Ifigeneia Manitsa BEd, MSc, AFHEA
​ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0239-3579

Education
Oct 2017 -Present
Ph.D. research in the Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences within the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Kingston University London, United Kingdom. (submission: mid-April 2022)
Thesis title: The social inclusion of adolescents with visual impairments: A multidimensional approach.
Supervisors: Dr Fiona Barlow Brown (1st), Emeritus Professor Evanthia Lyons (2nd), Dr Maria Livanou (3rd)

Jan 2019 -
Jun 2019
Associate Fellowship of the Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy)

Oct 2013 -
Apr 2016
MSc in Pedagogy with specialisation in Special Education, Department of Philosophy and Pedagogy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dissertation title: The experiences of studies in higher education from the perspective of students with visual impairments.
Grade: 9.20/10 (Honours Degree 1st)
Supervisor: Dr Maro Doikou

Oct 2009 -
Jul 2013
Degree in Pedagogy from the Pedagogical School of Primary Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Grade: 8.02/10 (Honours Degree 2:1)
 

 
Funding and Awards
Feb 2022
‘Making the Future’: An interdisciplinary series of postgraduate conferences at Kingston
Kingston University London
Grant amount: £900 (costs for keynote speaker, guest speakers, marketing, and commercials)
Role: Organiser

July 2021
Academic Impact Award Nominee
Finalist for the Best Postgraduate Teacher Award Kingston University London based on BSc and MSc students’ nominations for exceptional teaching

May 2021 – Jul 2021
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Research Fund (ediRF)
School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London
Grant amount: £4,5k
Project title: Exploring the service experiences of LGBTQ+ youth with special education needs and disabilities: A multi-perspective focus group study
Role: Co-Investigator

Jan 2021 -
July 2021
GRS Activity Support Fund Award
Graduate Research School, Kingston University London
Grant amount: £200

Jan 2020 – Jan 2021
Sight for Surrey Vision Rehabilitation Services - RCP 10157
The National Lottery Community Fund and Sight for Surrey
Grant amount: £10k
Project title: How do specialist vision rehabilitation services impact the lives of children and adolescents with visual impairments?
Role: Co-Investigator
 

Apr 2020 – Jul 2020
“Research during lockdown” Fund
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Kingston University London
Grant amount: £600
Project title: The impact of COVID-19 outbreak on young adults’ alcohol and cigarette consumption
Role: Co-Investigator
 

2019
PhD Research Grant
Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust
Grant amount: £1k

2019
1st prize for the Best New Researcher
10th Annual Faculty of Business and Social Sciences (FBSS) Conference, Kingston University London
Paper: Self-concept in adolescents with visual impairments

2013
Came first after written and oral examinations, in the field of Special Education
MSc of Pedagogy
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2013).

 
Publications Manuscripts Under Review
  • Livanou, M., Bull, M.*, Manitsa, I.*, Hunt, J., Lane, R., Heneghan, A. (2021).  Coproducing a complex psychosocial intervention during Covid-19 with young people transitioning from adolescent secure hospitals to adult services in England: Moving Forward intervention (MFi). *Second authorship; authors contributed equally
Manuscripts in Preparation
  • Manitsa, I. & Barlow-Brown, F. (2021). If I wasn’t with them or we didn’t have this support from them, I don’t think I would be where I am right now”: The Role and Impact of Habilitation Services on the Lives of Children and Adolescents with Visual Impairments.
  • Manitsa, I. & Barlow-Brown, F. (2021). Examining the relationship between school belonging and self-esteem in adolescents with and without visual impairments.
  • Manitsa, I. & Barlow-Brown, F. (2021). Social relationships at school and academic inclusion in adolescents with and without visual impairments.
  • Manitsa, I. & Barlow-Brown, F. (2021). School engagement, school disengagement and social competence in adolescents with and without visual impairments.
 
