Thrisha Krishnakumar

I am currently a Research Assistant in Participatory and Qualitative Methods within the Neuroscience, Ethics & Society (NEUROSEC) research group at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry. My work focuses on engaging communities and young people in research through participatory approaches that centre lived experience and collaborative knowledge production. As part of this role, I support research exploring the social and ethical dimensions of emerging neuroscience and mental health interventions. I also co-facilitate the NeurOx Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG), working with young people across projects to ensure their perspectives genuinely inform the direction and impact of the research. Alongside this, I explore how social anxiety and masking behaviours shape young adults’ experiences in social settings.

Before joining Oxford, I worked as an Assistant Psychologist within the NHS, supporting projects that examined health inequalities and access to psychological services within community healthcare settings. This work involved analysing population health data, mapping health deprivation patterns, and contributing to service improvement initiatives aimed at addressing disparities in health outcomes.

I completed an MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Bath. My dissertation explored barriers to vaccine uptake among underserved communities in the Bath, Swindon, and Wiltshire region using qualitative methods and reflexive thematic analysis. Through this work, I collaborated with Healthwatch to examine how trust, access to information, and lived experience shape public health decision-making.

Prior to this, I completed a BSc in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, which I undertook in Dubai. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Research Assistant and was actively involved in student leadership, serving as President of the Wellbeing Club and as Student Welfare Lead within the Student Council. These roles focused on supporting student wellbeing and strengthening engagement within the university community.

Alongside my academic work, I am passionate about making psychology and research more accessible. Through my work as a social media creator, I share insights about studying and working in psychology, helping students and early career researchers better understand academic and research pathways. I am particularly interested in communicating psychological research in ways that are clear, engaging, and grounded in lived experience, while supporting aspiring psychologists navigating competitive training routes.