Research team

Meet our team of researchers.

The WAterS-2 Research Advisory Panel (RAP), pictured above, is made up of patients, carers and the public who meet regularly to support all aspects of the research

Dr. Emma Patchwood

Co-Chief Investigator, The University of Manchester Emma has worked in stroke research at The University of Manchester for almost 15 years. She led the development of the original WAterS programme. View Emma’s research profile

Professor Audrey Bowen

Co-Chief Investigator, The University of Manchester Audrey is a Professor of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation at The University of Manchester and has led national and international research collaborations to deliver high quality stroke research. View Audrey’s research profile

Ms. Ann Bamford

Research Advisory Panel Chair and Lead for Patient Carer and Public Involvement and Engagement (PCPIE), The University of Manchester Ann is a stroke survivor with an honorary contact at The University of Manchester due to her role as Lay Lead for Patient, Carer and Public Involvement and Engagement (PCPIE).

Ms. Jess Zadik

Health Inequalities Research Co-Lead, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Jess has extensive experience of stakeholder engagement in the health sector and leads on improving equity of access and increasing participation in research that addresses health inequalities. View Jess’s research profile

Dr. Niki Chouliara

Research Fellow, University of Nottingham Niki is an Applied Psychologist at the University of Nottingham and an Implementation Scientist with a strong psychology background. View Niki’s research profile

Dr. Paul Conroy

Senior Clinical Lecturer, Trinity College Dublin Paul is a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) by background and has experience working with people with aphasia to produce interventions that have an impact. View Paul’s research profile

Dr. Sarah Cotterill

Reader in Health Services Research, The University of Manchester Sarah has a strong track record in designing and analysing complex intervention studies, health services research, and NHS policy evaluation. View Sarah’s research profile

Dr. Shirley Thomas

Associate Professor in Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Nottingham  Shirley is a Health Psychologist with substantial expertise in developing and testing psychological interventions after stroke. View Shirley’s research profile

Dr. Verity Longley

Health Inequalities Research Co-Lead, MMU Verity is an Occupational Therapist and Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has experience in stroke rehabilitation focused research, and expertise in including vulnerable groups in research to reduce health inequalities. View Verity’s research profile

Dr. Natalie Hampson

Dr. Lorraine King

Dr. Viki Teggart

These three clinical neuropsychologists will lead on the clinical input in the study, including the therapy being delivered and how staff are trained to deliver it.