An objective, clinical approach is critical to ensure our patient-reported outcomes are valid and accurate. For this side of our work we need our team to be highly qualified, experienced and analytical. Yet we never forget that we’re dealing with human lives and emotions, so you’ll find our scientifically-based approach is underpinned with genuine compassion, whether you’re dealing with our diligent admin team or our meticulous researchers.
Our Senior Researchers
Professor Stephen McKenna PhD, AFBPsS, C.Psychol
Director of Research
Before co-founding Galen Research in 1989, Stephen worked in various academic departments concerned with clinical, social, occupational and community health. He was a member of the team that developed and tested the Nottingham Health Profile and, with Sonja Hunt, developed and operationalised the needs-based model of quality of life.
Stephen now specialises in the development of disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures, primarily for the pharmaceutical industry. He is widely published, lectures around the world and is an internationally recognised expert in the fields of quality of life assessment and health measurement.
Jeanette Thorpe MSc
Operations Manager
Jeanette has vast qualitative analysis experience, including the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and grounded theory.
Samantha-Jo Hollings MSc
Researcher
Samantha graduated from the University of Bristol (2022), completing a master’s in Neuropsychology with distinction. Before this, she achieved a second-class honours degree in Psychology at Lancaster University. Throughout her university education, Samantha developed qualitative and quantitative research skills, pioneering two quantitative research projects. Alongside her studies, Samantha volunteered in patient-facing roles with the Alzheimer’s Society and at Southmead Brain Centre. Samantha is currently leading the development of measures to assess quality of life of both patients and carers of individuals with Huntington’s Disease.
Isobel Spray BSc(Hons)
Research Assistant
Isobel graduated from the University of Manchester (2022), achieving a first-class honors degree in Educational Psychology (BSc). Throughout her degree Isobel gained experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and received an award for her final year qualitative dissertation. Alongside her degree, she was a volunteer counsellor for ChildLine. After graduating, she worked as an EFL teacher in Thailand. Isobel is currently helping to support the development of measures to assess quality of life of both patients of and carers of individuals with Huntington’s Disease.
Ellie Johnstone MSc
Research Assistant
Ellie recently graduated from the University of Manchester (2023), completing a master’s in Health Psychology. Before this, she achieved a first-class with honours degree in Education Studies & Psychology at Durham University. Throughout her university education Ellie has developed experience in a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Alongside her studies, Ellie worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Manchester, where she had experience liaising with key stakeholders and managing data. Ellie is currently helping to support the development of measures to assess quality of life of both patients of and carers of individuals with Huntington’s Disease.