Peer-reviewed Conference Papers
  • Manitsa, I. & Sight for Surrey (2021). Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Positive Examples of Habilitation Services Development and Adaptation to the Needs of Children, Young People and Their Families. Visionary Annual Conference 2021: Rainbows, Disruptions and Transformations, Visionary, London (online).
  • Manitsa, I. (2021). How Do Specialist Vision Rehabilitation Services Impact the Lives of Children and Adolescents with Visual Impairments? A Case Study Approach. Oral presentation at the Inclusive and Supportive Education Conference (ISEC), UCL Institute of Education (IOE), London.
  • Manitsa, I. & Doikou, M. (2021). Providing social support for students with visual impairments in educational settings: Findings from an integrative literature review. Oral presentation at the Inclusive and Supportive Education Conference (ISEC), UCL Institute of Education (IOE), London.
  • Manitsa, I. & Montague, A. (2021). A qualitative insight into factors pertaining to alcohol and cigarette consumption among young adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. Oral presentation at the Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference 2021 (virtual conference), The British Psychological Society (BPS).
  • Manitsa, I. (2020). Social inclusion of adolescents with visual impairments: From research to practice. Oral presentation at the 3rd PhD meeting between Kingston University and University of Gothenburg, Kingston University London.
  • Manitsa, I., Barlow-Brown, F. & Lyons, E. (2019).  Self-concept of adolescents with visual impairments. Paper presented at the 10th Annual Faculty of Business and Social Sciences Conference, Kingston University London.
  • Manitsa, I., (2018).  The importance of social inclusion in general schools to the self-concept of adolescents with visual impairment and their differences from sighted children. Paper presented at Kingston University Postgraduate Research Conference, Kingston University London.
  • Manitsa, I. (2018). The importance of social relationships with sighted peers to the self-concept of adolescents with visual impairment and the differences between both groups. Oral and poster session presented at "Listen to me" Multi-sensory Impairment Conference, Seashell trust Organisation, Manchester Conference Centre, UK.
  • Manitsa, I., (2018).  The importance of social inclusion in general schools to the self-concept of adolescents with visual impairment and their differences from sighted children. Paper presented at Kingston University Postgraduate Research Conference, Kingston University London. ​
  • Manitsa, I. & Doikou, M. (2017). The academic experiences of studies in higher education from the perspective of visual impaired students. Paper presented at the 4th Pan-Hellenic Conference in Special Education with International Participation, “Modern Trends and Proposals in Special Education", The Company of Special Education in Greece, Harokopio University, Greece (published).
  • Manitsa, I. (2016). The experiences of studies in higher education from the perspective of students with visual impairment. Paper presented at the 4th Conference of Postgraduate Students in the field of Education, “New Voices 4”, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
 
Invited Talks
  • Manitsa. I. & Vallee-Tourangeau, Frederic (December 2021). Promoting seminar tutors’ involvement in student support: The outcomes of a joint effort between a module leader and a PhD student. Oral presentation at the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre (LTEC) Sharing Practice Webinars, Kingston University London (Abstract accepted but webinar cancelled)
  • Manitsa, I. (2021). Examining the socio-emotional and educational development of adolescents with vision impairment. Oral presentation at the Nystagmus Network Virtual Open Day 2021, Nystagmus Network, London.
  • Manitsa, I. (2020). Doing research with vulnerable populations. Oral presentation at the First Annual PhD Autumn Symposium, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London.
  • Manitsa, I. (2020). Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education: Students with Special Educational Needs. Oral remote presentation at the “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” event, IYDU (International Young Democrat Union). *The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, decided to include youth entrepreneurship as a subject in all schools in the country, after the proposals discussed in the “Innovation and Entrepreneurship at School” event.
  • Manitsa, I. (2019). The role of social inclusion in the self-esteem of adolescents with visual impairments. Research Unlocked Day, Whitefield Academy Trust, London.
  • Manitsa, I. (2019). The self-concept of adolescents with visual impairments. Oral presentation at the British Psychological Society (BPS) Postgraduate Meeting, London, UK.
  • Manitsa, I. (2018). Social inclusion and the differences in self-concept between adolescents with visual impairments and their sighted peers. Poster presentation at "Sensing Nature: Wellbeing with nature and sight impairment" Exhibition, London, UK.
  • Manitsa, I., Barlow-Brown, F. & Lyons, E. (2018). The role of friendship and the importance of social relationships on students with visual impairments and their sighted peers. Poster presentation at the “Children, Tablets and iPads: Concerns and New Possibilities” Open Lecture with Prof. David Messer and the CDLD lab, Kingston University London.
  • Manitsa, I. (2014). The Interdisciplinary school project " Nazism: The black pages of the History". Oral presentation at the “School Projects about Nazism” Day Conference, Department of Philosophy and Pedagogy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
 
Media Appearance
  • Interview on Emotional Abuse in the working and school environment. “PolitikoLOGOS” Live Radio, Greece (10/02/21).
  • PhD research featured on RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Connect Radio (12/11/20).
 
