Biography
- Name: Ella Christoforou
- University: Swansea University
- Title of research: The effects of air pollution on the mental health of young popple.
- Flagship datasets using: Welsh Environment Dataset
- Supervisors: Dr Amy Mizen, Professor Rich Fry, Professor Martin Clift and Professor Ann John.
Please tell us about your PhD project
The World Health Organisation recognizes air pollution as the biggest environmental threat to human health in the current century. Adolescents are exposed to air pollution at critical stages in their mental development and during this period mental illness onset is common. Therefore, air pollution exposure during this time could put adolescents at risk of the most severe mental health impacts and lifelong consequences. The research questions are:
- Does acute and or prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution result in more mental health care utilisation in different clinical settings in adolescents?
- What factors could if any, effect any potential associations found between adolescent mental health and air pollution exposure e.g. deprivation, noise, and green space?
- Do associations, if found, differ across age and geography (rural/urbanicity and low emission zones compared to higher air pollution zones?
The overall purpose of this research is to inform public health policy and the development and evaluation of interventions. Subsequently, encouraging policies to reduce air pollution and help improve holistic health at a population-scale.
What are your key takeaways from the ADR UK PhD Annual Gathering 2025?
My key takeaway messages are:
- Navigating complex administrative data and linking multiple datasets requires patience, particularly when dealing with processes like data access and understanding.
- Each PhD project is unique, reflecting the distinct paths and journeys of individuals.
- Engaging with the public is essential to conducting meaningful research that creates positive and impactful outcomes for society including individuals.
Are there any speakers, session or presentation that particularly resonated with you? And why?
I enjoyed the thematic workshop on connecting with research fellows because it was interesting to see the diverse research topics the fellows have undertaken. Furthermore, the workshop has made me think further about my research methods e.g., case control study and cohort design.
How has the event impacted your perspective on your research?
The event reassured me that I am on the right track with my research. However, it also highlighted the importance of being patient and compassionate with myself. Since, designing the methodology and thoroughly understanding the data are significant aspects of my project, and these processes will require a significant time.
Did the event inspire any new ideas for your current or future research? Can you please share with us your next steps for your research following the event?
The event inspired me to improve my understanding of policy development in the Welsh government. It also motivated me to explore the possibility of securing a government-related placement towards the end of my PhD. Moving forward, the next steps for my project are refining the research hypothesises and methodology, which includes thoroughly understanding the datasets and variables I intend to use and designing my cohort.
