MA Social Research Methods (2011, University of York) BA (Hons) Sociology (2009, University of York)

Aleksandra (Ola) Borek is an Associate Research Fellow in the Psychology Applied to Health (PAtH) group.

She currently works as a lead researcher on the Mechanisms of Action in Group-based Interventions (MAGI) study led by Dr Jane Smith. The study aims to identify inter-personal and intra-personal change processes that occur in weight-loss groups. The study builds on Ola's PhD research, supervised by Prof Charles Abraham, Ass/Prof Colin Greaves and Dr Mark Tarrant, that focused on understanding how participation in groups promotes health-related psychological and behaviour change. Ola has also worked in the Peninsula Cerebra Research Unit (PenCRU) with Dr Chris Morris on developing a group-based programme to promote health and wellbeing among parents of children with additional needs and disabilities, the Healthy Parent Carers programme.

Ola's research interests relate to group dynamics, health-related behaviour change, social identity and social support.