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Research
Driving Evidence-Based Innovation in Psychology, Education, and Wellbeing
At GlideForward, research is at the heart of everything we do. Led by Dr. Laura Rees-Davies, a Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, our work is informed by over 20 years of research experience in applied psychology, coaching psychology, education, mental health, and workplace wellbeing.
Laura is an experienced researcher, practitioner, and supervisor with a strong record of securing competitive research funding, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and leading impactful research projects across academic and professional settings.
About Dr. Laura Rees-Davies
Laura is an accomplished researcher, practitioner, and academic supervisor. With a proven track record in securing research funding, publishing peer-reviewed studies, and leading high-impact projects, she bridges the gap between theory and real-world application across education, healthcare, and organizational wellbeing.
Previous research project examples
Coaching Psychology in Education
Impact of coaching and mentoring interventions in primary, secondary, and higher education.
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education
Student and teacher mental health, resilience, and systemic support interventions.
Peer Mentoring & Student Transitions
Supporting students’ psychological adjustment and academic success through peer support.
Eating Disorders & Healthcare Education
Awareness, treatment practices, and patient experiences of anorexia nervosa.
Professional Identity in Coaching & Therapy
Exploring how coaching practitioners distinguish their work from therapeutic practice.
Leadership & Workplace Wellbeing
Building emotional intelligence, wellbeing strategies, and leadership development.
Previous research project examples
Moin, T., Giraldez-Hayes, A., Stopforth, M., Lynden, J., & Rees-Davies, L.
Howard, J., Miles, G. E., Rees‐Davies, L., & Bertenshaw, E. J. .
Howard, J. L., Miles, G. E., & Rees-Davies, L.
Egan, D., Attfield, K., Rees-Davies, L.N., Young, K., Bristow, E., Farrell, C.
Recent and ongoing research projects
Coaching in Primary and Secondary Education: A Rapid Review
Exploring the impact, barriers, and facilitators of coaching interventions in schools.
Destination Perceptions and Adverse Behaviours of Tourists in Rural Wales
Researching how tourism perceptions influence environmental and social sustainability.
Exploring Practitioners’ Explanations of Professional Boundaries Between Coaching and Therapy
A qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Student Transition to Higher Education
Evaluating peer mentoring schemes designed to improve first-year student experiences.
Case Studies
Supporting Student Transitions Through Peer Mentoring
Project: Laura led the evaluation of a peer-mentoring intervention designed to improve adjustment, engagement, and retention.
Outcome: Significant increases in student confidence, belonging, and academic persistence were reported. Findings informed wider university mentoring programs.
Enhancing Teacher Wellbeing Through Coaching Interventions
Project: Laura co-developed and evaluated coaching interventions aimed at promoting teacher resilience and retention in primary and secondary schools.
Outcome: Teachers reported greater job satisfaction, emotional resilience, and intention to stay in the profession.
Raising Awareness of Eating Disorders Among Healthcare Professionals
Project: As part of her PhD and subsequent research, Laura worked with healthcare teams to identify knowledge gaps and develop targeted educational materials.
Outcome: Recommendations were incorporated into policy discussions at the All Wales Eating Disorders Special Interest Group.
Research Skills and Strengths
- Qualitative and mixed-methods research design
- Thematic Analysis
- Thematic Framework Analysis
- Metaphor Analysis
- Observations methods
- Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)
- Survey design and statistical analysis
- Research ethics and governance
- Program evaluation and impact reporting
- Academic writing and peer-reviewed publication
- Grant writing and funding applications
- Translational research: turning evidence into practice
Why Collaborate with Laura?
Extensive Academic Expertise
Senior Lecturer with supervisory and teaching experience.
Cross-Sector Expertise
Applied Focus
Committed to Excellence
Proven ability to deliver impactful, ethically sound, and high-quality research.