Michelle Downes

Michelle Downes was previously a Volunteer Writer at BioNews, having originally joined the publication under the auspices of its writing scheme. She is currently studying for a PhD at University College London (UCL)'s Institute of Child Health, where her research focuses on the neuropsychological development of children with genetic and developmental disorders, and she also writes about Science for Pi magazine. Previously, she obtained a BA in Psychology from the National University of Ireland Galway, and went on to obtain an Msc in Paediatric Neuropsychology at UCL. She has also worked in an eating disorders unit for adolescents with the Huntercombe Group, as a behavioural specialist with the Challenge Network, and as an honorary research assistant in neuropsychology at Boston Children's Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital.