Katya Butler

Contributed to a study investigating how infants develop self-regulation, observing physiological synchrony in mother-infant dyads, examining how maternal stress influences co-regulation

Research Assistant at Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam (2024-01 – 2025-12)

Contributed to a study investigating how infants develop self-regulation, observing physiological synchrony in mother-infant dyads, examining how maternal stress influences co-regulation

• Collected physiological data using ECG and fNIRS from infants aged 6-36 months
• Conducted ECG data pre-processing in Artiifact and RSA analysis on MATLAB, to identify synchronised autonomic patterns
• Adapted and administered research protocols tailored to individual infant needs while maintaining research integrity
• Collaborated as part of a multidisciplinary team, with student research assistants and senior academic staff
• Involved in participant recruitment, scheduling and reminder protocols, managing data on Excel
• Trained and supervised incoming student research on the experimental procedure and equipment, developing peer-leadership and science communication skills

Final Year Research Project at Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Cardiff University (2025-01 – 2026-12)

Investigated the role of complement receptor C3aR in synaptic density during mouse adolescence, in the context of complement-mediated synaptic pruning and psychiatric risk

• Performed immunohistochemical analysis of mouse brain tissue
• Conducted statistical analysis using RStudio

Support Worker, BeFriends programme at Skills and Volunteering Cymru (2025-01 – 2026-12)

• Organised weekly sessions with a child with Special Educational Needs, arranging sessions and adapting them to individual needs, providing enrichment to bolster confidence

BSc Psychology with Professional Placement in Psychology – Cardiff University (2022-09 – 2026-06)

A Levels and GCSEs – Channing School (2019-09 – 2021-06)