Dr Daniel Gaffiero is a Chartered Psychologist, Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Derby, and Psychology Tutor for the University of Essex Online. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, reflecting his strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Dr Gaffiero teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, specialising in health promotion, behaviour change, cognitive psychology, and research methods. He also supervises undergraduate, MSc, and doctoral students, supporting their growth as independent researchers. His teaching philosophy centres on viewing students as equals, embracing a two-way learning process where he can learn as much from his students as they do from him. He places students at the heart of his practice, striving to create meaningful opportunities for growth, critical thinking, and the development of applied skills.
Read More
Group Member
Brian’s research interests are centred on health psychology, with a particular focus on the prevention and management of chronic diseases such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Group Member
Rachel currently works as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Derby and a Post-Diagnostic Support Link Worker with Alzheimer’s Scotland. Her PhD focuses on women’s brain health and the menopause.
Group Member
Steph is a current PhD student at the University of Derby. Her PhD is focused on exploring the barriers and facilitators of childhood influenza vaccine decision-making of parents in England.
Dr Michael Head is a Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, in the Faculty of Medicine at University of Southampton (UoS). His main focus is population health in rural Ghana, looking at access to healthcare and issues such as the links between climate change and health, neglected tropical diseases, and vaccine hesitancy. He is also Head of Academic Advocacy, within UoS Corporate Communications, creating bridges between academic and non-academic stakeholders to improve public visibility, and improve university reputation.
Professor Haritini Tsangari works at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, where she also serves as Director of Doctoral Programs and Chair of the Senate’s Faculty Affairs Committee. She has published over 150 widely cited journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers. Several of her works have received awards or been selected as Editor’s Choice. She has led research projects funded by European and national bodies. Her past research includes developing the Greek version of Champion’s Health Belief Model and conducting cross-cultural studies on breast screening perceptions.
Dr Christodoulaki has completed a PhD in Cancer Immunology at the University of Southampton, and is involved in a number of projects across the Gaffiero Health Behaviour Research Group, including exploring the psychosocial factors influencing breast cancer screening uptake in Greece and parental HPV vaccine decision-making. Her interests include cervical and breast screening and the barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination.
Dr Papathanasiou is a filmmaker and academic with a background in TV and film production, scriptwriting, and video editing. He has worked across production and post-production roles, directing award-winning and creating socially impactful documentaries. Holding a PhD, in Film from the University of Nottingham, he now offers guest lectures and consultancy to support independent filmmakers and explore cinema's role in reflecting and shaping society.
Crystal completed the MSc Health Psychology programme at the University of Derby in 2024 under the supervision of Dr Daniel Gaffiero. Crystal has recently published her MSc Thesis focusing exploring patient-practitioner communication in individuals suffering with Fibromyalgia. Crystal currently works as a Wellbeing and Disability Lead at the Elizabeth School of London. She oversees personalised 1:1 coaching programs, coordinate wellness events to enhance mental health awareness and resilience, and manage complex student cases to ensure timely and appropriate support.
Will is a Trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapist specialising in Eating Disorders at the University of Sheffield, with a background in personal training and nutrition. He has both lived experience of bulimia nervosa and clinical experience supporting individuals with a range of eating disorders. He is passionate about integrating academic research with clinical practice to improve health outcomes. Will graduated with a first-class honours in Psychology at the University of Derby, and was 'Highly Commended' by the Undergraduate Awards with his dissertation ranked among the top 10% of students globally.
Sophia completed the MSc Health Psychology programme at the University of Derby in 2024 under the supervision of Dr Daniel Gaffiero. Sophia currently works as a Clinical Research Co-ordinator at Alpha Clinical. She also is a research assistant for MediPaCe, a leading Patient Involvement and Research consultancy to the global Life Science Industry. Her research interests include exploring cognitive biases in chronic pain conditions (i.e., endometriosis).
Sarah Chapman currently works as a Senior Administrator for an NHS Talking Therapies service, with previous experience in NHS Secondary and Community Care settings. She completed her MSc Psychology degree with the University of Derby in 2023 and is currently continuing her studies at Derby, undertaking an MSc in Health Psychology/Stage 1 training. Her research interests include the role of message framing and fear of COVID-19 on COVID-19 vaccination intention, and barriers and facilitators to engagement with breast screening uptake in England.
Alice completed her BSc in Psychology with the University of Essex Online in May 2025. Since fulfilling her degree, she has been actively pursuing a career in academia while working toward the official publication of her dissertation, which examines blood donation behaviour in the UK, under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Gaffiero. Alice’s first-hand experience as an avid blood donor has significantly shaped her research interests and she has since advocated for relevant and accurate information to be made available to prospective blood donors.
Preventing HPV-induced cancer: Predictors of HPV vaccination intention among parents of boys aged 9–12 in England. Total amount awarded: £1050.
Development of new methodology to investigate tendency toward eating disorders and effectiveness of Eating Disorder Interventions. Total amount awarded: £2000.
Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme - 2023 - Exploring attention, interpretation, and memory biases in visceral and somatic pain. Total amount awarded: £2000.
EASI is an evaluation of an Early Awareness Stalking Intervention delivered by the HMPS and West Midlands Police Service. The continued goal is to report on how this intervention works and how effective it is as at targeting reoffending and supporting victims. Total amount awarded: £79,755