Bethany Thomas Email & Phone Number

👋 I’m Beth (she/her), a post-graduate researcher (PhD) in the Department of Psychology at Edge Hill University. My current research explores identity, gaming and gender 🎮 I am an ambassador for Women in Games (WIGJ) and passionate about EDI.• I am a fellow (FHEA) of the higher education academy and I am currently an Assistant Lecturer based in the School of Psychology at Arden University (all views are my own). I am a member of the ArGen network at Arden University and reviewer for the The Psychology of Women and Equalities Review (POWER) peer-reviewed publication which aims to advance psychological theory, knowledge and practice concerning gender and social inequalities. • I am also Student Representative (PG) on the Careers and Outreach Team for the BPS Cyberpsychology Committee. In my role in the committee, I provide a student perspective and identify opportunities to support student members, represent the section at career events and support the annual conference. ⭐️ I am currently working on...• Alice in the Metaverse Wonderland (exploring diverse representation, identity and immersive experiences), Community building and friendship in Stardew Valley and, the intersection of gamer identity and gender identity.• Check out my open science framework to see the projects I'm working on and access pre-prints: osf.io/9gbs5⭐️ My research interests• In my doctoral studies I am investigating the construction of gamer identity and intersection with players gender identity, to explore why participation in the gaming domain may be restricted, supervised by Professor Linda Kaye and Dr Andrew Levy. I use qualitative methods to explore various theoretical approaches which may help better understand gamer identity for women gamers. By doing so, my work seeks to contribute to the fifth UN sustainable development goal, to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. • Outside of gaming, I am interested imposter syndrome, EDI, open-science, and gender in stigmatised settings.

Listed skills include Data Analysis, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Presentation Skills, and 5 others.