Suzanne L Kaiser

Psychopathology (PhD)

As an international student, Suzanne came to the University to develop a cross-cultural understanding of mental illness and its treatment. She chose to study psychopathology, specifically schizophrenia, because she felt it was a complex area that continued to present unanswered questions.

Why Manchester?

I chose to conduct my research at Manchester because of the reputation of its staff. My supervisors and others who work in my area of psychopathology are widely known and respected and I knew that working with them would be a valuable experience.

Why study further?

The highlight so far has been working as a research assistant giving intensive one-on-one cognitive therapy to individuals with schizophrenia. This has afforded me the opportunity to see how the illness affects people over a period of time and how they adjust to it.

What is the School like?

The School of Psychological Sciences is a diverse centre of research with staff and students actively working in many interesting areas. Seminars throughout the year have introduced me to the work of other researchers and given me a chance to discuss with others how their research interests complement my own work.

What drives you in your work?

My work is driven by a curiosity to develop some of the long-standing issues in schizophrenia research. I am also driven by a hope that my work may contribute to the better treatment of psychosis within medicine and to a more sympathetic attitude towards mental illness in the public arena.