Amy-Louise Simkiss

Amy-Louise Simkiss

Head Cashier

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location of Amy-Louise SimkissRoyal Sutton Coldfield, England, United Kingdom

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Psychology Technical Manager and PhD Researcher at Birmingham City University

  • Education

    • Birmingham City University

      2018 - 2018
      PGCert Research Practice
    • Staffordshire University

      2015 - 2016
      Master of Science (MSc) Applied Research Merit

      My Masters dissertation looked more specifically at attention and distraction behaviours with glucose. As my undergraduate work suggested glucose increases your reaction times, I was interested how glucose would affect task distractors. I used a double blind method in this study, but due to time restrictions, opted for a between-groups design, trying to minimise influence of individual differences via blood glucose testing to eliminate metabolism difference and fasting time fluctuations, via an… Show more My Masters dissertation looked more specifically at attention and distraction behaviours with glucose. As my undergraduate work suggested glucose increases your reaction times, I was interested how glucose would affect task distractors. I used a double blind method in this study, but due to time restrictions, opted for a between-groups design, trying to minimise influence of individual differences via blood glucose testing to eliminate metabolism difference and fasting time fluctuations, via an acutrend reader. The software used in this study was experiment builder and I used this in conjunction with the eyelink1000. My results from the eye tracker were not significant but chi-squared analysis on questions asked immediately after the video (regarding the changes which happened to the target stimuli as the distraction appeared) my results found that the questions were answered correctly more after glucose than in the non-glucose condition. Show less

    • Birmingham City University

      2018 - 2024
      PhD Psychology
    • Staffordshire University

      2012 - 2015
      Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology 2.1

      As an undergraduate, I explored the osmolarity (concentration) of glucose drinks and their effects on cognitive task performance. This was an interesting beginning to my research career as I felt that my research could fill a discrepancy in previous findings - where some glucose testings had found a facilitative effect on cognition, whilst others found either no effect, or felt a different factor was the causation of the increased cognitive ability. I used COMPASS software to carry out the… Show more As an undergraduate, I explored the osmolarity (concentration) of glucose drinks and their effects on cognitive task performance. This was an interesting beginning to my research career as I felt that my research could fill a discrepancy in previous findings - where some glucose testings had found a facilitative effect on cognition, whilst others found either no effect, or felt a different factor was the causation of the increased cognitive ability. I used COMPASS software to carry out the tasks and my participants were single blind tested as a within groups sample to test three varying drinks. My results found one particular drink to be most effective, which I felt a great sense of achievement from as it was a difficult piece of research, methodologically speaking, for my first project. This research may be a step towards finding an optimum gluco-level for drinks, testing several drinks more closely measured. Show less

  • Experience

    • Fruity Fruits

      Apr 2007 - Apr 2009
      Head Cashier

      I began as a normal cashier but then took on more responsibilities, which resulted in me becoming the lead cashier. I had control over the safe, replenishing of the tills and stock and I was first point of call in the occurrence of any mistakes or faults. I became a regional helper in the company, moving from store to store, training new staff members on the till point. I worked in four different branches regularly and built good relationships with our regular customers. I managed to both individually solve problems and take a leading role whilst always playing an active role in the workplace team. My helpful nature and polite manners were always appreciated and I was able to portray my effective communication skills within these interactions. Overall my role at Fruity Fruits gave me a great advantage in day-to-day life progression and interactions, whilst giving me the opportunity to manage the responsibility in a higher role. Show less

    • Selfridges

      Nov 2011 - Feb 2012
      Customer Service Associate

      I gained experience in this high profile company over the busy Christmas period. I managed to cope and work proactively in this challenging environment and feel ready to face further challenges. This role furthered my interpersonal skills and developed my confidence in customer facing roles, especially in such a largely popular and vast company.

