What will you be focusing on in your PhD project - in terms of both research and teaching?

I will be focusing on life stories and narrative identity, and how they affect our perceptions of others.

What have you done prior to this?

I received my masters in psychology in the US and worked both as a a therapist and on life story research there. But before shifting to the field of psychology, I was educated as and worked as an attorney and mediator.

Why did you choose to do a PhD, and why did you choose the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences?

A PhD in the department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences was a perfect fit for me. After moving to Aarhus from the U.S. with my Danish husband and family, I wanted to continue to progress professionally and intellectually in the field of narrative psychology. Fortunately for me, the psychology department here at Aarhus University, through the Con Amore research center and Professor Dorthe Kirkegaard Thomsen’s own studies, was conducting exciting, world class research in the field of autobiographical memories and life stories. Once I realized that, I did not hesitate to apply for a PhD here.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Besides my untraditional career path from family law lawyer to  my current life as PhD student at Aarhus University, I have a passion for musical theater and classical singing – both as audience member and as performer (though most of that was back in the U.S).  My husband and I have two wonderful, inquisitive sons, who inspire me and keep me balanced.