Other Publications
  • Manitsa, I. (2020, May). Social inclusion of adolescents with visual impairments: From Research to Practice. VIEW: The professional association of the vision impairment education workforce.
  • Manitsa, I. (2019, April). Social Inclusion. Developing Minds: Exploring Cognitive Diversity. Retrieved from http://bit.do/aprilnewsletter2019
 
Academic Teaching Responsibilities
Jan 2022 – Jun 2022
Module Convenor, Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London
  • Workplace Health and Management (BUOB095HA - Level 4)
 
Seminar Leader, Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London
  • Work & Well Being (MOOP008H7 – Level 7)

Sep 2021 – Apr 2022
Associate Lecturer, Department of Psychology, London Metropolitan University
Semester 2
  • Psychology of Learning and Education (PY7021 – Level 7; PC6055 - Level 6)
  • Social and Cultural Understanding of Us and Others (PC5067 - Level 5)
  • Social Influences on Thinking and Behaviour (PC4055 - Level 4)
  • Cognition and Behaviour (PC4054 - Level 4)
  • Foundations of Research in Psychology (PC3003 – Level 3)
  • Psychology of Everyday Life (PC3002 - Level 3)
 
Semester 1
  • Development Across the Lifespan (PC5055 – Level 5)
  • Individual Differences (PC5056 – Level 5)
  • Personality (PC4052 – Level 4)
  • Child Development and Behaviour (PC4053 – Level 4)
 

Sep 2018 – Mar 2022   
Hourly Paid Lecturer and Seminar Leader, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
  • Methods and Statistics for MSc Psychology Conversion course (PS7001 - Level 7)
  • Psychology Research Methods 2 (PS5001 - Level 5)
  • Psychology Research Methods 1 (PS4001 - Level 4)
  • Advanced Developmental Psychology (PS6002 - Level 6)
  • Advanced Issues in the Psychology of Thinking (PS6008 - Level 6)
  • Social, Individual and Developmental Psychology (PS5002 - Level 5)
 
Guest Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
  • Development in Typical and Atypical Populations (PS7006 – Level 7)
  • The Person in Psychology (PS7003 - Level 7)
  • Forensic Mental Health & Criminal Behaviour (PS5010 – Level 5)
  • Foundations of Psychology (PS4002 - Level 4)
 

Mar 2020 – Aug 2020
University Marker* in Psychology modules, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
  • Mental Health and Brain Function (PS5008 - Level 5)
  • Historical and Philosophical Concepts in Psychology (PS4003 - Level 4)
  • Practical Research Skills (FY3002 - Level 3)
 

*All previous positions at Birkbeck University, London Metropolitan University and Kingston University also included marking.
Research Experience
Proficient User of advanced quantitative (SPSS, PROCESS, JASP) and qualitative research and analysis (Thematic Analysis, Conversation Analysis and IPA). Experienced in systematic and integrative reviews, meta-analyses and in using experimental delivery software, such as Qualtrics, Gorilla and PsychoPy, and other research software, such as Zotero and Endnote.
 
Active Research Projects
Jan 2022 - Present
Co-Investigator and Main Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London (part time paid position)
Project title: Addressing behavioural problems to improve daily life for families and young people with the use of Regoal game-based intervention: A pilot and feasibility study in an underserved London borough
Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Maria Livanou (Kingston University London), Dr Vedad Hulusic (Bournemouth University), Professor Muthanna Samara (Kingston University London)

Mar 2021 - Present
Co-Investigator, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
Project title: Siblings’ experiences of having a brother or sister with an eating disorder: A mixed-methods systematic review
Other investigators: Anya Heneghan (Kingston University London)
Supervisor: Dr Maria Livanou (Kingston University London)

 
Completed Research Projects
Jun 2021 – Jul 2021
Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London (part time paid position)
Project title: “The role of reputation in sequential moral decisions: A meta-analysis of the moral cleaning, moral licensing, foot-in-the-door, and door-in-the-face effects”
PI: Dr Amanda Rotella
Research team: Dr Pat Barclay (University of Guelph), Mrs Sharmistha Chaudhuri (Kingston University London)

Apr 2021 – Jul 2021
Co-Investigator and Main Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London (part time paid position)
Project title: Exploring the service experiences of LGBTQ+ youth with special educational needs and disabilities: A multi-perspective focus group study
PI: Dr Maria Livanou (Kingston University London), Dr Fiona Barlow-Brown (Kingston University London)
Co-Investigator:  Ms Amy Montague (Kingston University London)

Feb 2020 – Jan 2021
Co-Investigator and Main Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London (part time paid position)
Project title: How do specialist vision (re)habilitation services impact the lives of children and adolescents with visual impairments?
PI: Dr Fiona Barlow-Brown

Apr 2019 – May 2020
Principal Investigator, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
Project title: Social support for students with visual impairments in educational institutions: An integrative literature review
Co-Investigator: Dr Maro Doikou (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Apr 2020 – Dec 2020
Principal Investigator, Department of Psychology, Kingston University London
Project title: Factors which explain alcohol and cigarette consumption among young adults during the COVID-19 outbreak
Other PIs: Ms Amy Montague, Dr Fiona Barlow-Brown

Jan 2014 – Dec 2014
Research Assistant, School of Philosophy and Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Project title: The research of Critical Peace Education (with examples): Types of violence in high school. A case study – The research of university students
PI: Kyriakos Bonidis, Associate Professor, School of Philosophy and Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

 
Administrative Experience
2022
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the FBSS Conference, Kingston University London (June 2022)
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the “Young Scientists Days” event, Kingston University London (May 30-31)
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the Pint of Science event (worldwide science festival), Kingston University London (May 9)
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the Postgraduate Conference “Institutional and self-stigma amongst children and adolescents with additional and complex mental health needs as a barrier to accessing services” (March 7)
Presentation title: Shining the Light on Mental Health Stigma: Making the Future

2021
  • Co-organisation of the FARO (Faculty Research Online) seminars, FBSS, Kingston University London (over the year)
  • Delivery of the “Developing Minds: Research Networking Event”, Kingston University London (December 8)
  • Co-organisation of the online “Young Scientists Days” event, Kingston University London (June 1-4)
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the Pint of Science event, Kingston University London (May 18)
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the webinar “COVID-19: Perspectives from across the lifespan”, Festival of Research, Kingston University London (March 31)
Presentation title: The importance of providing support to students, their teachers, and caregivers – The role of habilitation services
  • Organisation and delivery of the webinar “Doing Psychology Research in the Field of Mental Health: A Multifaceted Discussion on the Impact of our Projects”, Festival of Research, Kingston University London (March 29)
Presentation title: The social inclusion of adolescents with visual impairments – A multidimensional approach
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the webinar “Emotional trauma in the time of Covid-19. Why now?”, Kingston University London (March 10)
Presentation title: Cyberbullying in the shadows of homeschooling during COVID-19 - Tips to protect and support students
  • Organisation and delivery of the webinar “The impact of COVID-19 on children and their caregivers: an international perspective”, Developing Minds Lab, Kingston University London (February 3)
Presentation title: The importance of providing support to students, their teachers, and caregivers – Tips for homeschooling

2020
  • Facilitating the publication of the biannual newsletter of the Developing Minds Lab, Kingston University London

2019
  • PGR representative, University Research Degrees Committee, Kingston University London
  • Social Media Director of Postgraduate Creativity Researcher’s Society at Kingston University London
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the “Young Scientists Days” event, Kingston University London (May 29-31)
  • Panel Judge of undergraduate poster presentations, Undergraduate Psychology Posters, Kingston University London (March 28)

2018                  
  • Examiner of MSc and BSc students in “Biological Psychology, BPP – London Waterloo University
  • Co-organisation and delivery of the “Young Scientists Days” event*, Kingston University London (May 29-30) *An annual event where children and adolescents participate in developmental research tasks

2017
  • Co-organisation of the “Summer School 2017: Doing and Communicating Qualitative Research”, Kingston University London (July 17-20)

 
Supervision and Mentorship
BSc Students
2022
ICPS* College for Humanistic Sciences, Athens, Greece
  • Anastasios Maragkoulias, BSc Forensic Psychology (Main Supervisor)
  • Alicia Tampakou, BSc Psychology (Main Supervisor)
  • Vasiliki Tingilian, BSc Psychology with Psychotherapy & Counselling (Main Supervisor)

 
MSc Students
2022
ICPS College for Humanistic Sciences, Athens, Greece
  • Lydia-Xanthi Athanasiou, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Main Supervisor)
  • Ckikonti Krisianta, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Main Supervisor)
  • Maria Lagou, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Main Supervisor)
  • Eleni Nikola, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Main Supervisor)
  • Georgia Malamateniou, MSc Psychology (Conversion) (Main Supervisor)
  • Angelos Adamopoulos, MSc Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) (Main Supervisor)
  • Eirini Cheimonidou, MSc Forensic Psychology (Co-Supervisor)
  • Vasiliki Kontopoulou, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Co-Supervisor)
  • Elisavet Siapekidou, MSc Psychology of Child Development (Co-Supervisor)
  • Jamila Maria Eleni Mavropulu, MSc Clinical Psychology (Co-Supervisor)
  • Dimitrios Starakis, Msc Clinical Psychology (Co-Supervisor)
  • Pavlina Kyriakou, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Co-Supervisor)
  • Ioanna-Maria Markaki, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Co-Supervisor)
  • Andromachi Sdoukou, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Co-Supervisor)
  • Sofia-Ioanna Tseferidi, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Co-Supervisor)
  • Aikaterini Tsireka, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy (Co-Supervisor)

 
* ICPS is an international partner UCLAn of since 2007
 
Peer Review Experience
2021 - Present
  • Peer Reviewer in the Contemporary Social Science: Journal of the Academy of Social Sciences

2020 - Present
  • Peer Reviewer in the British Journal of Visual Impairment (BJVI)
  • Peer Reviewer in the Journal of Health Psychology
 
 

Professional Affiliations and Research Group Memberships
  • Associate Fellowship - Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy)
  • QTS (Qualified teacher status) certification
  • Sight Loss Research Network organised by Dr Hazel McFarlane (Senior Sensory Hub Officer) and Dr Mhairi Thurston (Senior Lecturer in Abertay University)
  • Developing Minds Lab, Developmental Psychology Research Group, Kingston University London
  • Special Interest Group (SIG) on Inclusion and Social Justice, School of Education, Kingston University London
  • Social Psychology Research Group, Kingston University London
 
Professional Experience – School Teaching Responsibilities
2020-Present
  • Volunteer English teacher, Greek Orphanage for Girls “Melissa” (online teaching)

2017-2021
  • Year 2 Teacher, Greek Orthodox School of St Barnabas, Wood Green, London

2012-2021
  • Private tutor of various typical and atypical developed (learning difficulties, ASD, intellectual disability, mental and conduct disorders) individuals, age range from nursery school to higher education and in different subjects, such as English and Greek Language, French, German, Mathematics, Music and Pedagogy

2018 - 2019
  • Special needs assistant and Supervisor, Hinchley Wood Primary School

2017-2018
  • Teacher in a class which consisted of students from different educational levels (Year 2 – Year 6), Greek Orthodox School of St Constantine and Helen, Westow St, London

2017
  • Year 1 volunteer teaching assistant, St George Greek Orthodox School, Kingston, London
  • Year 2 and Year 5 volunteer teaching assistant, Epsom Primary School

2014
  • Seminar leader of educational courses in nutrition delivered to primary and secondary students with and without SEND, Department of Food Technology, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

2013
  • Teacher of students with learning disabilities and mental health issues, 80th Primary school, Thessaloniki, Greece (prerequisite of obtaining the MSc in Pedagogy with specialisation in “Special Education”, see “Education” section)

2012
  • Year 2 teacher (six-month internship), 81st primary school, Thessaloniki, Greece (prerequisite of obtaining the Degree in Pedagogy; see “Education” section)

2006–2007
  • Music tutor, “Aristotle Conservatory”, Trikala, Greece (prerequisite of obtaining the degree of expert in Music Composition)

 
References
  • Dr Fiona Barlow-Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, f.barlow-brown@kingston.ac.uk
  • Professor Evanthia Lyons, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Kingston University London, e.lyons@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Maria Livanou, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, m.livanou@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Paul Hutchison, Head of Psychology, London Metropolitan University, p.hutchison@londonmet.ac.uk
  • Dr Amanda Holland, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, London Metropolitan University, a.holland@londonmet.ac.uk
  • Dr Kevin Teoh, Senior Lecturer, Department of Organizational Psychology, Birkbeck University of London, k.teoh@bbk.ac.uk
  • Professor Frederic Vallee-Tourangeau, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, f.vallee-tourangeau@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Sabira Mannan, Head of the Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, s.mannan@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Claudia Uller, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, c.uller@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Elisa Back, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, e.back@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Amanda Rotella, Lecturer, Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University London, a.rotella@kingston.ac.uk
  • Dr Maro Doikou, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, School of Philosophy and Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, maro@edlit.auth.gr
 
 
Enhanced DBS Disclosure
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