Dr Philip Ulrich

I joined Christ Church University in 2017 after completing my PhD in cognitive neuropsychology. I started as a member of the technical team before moving into a senior research fellowship working with the Head of Department on an EPSRC funded project exploring the use of technology in outdoor play. In 2019 I was offered permanent lectureship.

I am now the Course Director for the BSc (Hons) Psychology course. I also lead the biological and cognitive psychology module, manage the research dissertation module and I supervise several BSc, MSc, PhD and DClinPsy students. I am also the lead for the Cognitive, Developmental, and Neuropsychological Processes research theme.

My own current research focuses on the effects of olfaction (sense of smell and taste) on human cognition. The impact of certain fragrances on personal memory recall is widely perceived, and there is growing evidence of its effects on aspects such as stress and driving performance, but we have limited knowledge about its effects on many other cognitions such as attention and decision making. There are wide gaps in our knowledge of the psychology of olfaction, making this an exciting and rewarding research area. I also have a growing interest in the psychological effects of circadian disturbances. 

I am a Fellow of the HEA and have taught and convened across a wide variety of Psychology topics across undergraduate and postgraduate courses, from classic studies and graduate attributes, to cognitive psychology and advanced statistics. I currently convene the Biological and Cognitive Psychology module, as well as the undergraduate dissertation module. I supervise undergraduate and doctorate level research projects. I am currently the course director for the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree, responsible for the course and its continued development in line with School objectives, with operational and strategic responsibilities. 

I am an active researcher with Significant Responsibility for Independent Research status. My current research focuses on the effects of olfaction (sense of smell and taste) on human cognition. The impact of certain fragrances on personal memory recall is widely perceived, and there is growing evidence of its effects on aspects such as stress and driving performance, but we have limited knowledge about its effects on many other cognitions such as attention and decision making. There are wide gaps in our knowledge of the psychology of olfaction, making this an exciting and rewarding research area.

I have access to laboratory delivery of any smell and flavour, and the potential to combine this with research methods such as eye-tracking, fNIRS (cerebral blood flow), EEG (cerebral electrical activity), heart rate, skin conductance (emotional response) and virtual reality.

I am the research theme lead for Cognitive, Developmental, and Neuropsychological Processes, coordinating efforts to conduct and publish world-leading research. I am also working with Prof Teresa D-Oliviera exploring the effects of light-induced circadian disturbance, and with Dr Liz Spruin on the use of specially trained dogs throughout the criminal justice system.

Past and Present Doctoral supervision:

• Exploring the cognitive effects of olfaction and anosmia. Researcher(s): Miss Helen Smithson. Supervisor(s): Dr Philip Ulrich, Dr James Cane. [PhD in Cognitive Psychology]
• Olfactory memory in two cases of acquired amnesia. Researcher(s): Miss Kari Snell. Supervisor(s): Dr Philip Ulrich, Dr Jerry Burgess. [Doctorate in Clinical Psychology]
• Investigating the Impact of Facility and Other Specialist Dogs on Victims, Witnesses and Professionals in the Criminal Justice System: A Paws-ible Intervention?. Researcher(s): Miss Sanjidah Islam. Supervisor(s): Dr Philip Ulrich, Dr Katarina Ozcakir Mozova, Dr Liz Spruin. [PhD in Psychology]
• PhD in Cognitive Psychology. Researcher(s): Mr Aadesh Dave. Supervisor(s): Prof Teresa D-Oliviera, Dr Philip Ulrich. [PhD in Psychology]

I have previously worked with colleagues from Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent, University of York, Northumbria University, University College London, University of California San Diego, and London South Bank University. I have also worked with two local companies, two local primary schools, and BeChange community hub in Aylesham.