Crystal is a Professor of Biological Psychology. She is Postgraduate Research Lead for the Psychology Department and Deputy Lead of the Health and Wellbeing Group. Crystal’s research focuses on the impact of nutrition on cognition and wellbeing. Crystal has over 15 years’ experience in the assessment of cognitive performance, with her early work exploring the neurocognitive effects of caffeinated plants. She leads on undergraduate teaching within the Health Psychology pathway, and provides supervision of Undergraduate, Masters and PhD research.

Current research interests:

Biobehavioural effects of (poly)phenolic compounds from sources including coffee, cocoa, berries and nuts

Characterising individual differences in response to nutritional intervention

The interplay between stress, nutrition and wellbeing

Gender differences in response to nutritional challenges

Food insecurity and its impact on wellbeing

Relationships between women’s wellbeing and nutrition at key stages across the lifespan (e.g. adolescence, menopause)