Lucy Waldren

Lucy Waldren MSci, MRes, PhD

As a quantitative psychologist by training (PhD 2021–2024), my work sits at the intersection of behavioural science, data science, and advanced statistics. I draw on interdisciplinary techniques and diverse, complex datasets to tackle critical questions about how humans think, feel, and behave.

Driven by a passion for data, I bring a rigorous quantitative lens to the study of wellbeing, working collaboratively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams to explore how wellbeing can evolve across short- and long-term timescales in response to a range of cognitive, behavioural, environmental, and bio-physiological processes.

Whether it’s identifying the best methodological approach for a complex research question, adapting advanced statistical techniques, or developing custom R packages to solve unmet data needs, I thrive on finding elegant, efficient solutions to challenging problems. I’m always learning, and continuously seeking new tools, skills, and interdisciplinary insights to drive my research forward.

Research Papers

Waldren, L. H., Livingston, L. A., & Shah, P. (2025). Is there an optimal self-report measure to investigate autism-related sex differences? Research in Autism

Waldren, L. H., Livingston, L. A., Clutterbuck, R., Callan, M., Walton, E., & Shah, P. (2025). The Importance of Using an Optimal Cutoff Value for the 10-Item Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10). Psychological Assessment.

Zavitsanou, G., Waldren, L. H., Walton, E., & Baltramonaityte, V. (2024). The role of loneliness and social isolation in mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and schizophrenia. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.

Layinka, O., Hargitai, L. D., Shah, P., Waldren, L. H.*, Leung, F. Y. N.* (2024). Interdisciplinary tensions and opportunities in neurodiversity research. eLife.

Waldren, L. H., Leung, F. Y. N., Hargitai, L. D., Burgoyne, A. P., Liceralde, R. T., Livingston, L. A., & Shah, P. (2024). Unpacking the overlap between Autism and ADHD in adults: A multi-method approach. Cortex.

Hargitai, L. D., Livingston, L. A., Waldren, L. H., Robinson, R., Jarrold, C., & Shah, P. (2023). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are a more important predictor of internalising problems than autistic traits. Scientific Reports.

Livingston L. A*., Waldren, L. H*., Walton, E., & Shah, P. (2022). Emotional difficulties and strengths mediate the link between sex at birth and autism spectrum disorder traits in young adulthood. JCPP Advances.

Waldren, L. H., Livingston, L. A., Leung, F. Y. N., & Shah, P. (2022). Using network analysis to improve understanding and utility of the 10-item Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ10). Experimental Results.

Waldren, L. H., Clutterbuck, R., & Shah, P. (2021). Erroneous NICE guidance on autism screening. The Lancet Psychiatry.

Previous Collaborations

Invited presenter at NHS England, translating my research findings into actionable improvements in autism screening procedures.

Invited expert advisor, working with the UK’s leading Autism charity - Autistica - to evaluate and advise improvements to NHS autism triage services.

Research consultant for Citizen Me, implementing effective and accurate citizen science research.

Collaboration with local Primary Schools, presenting complex research findings as easily accessible guidelines to help teachers support girls with autism at school.

Peer Reviews, using critical thinking to evaluate the valitity of cutting-edge research at numerous internationally leading journals.

Media Outreach

Get In Touch

If you think I could help with your research, or you have a cool collaboration in mind, please get in contact - I would love to discuss it with you!