Dr Claire M Oakley

Biography

Psychology of education researcher with a background in Mathematics and Computer Science. My research interests focus on inequalities and identifying opportunities to reduce gaps between groups. Current research focuses on the progression of neurodiverse students and how their outcomes could be improved through timely and appropriate support/interventions. I am also interested in how teachers interact with neurodiverse students and how the quality of these interactions may influence outcomes, with a focus on the features of teachers' voices. Published work examined educational achievement trajectories from mid-primary to mid-secondary school to understand when pupils diverge from expected progress and how individual and socioeconomic factors may contribute to achievement against potential. Other studies have examined strategies to enhance e-health communications and improve vaccination uptake. Work in progress examines the contribution of adolescent development to educational outcomes and how neurodivergent students differ in their perception of education-related voice communications.

Qualifications

• MSc Psychology University of Essex (2019)

• MSc Software Engineering with Applications Aston University (1995)

• BSc Mathematical Sciences University of Leicester (1994)

• PhD Psychology University of Essex (2025)