Joseph Bretten

I joined the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) in October 2024 as a Research Assistant, and have been assigned to the EXPERTS-ALS, PRAISE, and OptiCALS trials.

My academic interests primarily involve the clinical applications of neuroscience and psychology, having previously completed my Masters degree in Clinical Neurology here at the University of Sheffield and SITraN (2021), and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University (2018). My own research projects have included: a laboratory study into the relationship between dopamine, psychopathy and physiological fear responses; and a qualitative project which explored the first-hand experiences of participants who provided informal care to family members with motor neuron disease.

Prior to working in research, I was an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS, where I developed particular knowledge of psychological interventions, identity, systemic and social issues, and mental health. I have five years of professional experience in both acute and community psychiatric services, and am considering pursuing further training and/or academic study in a related clinical or scientific field.