Rocco Pellegrino | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rocco Pellegrino | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Monash University Australia

Rocco Pellegrino is a provisional psychologist based in Mernda, Victoria, Australia. With strong skills in verbal communication, client care, and ethical practice, he provides psychological assessments and interventions. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational & Developmental Psychology at Monash University. Rocco has experience in working with students, including providing mental health literacy programs and supporting neurodivergent clients. His hobbies include tabletop board games, futsal, and watching sports.

Profile

Orcid

πŸŽ“ EducationΒ 

Rocco holds a Master’s degree in Educational & Developmental Psychology (Monash University, 2021-2024), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (Monash University, 2019-2020), and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Monash University, 2017-2018). His studies have focused on clinical assessments, mental health interventions, and research in the psychology of personal responsibility and life satisfaction.

πŸ’Ό Experience

Rocco currently works part-time as a psychologist at Templestowe College, providing assessments and teacher training. He also works part-time at Affirmative Minds Psychology, focusing on neurodivergent and LGBTQA+ clients. He has gained experience facilitating youth programs and community mental health initiatives with Monash University.

πŸ† Awards & Honors

Rocco has received numerous academic distinctions, including High Distinction (HD) in Clinical Assessments, Advanced Clinical Interventions for Mental Health, and Ethics for Professional Practice at Monash University. His thesis project on “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Life Satisfaction” earned him further recognition.

πŸ”¬ Research Focus

Rocco’s research centers on the experiences of young LGBTQA+ Australians and their use of offline and online peer support, exploring themes like online safety, identity exploration, and the risks and benefits of both online and in-person support. His research aims to inform policies that enhance online safety and community spaces for LGBTQA+ individuals.

Conclusion

Rocco’s work exemplifies a high level of research rigor and social relevance, particularly in its focus on marginalized groups within the LGBTQA+ community. The study not only addresses significant gaps in current knowledge but also contributes meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about inclusivity and support for LGBTQA+ youth. Based on his impactful findings, strong methodological approach, and dedication to real-world implications, Rocco is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

πŸ“šPublicationsΒ 

Title: Exploring the Experiences of Young LGBTQA+ Australians’ Use of Offline and Online Peer Support
Journal: Journal of Homosexuality
Publication Date: 2024-12-10
Type: Journal Article
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2440375
ISSN: 0091-8369, 1540-3602
Contributors: Rocco Pellegrino, Lefteris Patlamazoglou

 

Sara Simblett | Molecular Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sara Simblett | Molecular Immunology| Best Researcher Award

Dr, King’s College London, United Kingdom

πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ Sara Simblett, DClinPsy, PhD, is a versatile 🧠 clinical psychologist and researcher with extensive expertise in neuropsychology and digital health. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and a PhD in Neuropsychology from the University of Cambridge, her research focuses on remote measurement technology, mental health interventions, and neuropsychological outcomes in neurological conditions. As Clinical Lecturer at King’s College London, she leads on neuropsychology for the DClinPsy training course and provides comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. Simblett also co-founded The London Neurocognitive Clinic, offering assessments and neurorehabilitation for cognitive and mental health needs. 🌟

Profile

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Scholar

Qualifications πŸŽ“

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London (Oct 2012 – Sept 2015): Led empirical research on neuropsychological outcomes following critical illness, focusing on PTSD symptoms and cognitive functioning. Published meta-analysis on technology for PTSD therapy and functional neurological conditions in hyper-acute stroke units. PhD in Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge (Oct 2009 – Feb 2013): Conducted a pilot RCT using technology for psychological therapy in long-term neurological conditions. Awarded studentship from NIHR ARC East of England. MSc in Neuropsychology (Distinction), University of Bristol (Oct 2007 – Sept 2008): Researched hippocampal activation during memory tests using fMRI techniques. BSc in Experimental Psychology (2:1), University of Bristol (Sept 2004 – July 2007): Conducted research on individual differences in cognitive flexibility and mental health.

Employment πŸ’Ό

Clinical Lecturer in Neuropsychology, King’s College London (Dec 2021 – Present): Leading Neuropsychology for DClinPsy training. Conducting research and providing clinical services. Clinical Psychology Research Fellow, King’s College London (May 2016 – Nov 2021): Specialized in user experience of remote measurement technology. Supervised research and provided teaching. Clinical Director, The London Neurocognitive Clinic (April 2022 – Present): Overseeing clinical operations and providing neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation. Clinical Psychologist, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (Jan 2019 – Nov 2021): Led development of remote neuropsychological interventions for serious mental health problems.

Teaching πŸ“š

Various teaching roles at King’s College London, including DclinPsy and BSc Psychology courses.

Awards/Grants πŸ†

Received grants and awards for research, including public engagement and travel grants. This diverse background in academia, clinical practice, and industry equips me to make meaningful contributions to the field of neuropsychology and mental health care.

Publications Top Notes πŸ“

  1. Title: Barriers to and facilitators of engagement with remote measurement technology for managing health: systematic review and content analysis of findings
    • Journal: Journal of medical Internet research
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 20
    • Issue: 7
    • Pages: e10480
    • Citations: 220

 

  1. Title: Digital exclusion among mental health service users: qualitative investigation
    • Journal: Journal of medical Internet research
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 21
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: e11696
    • Citations: 105

 

  1. Title: Barriers to and facilitators of engagement with mHealth technology for remote measurement and management of depression: qualitative analysis
    • Journal: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 7
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: e11325
    • Citations: 86

 

  1. Title: Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse in Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-MDD): recruitment, retention, and data availability in a longitudinal remote measurement study
    • Journal: BMC psychiatry
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 22
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 136
    • Citations: 47

 

  1. Title: Patient perspectives on the acceptability of mHealth technology for remote measurement and management of epilepsy: A qualitative analysis
    • Journal: Epilepsy & Behavior
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 97
    • Pages: 123-129
    • Citations: 47

 

  1. Title: Keeping well in a COVID-19 crisis: a qualitative study formulating the perspectives of mental health service users and carers
    • Journal: Journal of Mental Health
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 30
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 138-147
    • Citations: 34

 

 

  1. Title: Engaging across dimensions of diversity: A cross-national perspective on mHealth tools for managing relapsing remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis
    • Journal: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 32
    • Pages: 123-132
    • Citations: 32