51cg

Biography

Samuel Bennett (Fensome) is a Teaching Fellow at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences at the 51cg, specialising in psychology, health sciences, and multidisciplinary research methods. With over a decade of experience in higher education and research environments, they have developed a strong reputation for innovative, skills-based teaching and the integration of emerging technologies into human-centred research. This has been gained by roles as a cognition technical specialist at the University of Stirling, followed by a Lecturer position in Psychology at the University of the West of Scotland.

Their teaching spans core areas including research design, health change, epidemiology, and professional development, where they contribute as both a module coordinator and dissertation supervisor. Samuel Bennett is particularly committed to fostering active learning approaches that bridge psychology, bioscience, and health science, equipping students with practical and analytical skills for contemporary research challenges.

Samuel Bennett’s research expertise lies in advanced behavioural and neuroimaging methodologies, including EEG, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), eye tracking, and neurostimulation techniques such as tDCS and TMS. This is furthered by work with XR technologies, wearables, and robotics for health based research. They also bring extensive experience in computational research design, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and R, alongside qualitative, review, and quantitative data analysis.

Alongside their role at Aberdeen, Samuel Bennett has held a range of academic and research positions across UK institutions, contributing to teaching, curriculum development, and interdisciplinary research projects. Their work has included collaborations on public health initiatives, digital pedagogy, and technology-enhanced learning, as well as consultancy in neuroimaging and behavioural research.

Current Research

Realising Modern Pain Practices

Alcohol Outcomes Across the Lifespan

Clinical Nutritional Sensory Profiles

XR Technologies in Health and Clinical Sciences

Robotics in Healthcare

Inclusionary Education Practices

Funding and Grants

F. P. Fensome, S. & Forrest, C. (2021) Bringing Natural Settings into the Natural Sciences: Development of Immersive Techniques in Teaching. University of Stirling Vice Chancellor Fund, £1,029.

Teaching Responsibilities

Postgraduate (Coordination)

PU5040, PU5076 Health, Wellbeing, and Behaviour Change (2025 - )

PU5928, PU5929 Professional Development and Research Skills (Author; 2023 - 2026)

PU5538, PU5030 Epidemiology (2023 - 2025)

PU5923 Extended Work Based Placement in Applied Health Sciences (2026 - )

PU5926, PU5927 Professional Placement in Health Data Science (2026 - )

PU5027, PU5052, PU5071, QH5001 Fundamentals of Research Design (2026 - )

Postgraduate (Teaching)

PU5027, PU5052, PU5071, QH5001 Fundamentals of Research Design (2023 - 2025)

PU5922, PU5560 Research Projects (Supervisor; 2023 - )

PU5030, PU5036, QH5003 Epidemiology (2025 - )

PU5517 Illness, Disability & Interactions with Healthcare (2024 - )

Undergraduate (Teaching)

MBSSC1 Review Methods Elective (2025 - )

MBSSC2 Review Methods Elective (2026 - )

MBSSC3 Systematic Review Methods Elective (2024 - )

Previous Teaching Roles

University of the West of Scotland, Biopsychology (PGT) and Biological Psychology (UG), Coordinator (2022)

University of the West of Scotland, ASPIRE, Teacher (2022)

Wrexham University, Psychology Dissertation (PGT), Author (2022)

Wrexham University, Quantitative Research Methods (PGT), Author (2021)

University of Stirling, Across BPS Accredited Curriculum (UG; PGT), Teacher (2014 - 2022)

Non-course Teaching Responsibilities

Guest Lecturer: University of Stirling, School of Natural Sciences (2021 - 2023)

Guest Lecturer: Wrexham University, Faculty of Social & Life Sciences (2023 - )

Ambassador (2022 - )