    • BHS

      Apr 2012 - Aug 2014
      Customer Service Assistant

      I have gained specialised skills in specific areas such as bra fittings, first aid and electrics in the workplace whilst managing to extend my previous retail skills. As a lighting specialist, I also put together lights, wired them up in order to fit them, whilst also maintaining plugs. As a customer service advisor, I know the legal rights on behalf of the company and the customers and feel confident in resolving many situations in order to guarantee the satisfaction and return of the customer. I took a lead role within the Sunday team and was first point of call for the rest of the team in all tasks. Show less

    • Just Play Ltd

      Aug 2014 - Jan 2017

      As the Social Media Coordinator, the role varied between, not only maintaining social media and marketing, but also organising events, supervising said events and other aspects of the business. As the company is so small, it requires me to be extremely versatile and has developed my skills in adapting to new roles and expanded my skill set in a variety of areas. I worked in a child-orientated role, working in a soft play area. I mainly overlooked the party organisation and ordered the equipment whilst also adding in new bookings. I supervised staff, composed rotas and sorted holidays out. I also completed administration tasks for this company alongside my undergraduate degree.

      • Social Media Coordinator

        Aug 2014 - Jan 2017
      • Supervisor

        Aug 2014 - Jul 2015
    • University of Leeds

      Jul 2015 - Feb 2017
      Research Assistant

      I obtained a permanent, ongoing position on a smoking research project which is being conducted across the two universities. It has proved to be invaluable experience to accompany previous job roles. This included lesson observations, session delivery and has developed my communication skills. I was responsible for data collection and input, something I had previously really enjoyed in my undergraduate research project!

    • Staffordshire University

      Oct 2015 - Feb 2017

      Working as an ambassador for my university enabled me to use my transferable communication skills within a large, varied team. The main duties included working with prospective students, giving tours of the university campus, introducing them to potential lecturers and helping them get the information they needed when deciding on their university career. Other duties included clerical work, administration calls and referrals to academic staff. Again, these duties are customer facing where the audience are mainly prospective students.I also worked on the touring 'great minds' bus and through careers fairs at local schools and colleges, answering any queries that prospective students and guardians may have had regarding the University, courses and facilities which also included follow up tours of the facilities - particularly in Psychology as that is my speciality area. Show less

      • Enterprise Co-ordinator

        Oct 2016 - Feb 2017
      • Student Ambassador

        Oct 2015 - Feb 2017
    • Birmingham City University

      Mar 2017 - now

      I lead a team of Senior Psychology Technicians for a college of >2000 staff and students. We provide workshops for the building of skills such as software packages and use of equipment. I am currently mentoring my team to also build their teaching experience and progress in applications for FHEA status. I began as a technician at BCU with very little experience. Over 6 years in the role, I developed new research-grade laboratories, doubling BCU Psychology's provision. I have also managed to successfully build business cases to expand, develop and add progression for the technical team. All achieved in addition to the day-to-day role.

      • Psychology Technical Manager

        Dec 2023 - now
      • Senior Psychology Technician

        Mar 2017 - Nov 2023
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • First Aider

      First Aid Awards
      Jan 2018
    • Fellow of Advanced HE (FHEA)

      ADVANCED HIGHER EDUCATION SL
      Jan 2020
    • Mental Health First Aider

      Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England
      Jul 2018
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Research Assistant

      Issued by Keele University on Jun 2016
      Keele UniversityAssociated with Amy-Louise Simkiss
    • Volunteer Mental Health Worker

      Issued by Time to Change Wales on Sept 2013
      Time to Change WalesAssociated with Amy-Louise Simkiss
    • Honorary Assistant Psychologist

      Issued by Momentum Brain Injury Centre on Aug 2013
      Momentum Brain Injury CentreAssociated with Amy-Louise Simkiss
    • Support Worker

      Issued by Funky Fishes Church of England Sunday School on Sept 2010
      Funky Fishes Church of England Sunday SchoolAssociated with Amy-Louise Simkiss