Profile
Daniel Jolley
Wow! Thank you to all who voted me the winner. I'm so honored! :)
My CV
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Education:
Bartley Green Technology College (2000-2005), Sutton Coldfield College (2005-2007), Staffordshire University (2007-2010), University of Kent (2010-2014)
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Qualifications:
10 GCSE’s (A-Cs), BETC National Diploma in Forensic Science (DDD), BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science and Psychology (2.i), MSc in Social and Applied Psychology (Distinction), PhD in Social Psychology
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Work History:
Associate Lecturer (University of Kent), Research Associate (Lancaster University), Lecturer (Staffordshire University)
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Current Job:
Senior Lecturer in Psychology
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About Me:
I’m a social psychologist – so I’m interested in the complexity of us humans. Why do we do the things we do?!
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I am Social Psychologist based at Staffordshire University. I’m in my late-twenties, originally from Birmingham but currently living in Stoke-on-Trent. I have moved around a little bit – I have lived in Birmingham, Canterbury, Lancaster and Stoke-on-Trent. My accent is all over the place. I have a degree in Forensic Science AND Psychology but then specialised in Social Psychology (Master’s and PhD). I’m a keen lover of animals and enjoy a good crime drama on the TV.
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I’m a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University. My job involves both teaching our wonderful undergraduate students and giving talks to students like you at schools, but also leading on research projects on the topic of conspiracy theories.
Simply, I’m interested in why we believe in ideas such as the “earth is flat”. What’s the psychology behind why some people believe and some people do not? Plus, what’s the harm in believing anyway? My research tries to answer these important questions.
Hint: Conspiracy theories are fun to talk about but they can have a dangerous impact on us in ways we do not realise! I dare you to ask me about it.
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My Typical Day:
As an academic, the day is so varied; and I love it!
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I can be delivering a lecture to our students (up to 200 of them!), then moving straight on to a meeting, followed by an interview on live Radio to talk about conspiracy theories. I may then end with a talk at a local pub on conspiracy theories (yes, Psychologist in the Pub is a thing!). The day can be varied, and each is very different. It is a fascinating job that you never know what is around the corner.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I will curate a short animation that will highlight the darker side of conspiracy theories, which will be freely accessible. I will then plan a workshop using the animation where during school visits young people will become a “Conspiracy Theory Psychologist” for the day.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Friendly, Enthusiastic and Open-Minded.
What did you want to be after you left school?
A Forensic Scientist. I was fascinated by the show CSI (Crime Scene Investigation); still am! Although after doing a degree in Forensic Science (AND Psychology), I have learnt now that real life crime investigations are nothing like CSI. Sorry folks.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only for probably being “too” shy. Surprising, huh, considering I now stand up in front of 200 people giving lectures.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Open to music – I generally just listen to Spotify recommend playlists, so hear a bit of everything!
What's your favourite food?
Anything with cheese. I love cheese.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I wish I would listen to my own advice. I also wish I would stop worrying about the future and the next step (all will be fine!). Third and final: Be happpppy!
Tell us a joke.
I wrote a song about a tortilla; well actually, it’s more of a wrap.
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