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.
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.
Andrew MacLennan MSc
Research Assistant
Andrew recently graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University (2024), completing a Psychology (conversion) Masters. Before this, he secured a second-class, division one, honours degree in Biology from the University of Manchester (2023). During both his degrees, he acquired an understanding of a range of qualitative and quantiative research methods. Andrew is a volunteer for the mental health support service Shout, which is a text messaging service designed to support anyone struggling to cope. He also ran the Manchester marathon to raise money for the UK based charity. Andrew 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.
Darcey Bowen BSc
Research Assistant
Darcey graduated from the University of York (2024), achieving a second-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc). Throughout her degree Darcey gained experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Alongside her studies Darcey volunteered as a teaching assistant aiding primary aged children in their reading and writing skills. Darcey is currently helping to support the development of measures assessing quality of life in patients and carers of individuals with Huntington's Disease.
Beth Witham BSc
Research Assistant
Beth recently graduated from the University of Liverpool (2024) where she achieved a first-class honours degree in Psychology (BSc) and was selected as graduate speaker. Throughout her university education, Beth gained experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods by completing three research internships, and publishing research on the lived experience of disabled students. Alongside her studies, Beth worked as a student ambassador, as well as raising money and volunteering for the Stroke Association. Beth 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.