Manuela is a clinical psychologist by background and has a Ph.D. in Psychosis. Her research interest is on the phenomenology of psychotic disorders, their cognitive functioning, and treatment. 

Tell us about your involvement with the study, what aspects have you been working on?

I am the project manager of the IMPULSE project. I have been working on a wide range of activities including supporting the development of the study protocol, training researchers, paying monitoring visits in the different centres involved, maintaining effective communication among all partners and researchers, liaising with the sponsor, and submitting reports, as well as doing analysis and disseminating findings. 

Tell us a bit about yourself outside work - what do you like to do in your free time? 

I love writing, reading fiction, going to modern art exhibitions, and having dinner and a glass of wine with my friends. Since I've become a mum, I have much less time for my interests, and my time is mainly devoted to my son, so the park and the playground became my most attended places!

How did you end up working in this field?

When I decided to study psychology, my dream was to become a psychotherapist, actually a psychoanalyst (Freud's theories had a lot of influence of my young mind!). However, I wanted to have some research experience too and I got a scholarship to spend 6 months at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. I got really fascinated by research in psychosis and inspired by world-leading researchers I met there, and the six months became a year, and a Ph.D. eventually. I started my work on IMPULSE after some years of postdoctoral research experience in the US. Working on the IMPULSE project represented for me an invaluable chance to improve my knowledge not only on an effective psychosocial intervention but also on implementation science. Very importantly, I became more familiar with mental health services and research in the West Balkans. 

Share some endearing memories from your experience on the study?

I really enjoyed every moment spent working on the project (including challenges)! I not only had the chance to visit amazing places (and try delicious food), but to meet fantastic people to work with, talk to, and share some social time with during project meetings.

What are your tips for successfully managing such a high responsibility role with young motherhood?

Definitely good planning and time management! Before having a child, I used to work on a more flexible schedule (evenings or weekends) and still had time to enjoy myself. Now, apart from it being impossible to work with a toddler around, I try to have a more defined schedule between work and personal life so that I can have quality time with my family.