Lauren Potter

My experience of Counselling training in Further Education taught me to appreciate the application of psychological theory and research to real-world situations, and inspired me to pursue the study of applied psychology at degree level. I achieved a First Class Honours degree in Applied Psychology (Heriot-Watt University, 2001) during which time I earned awards of Outstanding Merit (2000), Distinction (British Psychological Society, 2000) and the Watt Club Medal (2001; HWU's Premier Award for the Highest Academic Distinction).

Together, my background in applied psychology, experience during my studies as a respite carer for older people, and a keen interest in healthy adult development and ageing, inspired me to pursue a multidisciplinary EPSRC-funded PhD (Strathclyde University, 2001-2005) with an emphasis on ageing and performance on cognitively demanding, everyday-based manual activities. My research found differential age effects in visuo-perceptual and in perceptuo-motor performance among younger, middle aged and older adults, including age-related differences in how psychosocial factors (e.g., perceived capability beliefs) and cognitive factors (e.g., cognitive load) are associated with performance.

Following my doctoral research, I returned to Heriot-Watt as Lecturer in Applied Psychology (2005) where I qualified to teach independently in Higher Education (HWU Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, 2007) and achieved professional recognition as Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society, 2008) and Chartered Scientist (UK Science Council and BPS, 2010).

Upon the expansion of HWU Psychology programmes, and the international expansion of HWU Psychology programmes to Dubai and Malaysia, my role developed into Assistant Professor in Psychology (2014) followed by senior promotion to Associate Professor (2019).

Teaching Responsibility

I am Global Course Leader for Stage 1 C97RM Research Methods and Analysis 1, Edinburgh Course Leader for Stage 3 C99CL Cognition across the Lifespan, and Global Course Leader for Stage 4 C90CP Counselling Psychology. I teach the topics of Mental Health and Psychological Disorders for Stage 1 C97NZ Introduction to Psychology 2.

I have been nominated for a range of student awards (Heriot-Watt University's 'Learning and Teaching Oscars') from ‘Lecturer of the Year’ to ‘Guiding Hand’ and ‘Thinker’ Awards. More recently I was shortlisted for the coveted ‘Student Voice Award' (2021; for supporting students and their learning online during the covid-19 pandemic) and 'Most Supportive Member of Staff Award' (2023; for going above and beyond to support the progress of students during the transition back to in-person teaching and assessment). In 2024 and 2025 I was nominated again for the 'Most Supportive Member of Staff Award'. In 2025 I was nominated for the 'Innovation in Teaching Award' for my work engaging first year students in introductory psychology topics including mental health and research methods.

I have been nominated for a range of staff awards: In the Heriot-Watt University 'Celebrating Our People' Awards (2021) I won the 'Global Values in Action Award' for demonstrating excellence in promoting the HWU value of 'Belonging' while learning was remote during the covid-19 pandemic. In the first HW School of Social Sciences Executive Dean's Awards (2023) I received the 'Highly Commended Teacher Award' for consistently demonstrating excellence in supporting students and their learning. I was nominated for the HWU 'Celebrating our People' Awards' in 2024 for 'Inspiring' colleagues with my work supporting students, and again in 2026 for 'Collaborating' with students and staff to create a bespoke bridging resource of introductory psychology learning materials to support Year 2 Direct Entry UG Psychology students, UG students from other disciplines who take psychology electives, and PG students new to Psychology.

Administrative Responsibility

I have led a number of administrative roles for the Psychology Department, including Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator, Student Disability Coordinator, Edinburgh Year 1 Coordinator, Edinburgh Honours Year Coordinator, and Global Research Methods Working Group Lead. I am currently Edinburgh Year 2 Coordinator for continuing and Direct Entry students.

I have supported other Schools and subject disciplines across the University, e.g., as Student Appeals Assessor (for second stage appeals), and contributed to wider University administration, e.g., as Member and Reviewer for the University's Undergraduate Studies Committee (now the University Studies Committee).

Professional Recognition and Membership

2011: Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) of the British Psychological Society. This title is awarded in recognition of experienced contributors to the professional field of Psychology.

2010: Charted Scientist (CSci). The British Psychological Society is licensed by the UK Science Council to award this title in recognition of high standards of competence in the independent practice of professional scientific research.

2008: Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol). This is a legally recognised title awarded by the British Psychological Society in recognition of the highest standards of psychological knowledge and expertise.

2008: Member of the British Psychological Society's DARTP (Division of Academics, Researchers, and Teachers in Psychology). 

2007: Fellow (FHEA) Higher Education Academy. This title is awarded in recognition of leadership and impact in teaching and learning within Higher Education. 

2007: Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Heriot-Watt University). This qualification recognises competence in independently leading teaching and research within Higher Education.