Valeria is currently undertaking a PhD looking at the use of smartphones and wearable devices in people with depression and anxiety. She completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, before gaining clinical experience in the Forensic Psychiatric ward at the Central Middlesex Hospital, and carrying out applied Behavioural Therapy with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. After graduating in 2012 from an MSc in Psychiatric Research at King’s, she worked as a clinical study coordinator at the Research Unit in the University Psychiatric Clinic, Universidad de Chile, mainly in Early Intervention in Psychosis.

Valeria's current work focuses on the feasibility and acceptability of using digital health tools, such as smartphone apps and fitness trackers, as data collection methods on people undergoing psychological treatment for depression and anxiety in NHS Talking Therapies. Another aspect of her project investigates whether digital tools can help predict someone’s mental state and trajectories of recovery.

Research interests

• Remote Measurement Technologies (RMTs) to manage and predict mental health conditions
• Digital Health Tools for Depression and Anxiety
• mHealth trajectories of recovery

Teaching

Undergraduate teaching – seminars and marking (2018–ongoing):

• BSc Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant on Research Methods 1 and Psychological Skills modules

Postgraduate teaching: (2019–ongoing):

• MSc Affective Disorders: Critical appraisal module

Student supervision:

• BSc Psychology, Bath University – Research placement year
• BSc Medicine, University of Groningen – Psychiatry Research placement

Expertise and public engagement

Impact evaluation and depression clinical researcher in the FEEDBACK LOOPS project - a 20 minute art-science performance, based on the RADAR-CNS research study that brings together mind and body using dance, wearable devices, and live data-driven music.