
In this study we will build on current research looking at the predictive validity of medical school admissions criteria using expertise transferred from the field of risk analysis modelling and including other areas of student generated data. We aim to develop a predictive risk model to identify students at risk of not completing the MBBS course. We also intend to evaluate the validity of educational interventions and support mechanisms offered to “at risk” students.

Applied statistical analysis and methodology.

(Areas of interest include demography, economics, education, epidemiology, medicine, politics, sport and transport)

I currently provide the following teaching:

• SPSS statistical training modules for postgraduate research students


• Introductory mathematics seminars for economists

• Quantitative methods seminars for economists