معرفی
Professor Melanie Giles is Head of the School of Psychology at Ulster University, where she has been a faculty member since 1992. As a Chartered Psychologist and HCPC-registered health practitioner, she holds multiple leadership positions including chair of a research evaluation group at the International Academic Peer Learning Network. Her affiliations span Ulster University, European Centre for SI/PASS, and higher education fellowships.
Her research examines attitude-behavior dynamics in health contexts (e-cigarette use, breastfeeding, safe-sex behaviors) using social psychology frameworks. She also pioneers educational innovations in student engagement, peer mentoring (PASS scheme), employability training, and wellbeing interventions. Research consistently applies theoretical models like Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Cognitive Theory across diverse populations.
Recent publications (2020-2022) demonstrate strong focus on:
- Health behavior interventions (e-cigarette education, breastfeeding support)
- Cross-cultural health studies (MIND diet barriers)
- Student wellbeing (attachment, psychological capital)
- Public health strategies using mixed-methods approaches
Awards and honors:
- National Teaching Fellow (2018)
- Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy
- Fellow, Centre for Higher Education Research Practice
- Leadership in Ulster's Athena Swan Silver Award
She has supervised 15 PhD students to completion and currently advises one candidate. Secured substantial funding from R&D Office, Spencer Foundation, Health Research Board, and NI Chest Heart & Stroke. Leads community collaborations with Irish Football Association, Public Health Agency, and probation services.
