Catherine O'Brien

Dr. Catherine O'Brien is a researcher affiliated with the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, specializing in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. She serves as a Bye-Fellow and Director of Studies at multiple colleges, including Magdalene, Jesus, and Wolfson. Her work bridges social, developmental, and clinical psychology with cultural studies and depth psychology.

• University of Cape Town: BBusSc, BSocSc (Hons)
• University of Cambridge: MPhil, PhD in Social and Developmental Psychology

Her research explores social representations, school bullying, and autism spectrum conditions, with a unique Jungian depth psychology lens. She examines power dynamics in educational settings and integrates neurodiversity studies with cognitive biases.

Dr. O'Brien's publications span educational psychology, labor policy, and forensic applications. Key themes include bullying typologies, geek identity, and historical childhood perceptions.

• Short-listed for CUSU Teaching Award (2018)

She supervises postgraduate students across Cambridge colleges and investigates intersections between mainstream psychology and New Age discourses.