Rukya Onen

As a dedicated First-Class Honours student at King's College London of the first BSc Neuroscience and Psychology, I bring a unique blend of academic knowledge, practical experience, and interpersonal skills. My background includes hands-on experience in neurophysiology and psychology, tutoring and childcare, demonstrating my ability to work effectively in diverse environments. My technical skills include expertise in R studio and MATLAB and being able to apply this to a range of tasks such as handling clinical data. I am fluent in English and Kurdish, enabling me to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals. My studies have enhanced my computer literacy as well as my skills in data analysis and database management using various software tools. My experience spans clinical and non-clinical settings, where I've developed strong abilities in patient care, emotional support, and adaptability. I've worked with various age groups and individuals with diverse needs, including those with learning difficulties and mental health challenges. My goal is to apply my unique combination of neuroscience and psychology knowledge, practical experience, and interpersonal skills to make meaningful contributions in clinical settings.

Whilst studying, I have gained valuable experience working with people with physical, neurological, and mental health problems during my placement year as an Honorary Trainee Neurophysiologist at King's College Hospital. This experience has been instrumental in developing my ability to work with diverse populations and handle emotionally challenging situations professionally. It also taught me the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while providing empathetic support, crucial for contributing to the effective working of the unit and acting in a manner that supports a psychologically informed framework for the service. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work alongside various healthcare professionals, including neurologists, nurses, and other clinical staff which taught me the importance of effective communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary settings, skills that I'm eager to apply and further develop in this role. This experience was further enriched in the neuropsychology department, providing me with invaluable insights into neuropsychological assessments and their application in clinical settings. Seeing them being administered and interpreted deepened my understanding of cognitive functioning in individuals. I have also volunteered with them prior to my placement too.

Working long term as a nanny and tutor, means I have extensively with children and young people, some of whom have experienced mental health difficulties or other learning difficulties. This included supporting their learning and behavioral challenges, helping them to develop coping strategies. Tailoring support to the unique needs of each individual taught me how to communicate effectively across different age groups and build trusting relationships, skills that are essential when working with clients with complex needs. Furthermore, my consistent history of building trusting relationships – whether with patients, children, or students demonstrates my natural ability to create a supportive environment conducive to mental health improvement.

I was also the President of the KCL Kurdish Society, I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those facing discrimination or disadvantage. This role has deepened my understanding of the impact of cultural and socio-economic factors on mental health, developed a deep awareness of cultural diversity and inclusion issues. I supported youth facing challenges both in their home countries and in the UK. I have organized and led numerous charity, educational, cultural, and social events. During these events I've lead group sessions and developing presentations. During crises, such as the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Kurdistan, I led efforts to provide emotional support to affected students. Our support was not limited to just Kurds as we collaborated with various other societies and minority communities. This experience has heightened my sensitivity to the impact of discrimination and disadvantage on mental health. I also developed my leadership skills and ability to work cross-culturally. I am bilingual in English and Kurdish, and can speak Turkish at an intermediate level. This not only demonstrates my ability to communicate across cultural boundaries but also highlights my potential to support service users from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

I have recently completed my BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience and Psychology at King's College London with First Class Honours. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and confers the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. My research on "The Efficacy of psilocybin and nitrous oxide in the treatment of depressive disorders" demonstrates my capability in research methodology and data analysis. This project involved rigorous data analysis using R Studio and MATLAB, showcasing my technical skills in managing and analyzing clinical data, including data collection, analysis, and report production. I have also presented my work in front of my peers and professors. My academic foundation has equipped me with graduate-level knowledge of mental health conditions and a strong understanding of research methodology, statistical analysis, and data management. I have a solid understanding of various neurological and mental health condition and their impact on individuals, families, and communities. Importantly, throughout my degree, I have also extensively practiced and mastered IT skills. I have developed proficiency in data analysis and statistics through numerous lab reports and research projects. Moreover, the various lab reports and research papers I've completed have given me extensive practice in producing clear, concise, and professionally structured documents. I am proficient in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.