Erica Boardman
School of Health & Society
Biography
I am a 2nd year PhD student researching digital parenting and family media use in families with autistic children and young people. I was previously a research assistant working in the Psychology department on a project looking at lived experiences of casadastrapobia, a phobia which is not currently recognised as a specific phobia.
Before returning to academia for my PhD, I was a senior communications leader with extensive experience in the private, voluntary, and public sectors, including as Director of Communications for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. I was also a Board Trustee at the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity from July 2022 - July 2025.
Areas of Research
Children's media use
Digital parenting
Motherhood and social expectations of mothers
Autistic children's media use
I am currently leading seminars on the undergraduate Developmental Psychology module.
I have also taught on the MA Public Relations & Journalism course, and the MSc Media Psychology course.
Qualifications
-
Media Psychology
2023 - 2024 -
Strategic Communications Leadership
2017 - 2019 -
Global Politics
2003 - 2005 -
English Literature & French
1992 - 1996