Assoc Prof Dr. Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

St Mary's University | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kyriaki Myrissa embarked on her academic journey at the University of Leeds, where she completed her BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2009. Her early research focused on dietary interventions and their impact on health, which led to her Master’s by Research (MRes) in 2011, studying the effects of increased fiber intake on body composition and appetite control. This foundational work paved the way for her PhD in Psychology, completed in 2016, where she explored the complex interplay of affect, cognition, behavior, and motivation in weight loss and maintenance.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Myrissa's professional career is marked by her dedication to academia and research. She has held various positions at the University of Leeds, including Research Assistant, Practical Research Demonstrator, and Lecturer. In 2017, she joined St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor in Nutrition, Health & Exercise Sciences. Her role also includes being the Postgraduate Subject Lead and Course Lead for MSc Chronic Disease Management. Her responsibilities extend to teaching, supervision of PhD students, and overseeing postgraduate programs.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Myrissa’s research contributions are both diverse and impactful. Her work primarily focuses on mental health, obesity, neurodevelopmental disorders, and the role of nutrition and physical activity in managing chronic diseases. She has been involved in various research projects, including dietary interventions for children with ADHD, the relationship between age-friendliness and quality of life in older adults, and the motor signature of autism. Her research has been published in numerous journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Myrissa’s excellence in teaching and research has been recognized through her Fellowships with the Higher Education Academy, including achieving Senior Fellow status in 2023. Her successful research grants and involvement in significant studies, such as the effects of kefir on children with ADHD and the medical events associated with parkrun in the UK, underscore her influence in her field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Myrissa’s work has had a significant impact on the academic and health communities. Her research on weight management, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders has contributed to better understanding and management of these conditions. Her role as an educator has influenced a generation of students in the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health, fostering future leaders and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Myrissa continues her work at St Mary’s University, her legacy is one of dedication to advancing knowledge in health and nutrition sciences. Her ongoing research and commitment to teaching ensure that she will continue to contribute to her fields, inspiring both her peers and students. Her future endeavors promise to further explore the intersections of mental health, behavior, and nutrition, driving forward the understanding and management of chronic diseases.

Publications

📄 Article: Cross-sectional study examining the association between diet quality and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in UK undergraduate students
Author: Myrissa, K., Court, C., Kelaiditi, E.
Journal: Nutrition Bulletin
Year: 2024

📄 Article: Randomised controlled trial of the effects of kefir on behaviour, sleep and the microbiome in children with ADHD: a study protocol
Author: Lawrence, K., Fibert, P., Hobbs, J., Cotter, P.D., Gregory, A.M.
Journal: BMJ Open
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Orthorexia Nervosa: Examining the reliability and validity of two self-report measures and the predictors of orthorexic symptoms in elite and recreational athletes
Author: Myrissa, K., Jackson, L., Kelaiditi, E.
Journal: Performance Enhancement and Health
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Public beliefs and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines among adults in South-Western Nigeria: A cross-sectional study
Author: Olaoye, I., Ekong, A., Samuel, A., Jacdonmi, T., Gboyega, F.
Journal: AIMS Public Health
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Health Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Author: Olaoye, I., Fatiregun, A.A., Myrissa, K., Gboyega, F., Stephen, F.
Journal: Journal of Health Research
Year: 2023

Introduction of Psychology:

Psychology research is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the human mind and behavior. It explores a wide range of topics, from understanding cognitive processes and emotions to addressing mental health disorders. This field plays a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of human behavior and improving mental well-being.

Subtopics in Psychology:

Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They use psychotherapy and evidence-based interventions to help individuals overcome psychological challenges.
Cognitive Psychology: Cognitive psychologists study mental processes such as perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving. They aim to uncover how humans acquire, process, and use information.
Developmental Psychology: Developmental psychologists examine how individuals grow and change over their lifespan. Research focuses on child development, adolescence, adulthood, and aging.
Social Psychology: Social psychologists investigate how individuals are influenced by social interactions, group dynamics, and societal norms. They explore topics like conformity, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships.
Health Psychology: Health psychologists study the psychological factors that influence physical health and well-being. They examine behaviors, coping mechanisms, and the mind-body connection.
Neuropsychology: Neuropsychologists explore the relationship between the brain and behavior. They diagnose and treat neurological disorders and investigate the impact of brain injuries on cognition and behavior.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: I-O psychologists focus on the workplace, addressing issues related to employee motivation, leadership, organizational behavior, and job satisfaction.
Positive Psychology: Positive psychologists study human strengths, well-being, and happiness. They explore strategies for promoting resilience and improving overall life satisfaction.
Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal issues and the criminal justice system. They assess witness credibility, evaluate offenders, and provide expert testimony in court.
Educational Psychology: Educational psychologists study how individuals learn and develop within educational settings. They work to improve teaching methods, curriculum design, and student outcomes.

Psychology research contributes to our understanding of human behavior, mental health, and well-being. These subtopics represent the diverse areas of inquiry within this field, each playing a crucial role in enhancing our knowledge of the human psyche and improving lives.

Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award