Rianna Patterson, founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation has been awarded a full scholarship – funded by the UK Research Institute towards a PhD in dementia at the University of Nottingham, within the School of Medicine. Her PhD thesis will explore the feasibility of technology in dementia care for marginalized communities, including Caribbean populations in London.
Ms.Patterson holds a master’s degree in dementia from University College London (UCL) and was most recently one of the principal authors and lead researchers for Dementia in the Commonwealth report by the Commonwealth Association for the Ageing (CommonAge).
Patterson says she is truly grateful for the opportunity to embark on a doctoral journey upon completing her master’s degree and to contribute to the wider literature on global dementia policy through her thesis. “I have to give all the glory to God for the vision and wisdom he has provided. He has put it on my heart to undergo this journey and has shown me that passion and work can co-exist in harmony.’ Ms.Patterson hopes to advance the healthcare sector in Dominica upon completion of her doctorate.
The University of Nottingham is a pioneering institution. They are a top 20 UK university and 8th in the UK for research power as mentioned in the World University Ranking board. The Institute of Mental Health is one of the leading mental health institutes in the UK, offering leadership and innovation backed by world class expertise.
Rianna Patterson is from the village of Picard, Portsmouth. She attended the Portsmouth Secondary School (PSS) followed by tertiary education at the Dominica State College where she completed an associates degree in Psychology. Ms.Patterson is also the founding member of the Dominica State College Psychology Club. She undertook undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Kent. Her grandparents were Evelyn Vidal from Colihaut, Terry Vidal from Salisbury and her mum is Sheryl Vidal.
She is keen to attend and participate in health conferences in the Caribbean. She is also happy to mentor Dominican students who are looking to pursue doctoral studies. Please reach out to Ms.Patterson at [email protected] or [email protected].
