Lorna Camus

Lorna Camus is a developmental psychologist and Psychology Technician at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with prior affiliation as a PhD student and Postgraduate Teaching Assistant at Heriot-Watt University. Her research centres on autistic young people’s mental health during the transition from primary to secondary school, and she explores how school transitions may influence the development or exacerbation of anxiety and depression among autistic individuals.

Education & Training

• PhD in Psychology, Heriot-Watt University (2018–2022)
• Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, Heriot-Watt University

Research Interests

Dr Camus employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to investigate:
• Autism Spectrum Disorders – understanding prevalence and experience of mental health challenges.
• Educational Transitions – the psychological impact of moving from primary to secondary school for autistic pupils.
• Social Identity & Self-Efficacy – how feelings of belonging and confidence in social situations affect well-being in autistic children and adults.

Research Trends

Across her publications, a clear trajectory emerges from foundational work on empathy, alexithymia, and autistic traits in children to applied studies on mental health, social identity, and educational inclusion. Recent outputs increasingly integrate participatory perspectives and widening-participation frameworks in higher education.

Scientific Awards & Funding

• James Watt Scholarship, Heriot-Watt University

Supervision & Collaboration

PhD supervision:

• Dr Mary Elizabeth Stewart, Heriot-Watt University
• Professor Gnanathusharan Rajendran, Heriot-Watt University

Collaborative research involves interdisciplinary teams across Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University, and international partners.

Labs & Teams

She currently works within Mary Elizabeth Stewart's Lab at Queen Margaret University, supporting research activities and contributing to ongoing projects in developmental psychology and neurodevelopmental conditions.