We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Old Trident Dr. Hannah Smith (class of 2015), who has recently completed her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForensPsy). Her journey from Trent College student, with a clear ambition to qualified Forensic Psychologist within the NHS, is a powerful example of determination, curiosity and purpose in action.

A passion formed early

Some career paths take time to emerge, but for Hannah the direction was set remarkably early.

A few years ago, while clearing out a box of school memories, she came across a Year 7 task asking for three facts about herself. It read:

“My favourite colour is pink, I have a younger brother and I want to be a psychologist.”

That early certainty reflects something that has stayed with her throughout; a natural curiosity about people and a desire to help: “I think I have always been someone who sits back and watches in social situations and have always found people interesting. I’m drawn to helping people, and forensic psychology always felt like a career in which I could support people who really need it and help make a big difference to their lives and futures.”

Research with purpose

Hannah’s doctoral research focused on First Time Entrants to the youth justice system, children who engage in offending behaviour for the first time. Her work explored who these children are and how services might better support them to prevent further involvement with the criminal justice system.

At the heart of her research was the concept of diversion; how young people can be supported in alternative ways that avoid the long-term, often stigmatising effects of formal justice system involvement.

 “My research had a focus on diversion, how we can support children in alternative ways to avoid the stigmatising effects of justice system involvement.”

Her motivation for choosing this area was deeply rooted in her professional experience: “Many of the men I work with in prison first engaged in offending when they were children, and I often wonder how things could have been different for them if they had been better supported when they were young.”

This commitment to early intervention and meaningful support runs through all her work.

Gaining experience across settings

To complete her Doctorate, Hannah gained experience in a wide range of professional environments. Over recent years she has worked in the community with Probation services, within a prison, and in a psychiatric hospital. These roles have given her insight into different client groups and helped shape her future direction as a psychologist.

Her progression from Assistant Psychologist to Qualified Forensic Psychologist has required resilience and dedication.

 “The journey from Assistant to Qualified Psychologist has required a lot of determination and dedication.
I have sacrificed so many of my weekends to spending time in the library writing my thesis, but it feels so good now it is done.
It was definitely worth it!”

Alongside academic achievement, she has learned the importance of protecting her own wellbeing: “A lesson I have learnt along the way is how to look after myself and my own wellbeing whilst working in this field… I therefore try to practice what I preach and ensure a healthy work/life balance so that I don’t burn out.”

In a profession that can be emotionally demanding, this insight is invaluable.

Foundations built in Sixth Form

Studying A Level Psychology provided a strong grounding in key theories and concepts that she later developed at university. Hannah reflects positively on the academic focus of Trent College in preparing her for study at the University of Durham, while also recognising the role of her own drive:

“Overall, the academic focus of Trent set me up well for studying at Durham University,
but really it has been my own motivation that has kept me driven throughout.”

Her return to support the school’s A Level Psychology Conference, an initiative created by former Head of Psychology, Mrs Purvi Gandhi in collaboration with subject colleagues at Wilsthorpe School, as part of Trent’s ongoing Long Eaton Partnership, speaks to Hannah’s gratitude and commitment to giving back.

 “For me there has only ever really been one motivating factor in returning to school to support the A-Level Psychology Conference and that was Mrs Gandhi. She was the most wonderful, passionate and inspiring teacher and it was a pleasure to return to school to work with her.”

Hannah was also keen to help create the kind of opportunity she would have valued as a student herself, particularly through partnership with other local schools and the sharing of expertise.

Advice for aspiring psychologists

For current Sixth Form students, and Old Tridents now studying at university, her advice is thoughtful and practical: 

“For those interested in psychology, I would recommend exploring the topics that most interest you.
Read books and articles, watch YouTube videos and documentaries, do whatever you can to expand your knowledge.”

She is honest that psychology is a broad discipline and encourages students to identify the areas that genuinely engage them. Most importantly, she highlights the value of experience: “If you think you want to pursue a career in a psychological profession, I think my main advice would be to get experience of working with people. The most important skills in psychology are those that can’t easily be taught; communication, empathy, active listening.”

Hannah encourages students not to wait until after their degree to discover whether working with people is fulfilling, and recommends seeking out insight into the profession, including listening to The Forensic Psychology Podcast created by HMPPS Psychology, to challenge common misconceptions.

Opening pathways

A career in psychology can lead in many directions: clinical practice, research, the NHS, the criminal justice system, charitable organisations, education and beyond.  Hannah’s journey shows that with sustained effort, openness to experience and a clear sense of purpose, those pathways are achievable.

Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but an inspiration to our current students and alumni community. We are proud to celebrate her success and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work in supporting individuals at some of the most pivotal moments in their lives.

  
Dr Hannah Smith, pictured front second from right                                                       Hannah pictured (centre) with Vi Gandhi (left) and
University Supervisor (right)